Borrowed Magic by Shari Lambert Page B

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day when I grabbed your arm and hurt you?” A brief look of inner
pain clouded his eyes. “And why did you do it? Why you? Why not
someone else?”
    She looked down at his fingers laced through
hers and felt her heart constrict. But the words wouldn’t come. She
didn’t know where to begin, especially now, with people all around
them and her emotions so close to the surface.
    “I...I don’t—” Whatever she might have said
next was lost as the pain in her shoulder bloomed worse than ever.
She stiffened and squeezed her eyes shut.
    “Maren?” Philip was genuinely worried. She
could hear it in his voice, feel it in the pressure of his hand on
her waist.
    She let out the breath she’d been holding.
Now that the initial shock of the pain was gone, it was
bearable.
    “I’ll be all right. It’s not like it hasn’t
happened before.”
    “But—”
    “Philip, I think we’re ready for you.”
Teige’s voice didn’t surprise her, but a look of annoyance crossed
Philip’s features.
    “Of course,” he said. “I’ll be right there.
I just need to help Lady Maren over to the queen. She’s feeling a
little light headed.”
    Teige was immediately all concern. “I’ll
come with you. The king wanted a word with us before he addresses
the soldiers.”
    Philip pulled her hand through his arm. It
gave her something to lean on, but since Teige fell into place on
her other side, she didn’t get any relief as they made their way to
where Daric and Adare stood.
    “Here,” Adare said, eyes creased with worry
and pointing to the chair next to her. “I’ve saved you a seat.”
    Maren sank into it gratefully, both for the
relief and because it meant she didn’t have to be so close to
Philip – or Teige.
    “So, is everything ready?” Daric asked.
    “Yes.” Philip glanced her direction, but
only for a second. “Teige said you wanted a word?”
    “Yes.” Daric motioned his guard and a few
others to leave them for a moment. Then he turned back to Philip.
“We haven’t had a chance to talk since the Council meeting this
morning, and I wanted to make sure you didn’t have any
questions.”
    “I think I’m up to speed,” Philip said,
running a hand down his face. “Montagu is an obvious threat,
especially after how Senred behaved and knowing the relationship
between the two of them. Besides, Montagu’s always hated you,
always questioned your ability as king. Not to mention he feels
your father stole the crown from him. He definitely needs
watching.”
    Maren thought Montagu needed more than
watching, but an army along the border would be enough for now.
    “And Beaumont and Alton are also a concern,”
Philip continued. “Although I’m a little less clear as to why.”
    Daric looked over at her and raised his
brows. “Maren?”
    She took a deep breath and avoided looking
at Philip. “Montagu ignored Daric’s summon before the siege
started, but Beaumont and Alton were never even asked. They’re
greedy and selfish, but not quite enough to sell out their country.
Or destroy their own lands.”
    Philip’s eyes widened. “So you only summoned
the Lords you were worried would betray you. They were the ones
trapped inside the walls.”
    Daric nodded. “We knew the ones like
Beaumont and Alton had too much self preservation to see their
lands go to ruin. We also knew we’d need those resources if the
siege ever ended.”
    “And now they don’t want to give you those
resources. Typical.” A small crease formed between Philip’s eyes.
“But Beaumont and Alton are an annoyance compared to Montagu. He
hates you. He wouldn’t come when summoned – as if he knew what was
coming.”
    “Exactly as if he knew what was coming,”
Daric said and then paused, adding emphasis to his next words. “And
that no one would come to our aid.”
    “Wait,” Teige said. “You believe the other
kings collectively decided not to help Tredare?”
    Daric nodded. “Led by Senred, or bullied by
him. And with the threat