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“What do you want?” There’s no more threat in my words, just frustration, or perhaps hopelessness.
I give up trying to understand what’s going on. He doesn’t want the chalice, and he can’t be meaning to kidnap me, if he thinks I’m worthless. I hate it when things make no sense, when I can’t predict what’s about to come.
“Information,” he says. “It won’t hurt.”
His words chill me as they sink in slowly. Does he have mind magic?
Can he peer into my thoughts?
I feel as if an ice storm forms in my lungs.
Panic. Sheer panic takes over me. He’ll see it. I just know he’ll see it. I have to stop him.
I relax my face and attempt to erase all traces of fear in it. “Isn’t it easier to ask? I doubt I have any secrets that would interest you.”
“Apologies, but I don’t have time to sift through your lies. I’ll be gentle.” And his voice is indeed gentle, just to make everything even more awkward.
His hand approaches my temple. Involuntarily, I flinch and move my head, but then a layer of ice holds it in place.
“Stop it. I told you it won’t hurt.” He sounds exasperated but kind at the same time. “I won’t see anything private. I’ll just glimpse something small. Don’t be afraid.” Now he sounds like Otavio when I was a child and he had to inject something on my face.
But I’m terrified. Because I know it. He’ll see it.
Then I sense his index and middle finger touching my temple—and all my fears vanish at once.
The feeling is the most wonderful ever, soothing, calming, as I’m lying down on his chest. Marlak’s chest. He holds me tight with both arms, and I feel enveloped in an energy of love, so strong that it could make me invincible. Here there’s no fear, no strife, no suffering. It’s pure light.
He kisses my forehead, then my cheek, and our lips meet. So much love in that kiss.
Something snaps, and I open my eyes. Prince Marlak has one eyebrow raised and stares at me, partly in surprise, partly in bewilderment, as if he can’t make sense of what just happened.
Well, neither can I.
I realize that embarrassment can’t kill a person, but I’m not sure staying alive to deal with the outcome is that much of a tradeoff.
He still stares at me. Perhaps it’s horror on his face. Well, I’m horrified, too.
At least he’s the one to break the silence. “I’m… flattered. That’s…” He frowns, as if searching for the words. “Incredibly sweet, Astra.”
How does he know my name? Not that it’s the most pressing issue right now.
He smirks, then. “Your talent is quite phenomenal, but you’re still no match for me.”
Talent? He thinks I’m doing it on purpose? That’s disturbing. I don’t have time to protest, as he touches my temple again.
All discomfort is gone. We’re lying down on a bed of stars and kissing.
Thankfully, this time the awkwardness lasts just a few seconds, before I open my eyes again.
He scoffs and shakes his head. “You think your tricks are impressive, don’t you? You think you’re smart.”
Tricks? Of course. He doesn’t know I’m not doing it on purpose and thinks this is a distraction, to hide whatever nonsense I would want to hide.
Odd, but you know what? I think I prefer this much-less embarrassing explanation than the truth.
Yes, take that, evil prince! You won’t overcome my powerful mind shield.
As if. But I’ll run with it.
