Dark Heir (Dark Rise, #2)

by C.S. Pacat

He wanted to tell her again how glad he was to see her, that she was his star in the night. That he’d never really had friends growing up, and he was so glad she was his first. That he hadn’t meant to turn that friendship into a betrayal. That he was sorry the boy she’d been friends with wasn’t real.

That felt too close to the secret part of him that had felt pleased to see James do as he ordered. That felt pleased that James was here, in a place he didn’t want to be, only for Will’s sake. It made Will want to keep him safe, give him warmth and approval, tell him he’d done well.

Will felt James’s hand come to rest on the back of his neck, fingers curling into his hair, a possessive gesture unmistakable in its meaning. “This one stays with me.”

“He won’t kill you just for lying down next to me,” said James. “Who won’t?” “You know who,” said James. “My jealous master.”

Will said, “Don’t make me move back to the long seat, I’m comfortable.” James’s voice was breathless with shocked wonderment. “Even when I see it, I don’t believe it.” “What?” Will turned his head to find James’s blue eyes on him. “You’re the only one who’s not afraid of him.”

He was beautiful, so much so that to look at him was to ache. But the real ache was the warm look in his eyes.

“If I were king, would you be my queen?”

He wanted to tell him, to find in him a harbor, where they could be two lost souls together.

“He’s loyal to us,” said Will. “Is he?” Cyprian’s voice was hard. “Don’t forget that he was reborn to serve the Dark King.” “I never forget that,” said Will.

“You may be the hand of the Devil,” said James, “but I am the hand of a Master more powerful than any you serve, and this mountain is His land.”

“I’d run if I were you,” said James to the Hand. “Just a suggestion.”