“We have spoken before, Elainya. This is no different. What is it that you need help with?”
“The king and queen are childless. He is growing older. The heir to the throne is a tyrant who abuses the weak.”
The Shadow Lord waited patiently for me to state my problem.
Confused, I realized my omission. “Such an heir is not acceptable!” I said in exasperation.
“Ah, of course not. You would want someone who is…kind.” The last word he said with the same tone as I had invoked him, as if the word itself was poison. He glanced at the herbs in process and sighed. “You want my help. That is not a problem.”
I stood stiffly, waiting for his directions.
He paused and observed me. He stepped closer and looked into my eyes. I closed them and turned away, lifting my chin, holding my head firm, refusin
