A Soul for Trouble Read online

  “You’re challenging me?” His fingers curled into fists, and his jaw hardened.

  “Call it what you want, but I have my duty, and no one—not even a self-absorbed Third Princeling—is going to get in my way.”

  Kell jumped out of his chair and lunged at him, only to have a spark of lightning send him sprawling across the floor when he reached the circle’s barrier. The nearby soldiers rose and drew their weapons. He lifted his head, wiping the blood away from his mouth. “You think you’re pretty clever hiding behind magic, don’t you?”

  “You’re the one who attacked. If you could control your temper, you wouldn’t have a busted lip right now.”

  “Your Highness, are you all right?” a soldier asked.

  “Fine, just fine.” Anger burned in the prince’s face. “I fell out of my chair.”

  “Are you finished, Your Highness?” Dev grinned and reached up his sleeves under the cover of his cloak. His fingers caressed the daggers hidden there.

  Kell righted his chair and sat in it. “No, I was just getting started. I want to know more about Arden.”

  “I’ve already told you more than enough.” He withdrew his hands from his sleeves and relaxed.

  “What happened to her after she healed Ortono? I was worried.”

  “You have an odd way of showing your concern, considering you waited until now to inquire about her health.”

  “I saw you had things under control.”

  Dev snorted. In truth, he was glad Kell didn’t witness his brief conversation with Loku. If he had, they’d be roasting now. “If someone interrupts a caster in the middle of a spell, it continues to draw energy from that person, even if the spell is complete.”

  “Is that why she didn’t move after Larenis interfered?”

  “Yes. It’s also why she’s sleeping like the dead, so I hope this settles your curiosity for now. Good night.” He tried to lie down, but Kell didn’t get the hint.

  “Will she be like this every time she casts a spell?”

  The damn prince almost treaded upon his last nerve. He took a deep breath and counted to ten before he answered, “Why the sudden interest in her magic?”

  “I’m worried I asked too much of her this morning.”

  The concern in Kell’s voice seemed too genuine to keep Dev’s rage burning. “I’ll try to make this as simple as I can so your Ranellian mind can understand it. Think of magic as a well you can draw on. Some mages have deeper wells than others, meaning they can cast more powerful spells.”

  “And Arden’s well is shallow?”

  Dev chuckled. “On the contrary, she has one of the deepest wells I’ve come across in years. If she’d been born in Gravaria, she would’ve started training at a young age and would probably be a member of the Mage’s Council by now.”

  “Then why does she have trouble keeping her eyes open after she casts?”

  “Because she’s still learning to efficiently draw magic from her well. Remember when you first learned how to wield a sword. A few minutes of combat probably left you sore and winded. But as you practiced and increased your stamina, you were able to fight longer and harder. Using magic is similar to that.”

  “Do you think she’ll be able to repeat the ice storm again if Sulaino attacked?” Dev’s shoulders tensed. So that’s what he wants to know, huh? “The ice storm was a dangerous spell for her to cast.”

  “Why? Because it would dry up her well?”

  “None of your business. I’ve already told you more than you need to know.” Kell rubbed his chin. “Do you really think she won’t be able to take on Sulaino, despite how powerful she is?”

  “She’s not the weapon you want her to be, and I won’t let her take the risk.” He jerked his head up. “Just because you’re her Protector doesn’t mean you can control her decisions. She seemed perfectly capable of making up her own mind this morning.”

  “I’m charged with keeping her safe and bringing her back to Gravaria. I’m sorry if this interferes with your plan to bed her and then use her to fight your battles for you.”

  “You overstep your bounds, knight.” His face twisted into a snarl, and he almost lunged for Dev again. “And you assume too much.”

  “No, I know exactly what you want from her. Don’t think I missed the little exchange you two had the other night. She’s naïve enough to be led astray, but I’ll be watching you. And now that I have Ortono as backup, I don’t think you’ll be getting her alone any time soon.”

