Joining him in silence, they looked over the sprawling city. Nola could almost hear his aggravation thunder in his chest, and it tempted her to touch his back. To her surprise, heat emanated through his shirt and vest. He turned, and she could see the challenge of her unwanted affections bubble on his lips, but he swallowed his words.
It had been nearly a year since Nola had hypnotized him; she doubted there would be any lingering effects. Still, she gazed at him with her green eyes and searched for their bond in the fading sunlight. “We do not need to be enemies, Kai.” She stared with profound kindness, focusing on the crystal tucked within her bosom. The stone had very little energy left to give; she was too tired to offer it power, and it pulsed in refusal.
“The thought of my father dying . . .” Kai let his words fall away, and he leaned against the stone railing with his hip.
The sheer depth of his sadness should have melted Nola’s heart, but then she wasn’t sure she had one. She ran her hand over his crossed arms. His skin was warm; her touch was soothing. “You will be alright, Kai.” She whispered, leaning close to his face. “Trust me—I am here for you.”
“How did it all come to this?” Kai begged with a lost expression.
She almost felt bad for him. Almost. But she could see Mariana in his eyes, and it restored her hatred. Keeping her true feelings hidden, she tilted her head. “I understand, Kai.” She tapped his arm and pulled once more on the magic within the dark stone. Then she felt a snap as she was drawn deeper into his eyes. The crystal complied.
“You fear Iver is all you have left.” Her rhythmic touch electrified her fingertips as power flowed through her. She felt his will bend, but not enough.
His breathing slowed, but she felt his mind push against hers. The crystal gave her keen insights on the power of the mind, and Kai was strong—stronger than any man she had manipulated before. The smell of wine from her cup gave her an idea. If he did not drink on his own, she would introduce the substance another way. Over the years, she had drunk enough of the sinder root potion so it no longer affected her, and she knew how to use its mind-numbing properties.
Yes, this was the only way, Nola thought. Holding a gulp of wine in her mouth, she kissed Kai square on the mouth. The taste of dark cherry, earthy oak, and the bitter potion danced on her tongue. She let some of the liquid slip into Kai’s mouth, then pulled back and watched him swallow. Nola stared into his eyes and pulled on the magic within her crystal. It gave just a little, but with the wine, it was enough.
Kai went slack, and his eyes looked a thousand miles away. “You see me, Kai, as I see you. Hear me as you once did. We cement our bond tonight—you will be mine.” She continued to tap his arm. “Look into my eyes and hear only my voice. I am your queen. Drink, drink the wine, I insist.” She handed him her cup.
Lost in her eyes and mesmerized by her words, Kai drank. He drank every drop. She had him; she could taste it, just as she could taste the wine on her lips. “Say it,” she commanded him. “I am your queen.”
“You are my queen,” he responded, hypnotized by her words and the sinder root.
One question burned in her mind. “Why did you come back here, Kai?” Nola held his gaze and tapped on his hand.
He spoke without hesitation. “I came to save my father. Save him from you.”
Well, honesty. Nola did not expect Kai to be so forthright. “We both know you are no prince of Diu,” she prodded, hoping to confirm the rumors that he was not Iver’s biological son. “But you will serve me. You love me, say it is so.” She kissed him again to test her influence. Kai pulled her close, and she let the space between them collapse.
Even the strongest of men cannot resist the stone; I will rule the world someday.
Keeping her wits, Nola took a breath and stared into his eyes. She watched Kai lick his lips and felt his hands pull at her waist. “I do love you, my queen. I am yours to command.”
“I need you, Kai,” she teased. “You will free us from Iver’s evil grasp, by killing the king. The moment is upon us, and you will need to be ready. Remember the commitment you made to me. Keep it buried deep until I pluck it out. Come.” She took him by the hand and led him inside.
Drawn to her like a moth to a flame, she watched Kai follow without question. Poor, innocent boy—Galloway or not, he would be her puppet. Now all she need was to lead him to his doom.
Ready to take her final walk to the King’s chambers, she reached for the door but heard shouting. It was Kendra.
“Where is the queen? Queen Nola?”
Nola pushed Kai into a chair and grabbed his chin with her hand. “Remember, my dear prince. You will serve me when I call. Now hide this moment deeply; hide this truth for now. Rest, and I will call on you soon.” She watched his head roll against the back of the sofa, and he stared helplessly at nothing.
Chapter 7
Escape
Afamiliar voice called to him. “Kai, wake up.” Kendra shook him.
He felt her presence but lacked the ability to respond. She slapped his face
