Chapter 64
It hadn’t taken Maeve long for her weary eyes to focus on Mal, where he sat tall on his throne. The Dread Crown glistened on his head. His hair was perfectly fixed, and the dark circles beneath his eyes were gone. A rush of joy rose through her.
But then she saw his eyes.
Even from a distance, they glowed with wicked green intent.
Maxius sat on his lap, playing with the Dread Locket.
The visions she’d seen in Mount Morte slammed into her. She moved to stand, stalling as hot pain tensed in her stomach.
“It must heal naturally, remember?” Mal’s voice was smooth and calm.
Maeve sucked in sharply. Shallow breaths were all the wound allowed her.
Maxius’ eyes were on her now. The Dread Locket slipped from his tiny fingers. Mal caught it with ease, his eyes never leaving Maeve.
They were alone in the Throne Room. Her least favorite part of the castle.
Maxius pushed off Mal’s lap and gracefully slid to the floor. Mal placed the Dread Locket around his neck with care and looked up at her. Maxius moved down the marble steps.
Her son.
The desire to smile at him being snuffed out by the fire in her stomach and the gleam in Mal’s eyes was heartbreaking. In place of joy, she felt anguish. Where there should have been celebration, there was terror.
But his angelic face was so pure and perfect. A helpless feeling crashed down on her, bearing the weight of her mistake.
He reached the foot of the steps and broke into a small run towards her. Spinel slipped from behind the throne with his wide-set eyes on Maxius.
“Maxius,” called Mal.
He stopped and turned back towards the throne. Mal made a quick motion with his hand. Maxius stilled and did not move towards her again.
“You look rather sentimental, Maeve,” said Mal, standing from his throne and gracefully descending the steps. “Something you’d like to share?” Mal reached Maxius and halted.
Mal’s green eyes remained on her. His brows raised.
“Perhaps that he is my son?”
Maeve shifted her legs beneath her, a pained whimper hissing between her teeth as the fire in her stomach built. She doubled over, afraid to grip the wound.
“Is that what refuses to slip from your tongue?” Mal looked at her boredly. “Were you hoping it was merely you that gained such knowledge?”
Mal flipped his hand over. Maxius placed his tiny hand in Mal’s palm. They crossed the Throne Room together. Maxius’ eyes scanned her as they moved closed.
He sucked in a small gasp and signed ‘ hurt ’ .
Maeve pulled herself as tall as she could and braced her hands on the shining floor.
“I am alright,” she said to him in a stuttering breath.
Maxius looked up at Mal, tugging his hand towards Maeve.
Help , he signed, pointing at Maeve.
Mal kneeled before Maeve. He dropped Maxius’ hand and spoke plainly. “I cannot. She made quite the sacrifice. One that Magic cannot undo.”
His green eyes met hers and Maeve lost all reserve. There was no trace of her Mal within his eyes. With a heaving cry, her eyes burned with tears. Mal’s head cocked to the side as he watched her with dead eyes.
“It was just a little blood,” he said coldly.
His hand cupped the back of Maxius’ head gently. He continued addressing her. “You will attack Aterna without argument.”
Hope crumbled, as Mal had found his leverage at last.