“I want to be High Wizard,” Han said.

“High Wizard?” Fiona said, drawing her pale brows together. “You’re aiming for king. Why would you want to be High Wizard?”

Han couldn’t very well say, Because Queen Raisa and my dead ancestor the Demon King want it. Or, To thwart your father’s plans.

So he said, “To keep your brother from winning. Right now I’m next door to Queen Raisa in the palace. Right now I have easy access. If Micah becomes High Wizard, you can bet he’ll boot me out on my backside. Not to mention putting up all kinds of protections around her.” He paused. “Plus, do you really want him to have an excuse to spend all that time with her? Cozy meetings in her private suite and all that?”

Fiona scowled. “No, of course not. But I still don’t see why you haven’t acted already, if you have access to the queen.”

“I want to be king of everyone,” Han said, doing his best to be convincing. “Not just the Valefolk. That means I have to deal with the Wizard Council. Otherwise I’ll just end up fighting them off after the queen is gone. Especially your family,” he said pointedly.

“I understand your reasoning,” Fiona said, sipping at her stingo. “But I’m not on the council. There’s not much I can do to help you become High Wizard. It seems to me that my father has the votes to put Micah into office.”

“You’re not on the council, but you have influence over someone who is,” Han said. “Adam Gryphon.”

“Adam?” Fiona seemed totally confused. “What makes you think I have any—”

“He’s sweet on you, Fiona,” Han said. “You’re sort of betrothed. You could persuade him to vote my way.”

“I told you—Adam Gryphon is pathetic,” Fiona said. “He’s been mooning after me for years. As if I would ever even consider…” Fiona furrowed her brow, thinking.

Han took a bite of sandwich followed by a swig of stingo, trying to drown a twinge of guilt. He had nothing in particular against his old teacher, even though Gryphon had abused him often enough in class. The fact was, Han needed his vote and was unlikely to get it any other way. He just hated siccing Fiona on him, especially given the recent loss of his parents.

“What possible reason could I give for asking Adam to vote against my own brother?” Fiona said.

“Come on, Fiona, I’m sure you can come up with a reason on your own,” Han said. “Tell him you want to make him consort. Just don’t tell him it’s because you’re sweet on me, all right?” Han grinned to show he wasn’t exactly serious. Exactly.

“When do you expect it to happen?” Fiona said. “The vote, I mean?”