  “And I think you underestimate your ward.” A cocky smile smoothed over any traces of the prince’s anger.

  Dev’s fingers reached for his dagger. As much as he wanted to lodge it in the middle of Kell’s throat, a soft sigh stopped him. They both watched as Trouble rolled over on her back and smiled in her sleep. He swallowed his rage, removing his hand from his sleeve once again.

  “This is the last time I’ll warn you, Your Highness. Stay away from her. You have no idea what you’re messing with.”

  “Worried I might steal her from you, Dev?” The swagger returned to his step as he crossed the room and climbed the stairs.

  Dev rolled over and watched her dream. Worried was putting it lightly. Terrified would be more accurate. And if he didn’t lose her to Kell, Loku could always claim her if he wasn’t careful.

  “What am I going to do with you, Trouble?”

  Chapter 22

  Arden awoke to an arm tightening around her waist. This was the second morning in a row that she’d found herself wedged in between Dev and Cinder, but she didn’t complain. Their warmth drove off the damp chill of the river fog that swirled around them. She snuggled closer to Dev.

  “Cold?” His sleepy voice startled her, but his arm kept her from rising.

  “A little.”

  “Here.” When he wrapped his cloak around her shoulders, his hands left a trail of heat along her arms. “Better?”

  She nodded and continued to enjoy lying next to him. A slow-burning fire crept along her limbs, relaxing her muscles in its wake.

  Other noises filtered through the fog. As much as she wanted to stay nestled in his arms, she knew they’d have to get up and ride until sunset again. Ever since she’d healed Ortono, Kell seemed more anxious than ever to return home. This translated to long hours in a saddle, pushing their horses to exhaustion. The supply wagon that followed them usually arrived two hours after they’d chosen a camp site, and the men pitched tents by torchlight.

  She sat up. Even in the murky morning light, she could see the frown that tugged at Dev’s mouth. “The sooner we get up and moving, the sooner we work the chill from our bones.”

  “You’re unusually cheerful this morning, Trouble.”

  “That’s because you woke up in the arms of a warm, virile man,” Loku replied.

  Her cheeks flamed from his accusation, but she didn’t deny it. “Perhaps because I’m sleeping better.”

  “You’d sleep even better if you let him fuck you to exhaustion.”

  “Shut up, Loku. You know that’s never going to happen with Dev.”

  “True. He’s too reserved, too bound to his duty. Kell, on the other hand…” His voice trailed off into a snicker, and she knew why.

  Kell had been so focused on getting them to Trivinus that he’d avoided her. At least, she hoped that was the reason why she hadn’t seen him in the last two days. It was silly of her to hope he might actually be interested in her as something other than a bedmate. The pessimist in her listed dozens of other reasons without Loku’s help. Maybe her magic frightened him into regretting his decision to help them escape the pyre.

  “I suspect his avoidance has more to do with your lips than your magic, my Soulbearer.”

  “I wonder if he knew I’d never been kissed before.”

  “Most likely, but he didn’t seem to mind.”

  “Then why won’t he even look at me?”

  “Ask Dev.” More of the chaos god’s deep laughter echoed through her mind.

&
nbsp; She paused from rolling up her blankets and studied him. Could his new attentiveness have discouraged the prince’s attentions? And in truth, was it a blessing? She couldn’t seem to think clearly when she was around Kell.

  “So young, so naïve. I’m enjoying having you as my Soulbearer, Arden.”

  “What is Loku telling you now?” Dev continued packing his things as if there was nothing unusual about her having a conversation with someone in her head.

  “How do you know he’s telling me anything at all?”

  “The rings in your eyes flash, and you get this distant look on your face.” All the blood drained from her head. “Is it really that obvious?”

  “Only to me.” He looked up and gave her a weak smile. “Remember, I’ve been watching Soulbearers for over a century.”

  “Good morning, Lady Arden,” a cheerful voice greeted through the fog.

