Free Gathering Darkness by Morgan Rhodes

king was only imparting a lesson, one that she received happily. “Yes, Father.”
    â€œHowever, I do suggest you consult a knowledgeable guide so as not to waste your valuable time on mediocre sites.”
    She nodded eagerly, her heart thudding with anticipation. “I will.”
    â€œGood.” He went to the long council table, glancing at the parchment and letters and formal documents still strewn on its surface from the meeting, then returned his attention back to Lucia. “Tell me, though—how is your magic coming along? Your control?”
    The king asked her the same questions every day. He knew how much her abilities had troubled her in the past and had tried to find tutors to help her—so far to no avail. Her magic was more powerful than anything her tutors had encountered before. “Better, I think. I work on it every day.”
On trying to repress it, to keep it from killing anyone else
, she thought. “I try my best.”
    â€œOf course. I expect no less. One day, very soon I hope, I will need to call upon your gift again to help me.” He nodded. “Now. Go enjoy your day in the city and the sun on your face. I will see you back for dinner.”
    â€œThank you, Father.”
    Just when she had written him off as strict and cruel and oppressive, he showed that he could be the opposite. The way he had just looked at her, the same way he had ever since her first show of
elementia
, with pride and admiration and love . . .
    It started to thaw the ice that had begun to settle in her heart.
    The king had been unquestionably harsh with Magnus over the years, to ensure his son would grow up a strong and worthy heir. But he’d been nothing but kind and patient with Lucia.
    She wanted so desperately to believe he loved her as if she were of his blood.
    But you’re not
, a small voice reminded her.
He stole you from your true mother because of the prophecy. Because he wanted
your magic for himself and no one else.
    Despite that constant reminder in the back of her head, the king was her most constant supporter. Even in her most challenging moments, when she’d had no one else to turn to, he’d always assured her that she was a good person, that her powers weren’t evil or malicious or dark or hateful. They were good.
    She was Princess Lucia Eva Damora, daughter of King Gaius, in every way that counted.
    And today she had his permission to leave the palace.
    â€¢Â â€¢Â â€¢
    The king had told her to consult a guide who was familiar with the city. But he never specified who this guide should be.
    â€œApologies, Princess Lucia, but
she
is not allowed past the palace gates without the king’s permission.”
    Lucia looked from the guard to Cleo, who stood next to her, exasperated.
    â€œIt’s all right,” Cleo said. “I’ll stay here. I don’t want any trouble.”
    Lucia was still uncertain about Cleo, but if there was anyone who knew this city well, it was her. And if there was anyone besides Lucia who knew what it felt to be trapped inside the palace all day and night, it was Cleo as well.
    She turned now to the guard with what she hoped was her iciest glare. “I have my father’s permission to leave the palace and I’m taking my brother’s wife with me. Let us pass, or I won’t be pleased.”
    â€œBut, princess—”
    She raised her hand, silencing him. “You do know how much my father adores me?”
    â€œOf course, your highness. But I have my orders. You must understand.”
    â€œI understand perfectly. You see Princess Cleiona as the daughter of the former king. But in fact she is my sister-in-law and she will be your future queen when my brother takes the throne. Therefore, you will treat her with respect. And you will step aside and let us pass while I still have some patience intact.”
    As the king said, if someone denies her something, then she should