Page 202 of Bedeviled

“Eislyn was to have me come here, burn the scroll that contains her banishment, alter the minds of the guards to fit her purposes, and reunite with her in the palace, where I was to kill or manipulate the minds of her enemies until the coup was successful.”

Memnon’s face turns grave. “She has an army,” he continues. “I don’t know how many individuals strong it is, but she was mobilizing them throughout the night, and I know that at least some have shown up.”

More than just some, if the smoke in the air is any indication.

“She seems to have been preparing a sudden, surprise attack for a long time—even longer than my continued existence,” Memnon says. “But I think her hastiness will cost her numbers and strategy.”

The Bargainer nods. “Can you get close to her?”

Memnon nods. “She will expect me to come to her.”

“Could you manipulate her mind?” the fairy continues.

“My power worked on all the fae I’ve encountered,” Memnon says, “so…yes, I think I could.”

A smile spreads across his face at the prospect, and the sight is downright villainous. That is the look that makes soldiers quake and guards abandon their posts. The warlord is peering through.

My mind, however, is stuck on the fact that Memnon doesn’t seem to know he’s been given lilac wine. Eislyn must’ve never told him.

Goddess, he and I are going to have one hell of a chat about tonight once this all is over.

Memnon’s eyes move to mine, and I’m pulled back into the present moment.

Even without hearing his thoughts down our connection, I know what my husband is thinking. It’s the Bargainer, however, who voices it.

“Sugar,” he says, “you’re going to have to linger back a ways. If Eislyn sees you before Memnon can get close, she will know she’s been played.”

I exhale. I want vengeance as much as Memnon does, but the Bargainer is right.

Reluctantly, I nod.

Memnon turns and grasps me by the back of the neck. “My queen, this is how we used to do things—I made the decisions and you agreed to them.” He gives his head a slow shake. “Not anymore. What is your will?”

My throat closes as I stare up at him.

The sorcerer is handing me an absurd amount of power. Not just because he’s giving me the last and final say on how we handle the situation, but also because he is bound to my word. What I say will be imposed on him. And he’s allowing that because he trusts me.

“I like the plan,” I say.

Memnon stares at me for an extra moment, then nods. He reels me in for a kiss, one that has me threading my fingers through his thick, dark hair.

The kiss ends, and I peer up at him. “Stay safe, and finish this.”

His smoky amber eyes twinkle. “I’m not leaving your side just yet, my queen.” He brings his face in close, and a hairsbreadth from my lips he murmurs, “One more ride into battle. Can you do that for me, little witch?”

I smile. I may have to fall back before we reach the palace, but otherwise⁠—

“You get me a horse, and you and I will have our final ride.” Goddess knows Nero won’t let me ride him again.

My soul mate’s eyes twinkle. “Good.”

The Bargainer clears his throat. “Cute as you all are, I think it’s time for me to get the hell out of here. I’ll meet you all at the palace.”

The fairy lifts into the air then.

“What about not being seen?” I call out after him.

“Sugar,” he says, gazing down at me, “you and I both know the situation is past that now.” He gives me a parting wink, then continues to rise, until his form seems to fold itself into the night sky above us, a night sky I’m fairly certain he helped usher in.