KATHERINE
"I gathered all the herbs listed here, ground them into powder—that part was easy. The hard part is enchanting it. Only a witch can do that by reading this incantation."
"Nana, my magic never works when I want it to. Do you think it’ll show up this time?"
This whole plan was giving me a headache—holes everywhere.
"If the Duke finds out…"
"Your mother always said magic has to be felt with the heart. That’s something I can’t help you with, child. You’ll have to find the way on your own," she said, standing up and patting my hands.
"Memorize everything well and keep that book safe—it’s yours now. And, Kath, time is running out," she warned me before leaving, her steps soft as she closed the door securely behind her.
I bit my nail, my mind a storm of indecision. I was playing with fire—but I had no other choice.
I opened the damn witchcraft manual and started studying the words to put the Duke to sleep.
Later, I’d come up with something about how I got pregnant—maybe blame it on our accidental friction in the bath.
I didn’t know if conceiving would be that easy, but I couldn’t just sit idly by while his mistress hovered around.
*****
ELLIOT
"I want soldiers infiltrated everywhere—discreetly investigate the real situation in the border villages. Reports come directly to me, sealed, no intermediaries…"
I was giving orders to Vittorio and the main squad commanders. My private army was one of the most powerful in the entire realm.
I had set up a massive deployment across my duchy. Every stone, every grain of wheat—I was going to know everything.
I had expanded too much these past years. Too much land, too much trust in the wrong people—these were the consequences.
"Go do your jobs. And make sure they understand—I’m evaluating everyone’s performance and their loyalty. The slightest suspicion, and I’ll cut off heads before asking questions."
"Yes, Your Grace!" they all responded in unison, standing firm.
"Dismissed—except for Vittorio," I ordered, watching the five uniformed men file out.
"Sir, I have the dungeon report here. The interrogation of Mr. Wallace has already begun," he said, handing me an official document.
"He still insists he’s not the spy," he added, and I crushed the paper in my fist, seething.
"Wait for me. I’m coming to the dungeons with you," I said, standing up with determination.
That bastard was telling me what they were plotting at the borders today.
"Have you chosen the man who’ll assist my contact at the southern border?" I asked, because there was no way I was leaving Aldo unprotected.
"Yes, sir. Two highly capable men—they look like regular field workers, they know the land, they won’t raise suspicion, and they’re ready to leave as soon as you give the word."
"Good. I’ll prepare a signal so my spy can recognize them…"
"Sir, there’s another matter," he stopped me as I reached for the door.
I closed it again, already halfway open.
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Absolutely enthralling. Once I started reading i could not put it down. Great plot with multiple twists. Excellent character development. Top 5 paranormal books I've read thus far....