Page 85 of The Witch in the Dead of Night

You should join me, I replied, peeking through my lashes. The prince stood still beneath the shadows of the cloisters. Perhaps seeing you floundering in sunlight will help me forget about being treated like a child last night.

“Tan doesn’t suit me.”

I doubted that. In fact, I had a feeling a bit of sun would make him look something like one of the muscled gods in the portraits that hung in the great hall, bronzed skin accentuating the gold flecks in his eyes, offsetting the silky jet-black hair.

I shook my head. Maybe it was time to get out of the sun.

“What are you doing out here at this time of day?” I asked.

“You’ve been summoned to the throne room for an audience with the King.”

“An audience?” I parroted, frowning. “What for?”

“I’m not at liberty to say.” His face was unreadable. “Although I suggest you enjoy the warmth while you can.”

“Are we going somewhere?”

“If you get a move on, you’ll find out soon enough.”

I rose and hurried after Enhart, who was already leading the way back to the palace. I fell into step behind him, maintaining a healthy distance after the thoughts that had just weaseled their way into my sun-drunk brain. We wound our way down the uneven steps and into the castle in silence. When we arrived at the doors of the throne room, Enhart stopped short.

“You’re not coming with me?” I asked.

He shook his head, turning on one heel. “The King wanted to speak to you alone. I have preparations to make.”

The doors creaked open, revealing a massive chamber. Guards flanked the exits and windows, which were covered from floor to ceiling with black curtains that blocked out all light. Mordric perched atop his throne, conversing with Lord Volorthen in hushed tones. Valen’s seat of power looked awfully uncomfortable, I thought, straight-backed and made entirely of silver from what I could see. Two wyvern heads were carved into the armrests. They glared at me, fangs bared, as I dawdled awkwardly before the dais.

Mordric waved a hand, quickly dismissing his chief adviser. The old vampire cast me a curious look before shuffling away. I bit the inside of my cheek, unsure of what to expect.

“I’m sorry to tear you away from your training,” said Mordric, beckoning me forward. “But I have something important to ask you.”

I shifted nervously, my thoughts drifting to our argument in the early hours of the morning. “Is everything alright?”

He nodded. “My brother tells me that you may have a gift for the Ealdorfyre.”

My breath caught in my throat. Enhart and I hadn’t spoken of it in months. Not since I’d shown him my memory of the day I fled Wealdstone. “That’s what you wanted to speak with me about?”

“It is. I admit that I am not overly familiar with the flame, however he tells me that it is the mark of an incredibly powerful witch. He also tells me that you are reluctant to use it.”

I cursed the prince silently. “It’s dangerous, Mordric.”

“From what I hear, it would be more dangerous not to use it. The summer solstice will be upon us in two months, and I want to ensure that you have full mastery of your powers before that date arrives. Therefore, I’m sending you to confer with a renowned expert on the subject. You’re familiar with Hollybrook, are you not?”

“The university?” I asked.

“Indeed. It’s located about a fortnight’s ride north across some decidedly rough terrain,” he confirmed. “The faculty there are skilled not just in the seven liberal arts, but also in the arcane. The Chancellor has agreed to support your training. You and Enhart leave in the morning.”

“Is this because of last night?” I blurted, unable to stop myself.

Mordric’s gaze softened. He rose, closing the gap between us. When he reached me, he brushed his fingers against the curve of my cheek. “No. I wrote to the Chancellor of Hollybrook as soon as Enhart informed me of what he’d seen in your memories.”

“That was months ago,” I reminded him.

He nodded. “The Chancellor and I agreed that this could wait until the end of term so that he could devote all of his time to your training. I’m sorry to have kept it from you. Enhart told me that it brought you a good deal of pain to relive what you’d done, and I don’t want to cause you any undue stress, but it’s time now.”

I hadn’t left Valnar since I first arrived from the Outlands three years ago. The city was the furthest north I had ever been. Nothing but barren mountains and snow awaited me on the long journey ahead of me. Well, other than mountains, snow, and the Ealdorfyre. My fingers twitched. “How long will I have to stay?” I asked.

“You’ll remain at Hollybrook until you’re able to conjure the Ealdorfyre.”