Page 137 of Blade of the Nightking

“Segolayne is here for me,” Levinica said quickly, lowering her gaze almost apologetically. “She’ll be present for all our lessons from now on.”

Violet light sparked across Segolayne’s fingertips in thin glowing strings as she bared her teeth in open aggression. “I’ve been instructed to deal with any threat to Lady Levinica… however I see fit.”

Anger flared hot in my core, and my magic, already awake, rose instantly to answer her threat. My hands lifted of their own accord. To my surprise, violet strands danced across my fingers as effortlessly as breathing. Segolayne's eyes widened at the sight of her own power mirrored back at her.

“If you want a matching scar, Segolayne,” I said sweetly, “all you have to do is ask.”

She growled and shoved away from the wall.

Shadows twisted suddenly in the corner beside her, and Veylan stepped through them, white hair catching the sunlight, skin almost translucent in its pallor.

“Don’t tempt her, Layne. She has a terrible habit of marring beautiful faces.” He tapped the slack, paralyzed side of his jaw.

“What do you want?” Segolayne snapped.

Veylan ignored the hostility completely, crossing the room to sink gracefully into a chair tucked into one of the darker corners the sunlight didn't quite reach. He crossed one leg languidly over the other.

“Making sure you ladies don't kill each other.” He inspected his nails, bored as always. “Prince's orders.” He hissed as a blur of black shot across the floor, claws raking over his boots.

The kitten bolted straight for Levinica, launching itself neatly into her lap. Immediately, she peeled off one glove and laid her bare hand against its back. The tiny creature looked up at me with bright eyes full of mischief.

Grinning, I reached over to scratch between its ears, careful to avoid Levinica's hand. She pulled it back anyway, as though with the same thought.

“Has he been good?”

“An absolute sweetheart,” she said fondly, looking down at the fuzzy creature kneading enthusiastically at her knees. His tiny dagger-sharp claws hooked mercilessly into the fine fabric of her gown again and again, and I winced.

She caught the look on my face and laughed softly. “Well. I suppose there are still some things Titter Mouse could improve upon.”

I blinked. “Titter Mouse?”

Color rose in her cheeks as she smoothed a hand over its fur. “It seemed fitting.”

“It’s perfect.” I meant it.

She beamed. “I brought some books.” She laid a delicate hand atop the pile beside her. These were thicker, filled with real pages instead of the sturdy board books I’d been struggling through before. “They’re a bit more advanced than what we’ve worked on so far… if you feel up to it?”

My heart gave an excited thud. “Absolutely.” I stepped closer, peering at the titles stamped along the spines. “I’ve been practicing. Every day it gets easier.”

“Anything we should focus on?”

I glanced toward Segolayne, who watched me with an expression of open satisfaction, as though she was eagerly awaiting my inevitable humiliation. My face warmed.

“Long words,” I mumbled quietly, low enough that only Levinica would hear. “When they have more than three syllables, I… struggle.”

Her gloved hand squeezed mine gently. “I know exactly which book will help with that.” She nodded toward my room. “Go wash up. I’ll get us settled out here. Breakfast should be arriving soon.”

I rushed through my bath, scrubbing quickly and thoroughly, the morning’s lesson with Rìan all but forgotten in my excitement. I was just so relieved Levinica was back. The kitten had done it. I felt almost giddy with relief.

I emerged less than twenty minutes later, my skin pink and my damp hair braided back into a long plait.

The servants had already arrived with breakfast, and my stomach growled at the smell drifting through the room.

Levinica sat exactly where I'd left her, bent over an open book, one hand curled around the pendant she always wore. As I approached, she tucked it neatly beneath her high collar before reaching for the teapot. She poured me a cup before I'd even sat down, adding cream and an absurd amount of honey, exactly the way I liked it. After a quick stir, she slid it toward me.

“Thank you.” I settled into my chair, lifting it and taking a careful sip. I reached immediately for one of the flaky pastries, splitting it open and piling on whipped butter and fresh raspberry jam.

“Keep eating like that,” Segolayne said, watching me with open disapproval. “And you'll never put muscle on those scrawny bones.”