Chapter 4 

Ceven

THE AIR FELT static, everyone’s hair on end as Prince Sehn LuRogue glided into the chamber. He passed all of them and propped himself in the armchair by the fire. He pressed the collar of his beige shirt, which was unfashionably buttoned all the way to the top.

“I shouldn’t be surprised.” Ceven’s tone dropped to almost a growl. “Of course you would be involved.”

Sehn brushed his hair over one shoulder, away from the mass of his burgundy wings. Auburn strands of it illuminated like fiery tendrils in the light. “Please, Ceven. Not every conversation we have has to be unpleasant.”

“With you, it’s inevitable,” he retorted.

Sehn met his gaze. Ceven had their mother’s emerald eyes, but Sehn had the king’s eerie gray. The only proof they had different fathers.

“I would like some privacy,” his brother said.

Everyone’s eyes shifted from Sehn to Ceven. Ceven had always hated to be alone with his brother, especially when they were children, but he was stronger now. He could defend himself. And he was sure the only way to find Evangeline was to entertain him. “Very well.”

He didn’t need to say anything as Barto and Rasha got up, Rasha stalking behind his friend, half her body still exposed as they left. Tarry remained expressionless, but Ceven could judge the reluctance in him by the shifting of his neck muscles.

“You can go, Tarry,” he reassured him.

Tarry’s lips pursed for a fraction of a second, but he bowed and left the two of them alone. Sehn crossed his legs and smiled. “My, how loyal he is. I wonder, when I become king, if he would show me the same loyalty.”

“Where is she?” Ceven demanded.

Sehn gestured to the spot where Barto had been. “Won’t you sit with me? You’re making me nervous, standing like that. As if I’m going to attack you.” Ceven didn’t move, and Sehn sighed. “For a prince, you certainly lack manners. Very well, I’ll indulge you, but I’m sure you’re aware I won’t be giving this information freely.”

Ceven’s gut clenched. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from you.”

Sehn folded his hands on his lap, and Ceven already knew what he was going to say. “I’m sure you’ll recall our previous conversation.”

“How could I forget?” His smile was callous as a roaring rage rumbled inside his chest.

“I’d like to revisit that subject. Mayhap this time you will have a change of heart, especially now that your . . . special friend’s life is on the line.”

Ceven flared his nostrils and reigned in the temper that tried to claw out of him. “Don’t you think your price is a little steep?” His brother had been clear in his intentions. He wanted the king removed, but Ceven wouldn’t play a hand in treason, unless he had a good enough reason to. One he wanted to make. On his own terms.

Sehn wasn’t ruffled. “Depends. How much do you think Evangeline’s life is worth?”

Her name on his lips unchained Ceven, and he was across the room in three quick strides, his arms planted on either side of his brother. “Don’t test me, Sehn. I’m not beyond ripping the information out of you by force.”

Sehn raised his brows. “Are you threatening your future king?”

“If you continue with this game, there will be no future king.” His nails dug into the upholstery of the chair.

Sehn leaned back, twirling a long strand of his hair between two pale digits. “How adorable that you think you could beat me.” His face hardened. “Remember, it was always up to me to put you in your place. Don’t make me have to embarrass you again.”

Ceven repressed a shiver. Ignored the buried instinct to shield his face as Sehn pounded his fists into him. Choked him. Held him down and snapped the tender bone and muscle in his wings. He snarled, “Where is she?”

Sehn’s haughty expression didn’t waver. “I’ll tell you . . . after you do something for me first.”

Ceven entertained the idea of wrapping his hands around Sehn’s throat but took a deep breath and stepped back. After his years of training with the Royal Guard and his time in Atiaca, he was confident he could take on the older brother who had tormented him throughout his childhood if push came to shove, but time was of the essence. “Depends on what it is.”

Sehn fixed his collar. “During my time in Sundise Mouche, I’ve acquired quite a library of knowledge. Magic, technology, so many things that we’ve been missing out on.”

“The point?” Ceven snapped.

Sehn’s eyes narrowed. “Do you know what a blood oath is, brother?”

Ceven should have known Sehn wouldn’t be quick about this. Evangeline could be in dire danger, and here he was talking in circles with a sadist. “So, you want to make a promise bound in blood. What’s the blasted promise?”

Sehn sighed, as if he had the right to be impatient in this situation. “Not in the traditional sense. Clasping your bloody hand to mine will achieve nothing but disappointment. No, I want to make absolutely sure you follow through on your promise.” He reached into the pocket of his pants, and Ceven steeled himself, but all he pulled out was a red vial. “With a few drops of Caster blood, I can ensure you won’t betray me.” His smile was sharper than the sword at Ceven’s side.

Ceven, like most Peredians, wasn’t well versed in Caster magic. Peredia wasn’t fond of Casters or anything regarding them, but in this instance, Ceven wished he knew more. “And how can you be so sure?”

His brother’s smile remained. “In exchange for Evangeline’s whereabouts, I want you to make me a blood oath.”

“I’m not doing anything I don’t know about. Especially from you.”

Sehn leaned back, his crossed leg dangling, his eyes illuminated. “Evangeline has been gone for quite some time. I know where she is, but that doesn’t guarantee she’ll still be alive. It’s in your best interest to take my offer. In a timely manner.”

Ceven’s hands curled, his teeth bared, but Sehn was right. Time was of the essence. His deep-seated hatred toward his brother and the ground he walked on would wait another day. He needed to save Evangeline. “Very well. What are your terms?”