  She resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Although she knew she’d done the right thing in healing him, she could do without his constant fawning. “Ortono, be careful. I don’t think Dev’s lowered the circle yet.”

  His nervous laughter reached her before his face appeared. “Right. Definitely don’t want a repeat of yesterday morning.”

  A muffled snort came from beside her.

  “Dev, if you’ll lower the circle, I’ll tend to the horses.”

  “Not alone.”

  “I’ll take Ortono.”

  He raised a brow. “That reassures me,” he said sarcastically. “Just make sure you don’t fall into the river. I have no desire to spend the rest of the day wearing wet clothes if I have to fish you out.” He waved his hand, and the hum of magical energy that had surrounded them all night dissipated.

  Arden grabbed the horses’ reins. “Come on, Ortono.”

  She moved through the trees, listening carefully for the rush of water over the rocks.

  Ortono’s muffled steps followed her, but he said nothing. Perhaps he’d run out of things to talk to her about. So far, she’d heard about his youth, how he met his wife, and every single detail about his three sons. His love for his family was like a knife that twisted in her heart. Her father didn’t want anything to do with her. The cold gold of her pendant stung her skin as she reflected on his abandonment. Ortono would never do that to his family.

  Dev’s horse whinnied. She slowed down, feeling her way to the river’s edge with her feet.

  The soft earth changed into a bed of pebbles. She traced a small drop-off with the toes of her boot, splashing the water around it. She dropped the reins and knelt on the bank. While the horse drank their fill, she washed her face in the icy water.

  When she heard the sound of someone approaching, she assumed it was Ortono. Instead, another voice drawled out, “Good morning, Arden.”

  She froze. How did Kell sneak up on her like that? “Good morning, Your Highness.”

  “Dismal weather this morning. I hope it clears up so you’ll have a nice view of Trivinus.” A frog hopped around in her stomach when she heard his news. “We should see Trivinus today?”

  “More than see. We should be inside the palace well before dinner.” The ground seemed to slip out from under her feet. If Kell hadn’t caught her arm, she might have fallen into the river. Her heart raced.

  “Are you still exhausted from healing Ortono?”

  “No.” More like wondering when I’ll be burned alive.

  “You really think he’ll let you burn? I mean, besides in lust for him?”

  “Your hands are trembling.” He pulled her closer to him.

  “The cold, Your Highness.” She buried her hands in the thick wool of his cloak. The ripple of his chest muscles made her mind wander in a very different direction.

  “You may call me Kell when we’re alone.” His husky voice sent a delicious shiver through her body.

  “We’re not alone. Ortono—”

  “I sent him back to the camp to help pack. He seems to think you’re safe with me.”

  “And am I?”

  “What do you think?” He closed the space between them until his breath tickled her forehead.

  “I think it depends on your definition of safe.” She pulled away.

  “Do I frighten you?”

  She laughed to cover up her unease. Her growing attraction toward him frightened her, even if it was only physical. But she couldn’t let him know that. “You’re the one who’s been avoiding me. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were afraid of me.”

  “I won’t deny that your magical abilities humbled me a bit.”

  “You? Humble?”

  “It’s the truth. I needed a few days to regain my confidence to approach you again.” Part of her wanted to call him a liar, but a tiny fluttering in her chest hoped that he told the truth. “Am I that intimidating?”

  “In a way.” His hand stroked her hair. “You’re beautiful, you’re powerful, and you’ve been occupying my thoughts far more than I care to admit.” She closed her eyes and savored his compliments. So this was what it felt like to have the most desirable man in the kingdom want you. After being stared at and called a freak her entire life, it was strange knowing Kell of all people saw her as something special, someone worth thinking about. “I’m sure you say that to all the girls.”

  “What do I have to do to convince you otherwise?”

  “There’s no shame in giving in to him, you know,” Loku whispered. “You might actually enjoy it.”

