Curse Undone by Brandie June

Author:Brandie June [June, Brandie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: CamCat Publishing

CHAPTER 17

“Would anything persuade you to reconsider?” I asked, forcing my voice to crack.

“Nothing will dissuade me. Now pick the battle.”

“Very well,” I said, pausing to give the impression that I was considering my options. I slowly glanced around the courtyard.

“You must choose the nature of the contest,” Valente snapped, impatiently tapping his sword hilt.

“I’m thinking,” I said, allowing a few more seconds of mock contemplation. If Valente was irritated, he would be distracted. And a distracted mark was the best kind of mark. I let my eyes lock on Elrik, lingering there till Valente finally burst out.

“Your love can’t save you now.”

I whipped my head back to Valente, as though I had only now made the critical connection. “I have decided on our contest.”

“About time,” Valente said, his bright blue eyes eager. “And what do you choose?”

“A battle of wit,” I said, allowing a small smile to lift the corners of my mouth.

Valente’s look of confusion soon shifted to irritation. “Battles are of magic and swords, not words.”

“A challenge is not limited to swords or magic. Even if fay have not been creative enough to pick other weapons.” My smile widened. “But please let me know if you do not think yourself up to such mental taxation. I will happily accept your forfeit now,” I added, baiting him.

Valente grumbled. “I doubt very much that a filthy half human can outfox one of the fay. I have been in these woods for centuries before you were even a babe in arms. What is this battle of wits you propose?”

“A riddle.”

Valente let out a snort of derisive laughter, but I held his stare. “You, little human, think you can outwit me?”

“I do,” I said, forcing my voice strong and cool. “That is the challenge I propose.”

“And if I win, if I solve your riddle, then you will relinquish the title of heir back to me,” Valente said. His eyes shone with greed. “And you will fight me in a proper fashion,” he tapped the hilt of his sword, “with blades.”

My mouth went dry. I knew if things went south that he’d become heir, but I hadn’t expected to sword fight him. If I lost, he would kill me. I swallowed hard.

“And when I win, you will swear your loyalty to me as the rightful heir. Never again will you try to harm me nor knowingly allow harm to befall me.” I hoped I was explicit enough. I did not plan to stay in Magnomel past this night but figured I might need the support once Elrik learned of my deception.

Valente didn’t hesitate, so certain of his win. “Agreed.”

“Agreed,” I echoed. Something simmered in the air between us, as though fay magic was sealing our deal. Goosepimples broke out on my arms.

The details of the contest were quickly worked out. Valente insisted I write the answer down to keep the challenge honest. I conceded to do so, and a servant handed me parchment and ink, along with a long white quill made from a swan feather.

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