Will tried to focus his eyes, and he saw the king staring at his own fist. The skin across his knuckles had split, and blood was dripping from them, but the look on the man’s face was one of contentment. Will shivered.
“That’s better,” said King Lognion, standing and offering Will his hand once more. “I didn’t break your jaw, did I?”
“No, Your Majeshty,” said Will, having difficulty forming the words.
“Excellent. Now that the air has been cleared, perhaps we can be friends. Just be sure to never lie to me again. The second lesson won’t be so pleasant.”
“Yes, Your Majeshty.”
“You will be enrolled in Wurthaven’s College of Wizardry. Something you should have done when your father first attempted to convince you to go there. This is my gift and my judgment for you. You must be trained properly if you are to serve me well,” said Lognion.
The king’s eyes twinkled as he looked at Will. “You didn’t think I knew? Selene figured it out years ago. I would caution you to make sure no hint of it gets past your lips. If Duke Arenata discovered the fact, it I doubt even my protection could save you. He’s very protective of his sister.”
“His sister?”
“Mark Nerrow’s wife, Agnes Arenata.”
Will couldn’t understand such vindictiveness. “Does it really matter so much if I’m his bastard son?”
King Lognion nodded. “Agnes has given him two daughters, Laina and Tabitha, but no sons. Your existence could endanger their inheritance.” He moved closer and put his arm around Will’s shoulder in an almost fatherly manner. “Don’t worry, though. I won’t tell him. I have great hopes for your usefulness in the future. I never waste good men.”
“Uh, thank you, Your Majesty.”
The king smiled. “That’s it then. I’ll keep you a few days. Feed you and fatten you up, then I’ll send you off to Wurthaven. A servant will show you to your room. You look as though you could use some rest.” He started to turn away.
Will had one more question, though. “Um, Your Majesty?”
Lognion paused. “Yes?”
“How is Selene? I’ve been worried about her since she vanished.”
The king’s eyes darkened. “I almost forgot. She’s currently being reeducated after her recent mistakes. I don’t think she’ll be out in public for a while. I’m sure you’ll eventually see her, but you need to understand your place when you do.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Lognion leaned closer. “When you see her, you are to say one thing, and one thing only. Listen carefully.”
Will waited patiently.
The king continued, speaking slowly and putting emphasis on each word, “I—know—who—you—are.”
Will stared at Lognion in confusion.
“That’s it,” said the king. “I know who you are. Tell her that and she’ll understand. If she says anything else, walk away. She’s been doing this for years, assuming secret identities and learning about life in the kingdom. Usually she undertakes these tasks at my behest, but I’ve drilled into her the importance of one rule. No one must know who she is. If they learn, that’s the end of it. It wouldn’t do to have her growing attached to people beneath her station. Nor would it benefit you to think that you could mean anything to her.”
Will nodded slowly.
“Those words are a little joke she and I have developed over the years. Once she hears you say them, she’ll understand that your little friendship has come to an end,” said the king.
His heart felt cold, but he answered, “Yes, Your Majesty.”
The king started to leave again, but he looked back one more time and pointed at Will. “Don’t forget! I know who you are.” Then he left, humming a playful tune as he went out the door.
Will stared after him. In his mind he remembered something Selene had told him. “Once you know, we won’t be able to be friends anymore.” Was this what she had been referring to? How long had she lived like this? How many times had she heard those words? I know who you are. It was a cruel joke, and he wanted to weep for her.
He stared down at his hand where the gold ring still lay on his finger. It was the only thing the king hadn’t noticed. The sole thing he had been able to hide. His mind was a confused jumble, and there were only two things he was sure of. The king terrified him, and the king was completely mad.