  She leaned her body against his. The hunger in his eyes roused her curiosity. Dev never looked at her this way. Dev tolerated her because he had to. Kell actually seemed to want to spend time with her. But why? She’d made it very clear she wasn’t as easy as the women he normally pursued. Most men would’ve given up by now if they were only looking for a quick fling.

  With some hesitation, he brushed his lips against her. Energy crackled where their skin touched, sending shockwaves down into the pit of her stomach. When she tried to pull back, Kell threaded his fingers through her hair and crushed her lips against his. His mouth pleaded with hers to take the kiss deeper. She parted her lips. His tongue coiled around hers like a dancer, moving in time to the rhythm of their pounding hearts. She wrapped her arms around his neck, scared her legs may falter if this continued.

  A soft moan rose in the back of her throat. Sweet Lady Moon, the man could kiss.

  She would have been happy to spend hours locked in his dizzying kiss, but Dev’s voice echoed through the fog.

  They pulled away from each other like two children who’d been caught with their fingers in a pie. As much as she had enjoyed the kiss, guilt nagged at the edges of her mind.

  “Trouble, where are you?”

  She silently cursed. What would Dev say if he knew she’d been kissing the prince?

  Kell leaned forward and whispered, “Later,” before his lips brushed her cheek. Then he disappeared into the fog, leaving her alone and breathless.

  “Trouble.” Dev sounded like a bear growling the second time he called her name.

  “Over here.” She grabbed the reins and led the horses in the direction of his voice.

  He grabbed her elbow as soon as he saw her. “Where were you, and why were you alone?” She sent a silent prayer of thanks to the Lady Moon he didn’t stumble across Kell in his foul temper. “I was down by the river, letting the horses drink.” And making a wanton slut of myself with Kell.

  His eyes filled with suspicion, and she wondered once again if he could read her mind.

  “Why are you out of breath?”

  “I stumbled and almost fell.”

  “Not far from the truth, but you should add that you fell into Kell’s arms.”

  “There are some things I don’t think Dev should know about. This is one of them.” Loku squeaked in delight. “Already deceiving your protector? You’re learning quicker than most of your predecessors. Let’s start thinking of other ways we can torment him, shall we?”

  Loku’s words chased away the heat fr
om her interlude with Kell and left an icy chill in its place. “If you think this will get you closer to taking control of my mind, think again. I’m not going to let you drive me insane.”

  Dev inspected every inch of her, looking for injuries. “At least you’re not wet or covered in mud.”

  “No, I caught myself in time.”

  He focused on her face, and his mouth formed a tight line. She licked her lips, noting how swollen they felt. Damn, he knows.

  “You should be more careful, especially in weather like this. Someone could sneak up on you and catch you off guard.” He stomped off into the fog.

  “I can always raise a shield,” she said as she followed him.

  “Obviously not quick enough.”

  “Why are you so ticked off this morning?”

  He spun around on his heel so quickly, she collided with him. His hands gripped her shoulders. “The sooner we get to Trivinus, the sooner I can get you out of Ranello and away from those who would use you for their own selfish purposes. Until then, I would appreciate your cooperation.”

  His words struck her like a slap in the face. Did he really think she was stupid enough to let Kell use her? She wriggled free from him. “Well, you’ll have your wish. According to Kell, we should arrive at the palace in time for dinner. I hope you have a solid plan in place, because I’m not sure we’ll be leaving.”

  She shoved past him and barely glanced at Ortono when he fell into step beside her at the edge of camp.

  Chapter 23

  Arden stared straight ahead at the road, noticing how it widened over the day. Every time enough room to accommodate another rider appeared on either side, her heart thudded to a stop.

  Ortono cast a worried glance in her direction. “Is something troubling you, m’lady?” She fiddled with the reins instead of reaching for her necklace. She didn’t need to be reminded that she was conceived in Trivinus. “I was wondering what the city was like.”