The Fire Prince (The Cursed Kingdoms Trilogy Book 2) Read Online Free

recognize him as Osgaard’s missing prince.
    “Rand said the Council think the curse will already be in Sault when we get there. They reckon we’ll need a lot of Sentinels for that.”
    “We will.” But Cora didn’t sound worried.
    “They’re trying to find us a strong water mage.”
    “Good. We’ll need one of those. Now get off to bed. You must be exhausted.”
    “Shall I take a shift tonight?” Innis flicked a glance in Justen’s direction, trying to convey the silent question: Or be Justen?
    “No.” Cora stood. “I’ll take the second watch. You can share my tent.”
    Innis rose to her feet. Her muscles had stiffened while she sat. She followed Cora across the stony ground.
    “You told Rand and the others about you shapeshifters being Justen?” Cora asked in a low whisper.
    “Yes.”
    “And?”
    “They were shocked. Breaking a Primary Law...”
    “But they understood why? The shapeshifter—Hew?—he’ll do it?”
    “Yes.”
    “Good.” She heard relief in Cora’s voice.
    Innis glanced back at Justen and Prince Harkeld beside the fire. “Has Petrus been Justen all day? Do you need me to swap with him?”
    “He’s all right for now. Less tired than you, at any rate.”
    “And tomorrow?”
    “You can go back to being Justen most of the time.” Cora held open a tent flap. “The bedroll on the left is yours.”
    “Thanks.”
    “It’s good to have you back, Innis. We’ve been stretched without you.” Cora turned to go, then halted. “Oh... the prince and I have made a deal. If he learns to use his magic, we’ll strip him of it once the curse is destroyed.”
    “What?” Her mouth fell open. “Learn to use his magic? He agreed?”
    “He did.”
    Innis shook her head. Impossible . “But he’s so afraid of it!”
    “With good reason. I’ve never seen a fire mage with more raw power. Until he learns to control it, he’s dangerous.”

 
     

    CHAPTER THREE
     
     
    A T DAWN, I NNIS slipped away from the camp and swapped with Petrus, taking Justen’s shape and clothes. “He’s started learning to use his magic.” Petrus handed her Justen’s amulet of walrus ivory. “Did Cora tell you?”
    Innis nodded.
    “She had him light a candle. You should have seen it, Innis. Flame right up into the sky. Just about set the horses stampeding.” He snorted a laugh.
    The round Grooten amulet lay against her breastbone, warm from Petrus’s body. “Did he light the candle?”
    “Eventually.”
    Innis settled Justen’s baldric across her back. The muscles in her arms and shoulders ached from yesterday’s flying.
    Petrus pulled on his trews. “Susa’s joining us? That’s good news. Always up for a laugh, she is. Frane’s a bit glum for my taste, though, and as for Hew...” He pulled a face. “No fun in him at all.”
    “No.” Innis looked down at her body. Justen’s body—brawny and male, clad in Justen’s clothes. “He was shocked about Justen, said he wouldn’t break a Primary Law.”
    “What? He’s refused to do it?”
    “Rand talked him round, but he was shocked too. They all were. Especially... about me being Justen.”
    “Don’t pay them any attention.” Petrus pulled on his shirt, then combed his tousled white-blond hair with his fingers. “Dareus was right: it’s got to be done if we’re going to keep the prince alive.”
    Innis scuffed her boot in the dust, remembering Hew’s exclamation. You? A girl be a man? That’s doubly wrong! Even laughing, carefree Susa had looked appalled.
    Petrus punched her lightly on the shoulder. “You’re a good Justen. Better than me or Gerit.”
    Because I like being Justen and you don’t.
    “I’m glad you’re back. I missed you. Now get over there to the prince.”
    “My clothes—”
    “I’ll pack them for you. Go.” He made a shooing gesture, hamming it up, acting the clown.
    Innis grinned at him, closest friend and almost-brother, and headed for the horses.
    She helped Prince Harkeld lift bundled tents onto a