The Only Option Read Online Free

grunted but did not otherwise reply.
    Rochus bit back the questions that wanted out because impatience and rudeness would not get him anywhere. He would know why he was here when Irmhild wanted him to know.
    After a few minutes, when conversation had resumed and most had ceased to pay attention to them, the queen finally gave a slight smile and said, “I suppose you would like to know why you're here, magus.”
    “At Your Majesty's pleasure,” Rochus replied.
    Irmhild laughed. “I remember when you were not nearly so polite, magus. Of course, I was even ruder than you in those days, hmm?”
    Beside her, Consort Gretchen snorted softly. “Was? What is all this past tense?”
    “You be quiet,” Irmhild said, smile widening. She looked at Gretchen briefly, and kissed her fingers, before finally shifting her attention back to Rochus. “Magus, you have been brought here because I've been called upon to repay a debt and it is not one I can refuse.”
    Rochus frowned, brow drawing down. “Of course, Majesty, though I confess I'm confused as to how I can be of any help.”
    “Necromancers are not in great supply, and you are one of only five who fit the requirements—and the only one currently on the continent.” She lifted the cup she still held, drained the wine that remained in it, and set it down with a hard clack. “You, my dear magus and old friend, are to be married.”
    Rochus blinked. Stared at her. On his right shoulder, Song cawed again, startling everyone nearby. “Beg pardon, Majesty?” he said at last.
    She laughed. “You are to be married. Lord Landau has called in a favor. He is in want of a spouse and says only a necromancer will do. Given what his family once did for mine, as I said, this is not a request I can refuse. Therefore, you are to marry him—tomorrow.”
    Rochus was too baffled to feel anything else, though he knew anger would eventually spark to life. “Married. Tomorrow. What is the rush?”
    “That is his affair and none of mine,” Irmhild replied. “I've had him summoned. You two can talk tonight, and tomorrow morning we'll have the ceremony. It's long past time you were properly settled down anyway, magus. This will be good for you.”
    And there was the anger, but Rochus tamped down on it with discipline hard won over decades of practice. Landau, Landau… How did he know that name?
    Soft footsteps came from behind him and only then did Rochus notice that silence had once more fallen across the great hall. “You called, Your Majesty?”
    The voice swept over Rochus like fire and ice all at once, anger and disbelief lodging in his chest and momentarily stealing his ability to breathe. He turned as the man drew even with him and glared at Tilo, who stared back with sad, guilty eyes.
    “Well met, my lord,” Rochus bit out venomously.
    Tilo swallowed, his eyes dimming like a dampened fire. “Well met, magus.”

Chapter Two
    After excusing them from dinner, because there was no way he would make it through a tedious royal dinner without finding himself arrested and fined, Rochus led Tilo through the castle to his own rooms. He paid good money to have them retained for his permanent use, but it was a luxury he considered well worthwhile.
    He motioned for Tilo to precede him inside, then followed him and closed the door with a sharp, muted bang. Then he kept walking, putting space and the large sofa in the middle of the front room between them. He stared out at the dull lights of the royal city through the window. On his shoulders, Song and Silence shuffled restlessly. “Go, enjoy the night,” Rochus said softly. Song cawed and Silence tugged at his hair, then they hopped down to the deep windowsill, fluttered to the edge, and flew off. Rochus pulled down the tapestry to cover the window and keep out most of the chilly night wind.
    Slowly turning around, he crossed his arms over his chest and stared at Tilo, who was staring at the floor and looking much like a dog caught stealing