46 Chapter 28

I try to stay hidden as I watch Larcen and the King fight it out.

The last thing Larcen needs is to be distracted at a critical moment.

Even without a distraction he's having a hard time holding his own against the King.

Larcen may be younger and bigger but the King has the advantage of being formally trained for battle. He sees through each of Larcen's attacks easily.

In fact, it looks more like Larcen is a mouse being played with by a particularly sadistic cat.

My hands twitch with the urge to just shoot magic at the King, but I still don't have access.

Kent…

What are you doing?

Out of all of us, you are the most skilled swordsman and mage. Father had trained you personally to be House Auron's sword and shield. If anyone could take down the King, it would be you.

So why... why aren't you here?

I am about to expand my field of perception to locate Kent when I notice something… odd.

The emotions I am feeling from the King are interspersed with a faint mirror of Larcen's.

… The King is an empath?

It makes sense that he wouldn't want that to be public knowledge.

It's as much a weakness as it is a strength when it comes to political intrigue.

It also explains why his royal clothing keeps him so covered up that the only bare skin was on his face.

I bring my hand up to the necklace.

Is this why she gave it to me?

So I can sneak up on the King?