But I couldn’t comment on it, since I would jeopardize a lot of things. This was way beyond me.
“That’s basically the crux of my research,” Alec finished his answer to my question about his life purpose. “You understand why it takes a lot of my time. I’m documenting andexperimenting with a new branch of magic. I have little to no references.”
“And you are amazing for it,” I grinned. “I believe in this project, too. I’m sure you’ll pioneer it for the good of the Kingdom and the rest of humankind.”
Alec laughed so hard he formed tears in his eyes. “Oh, baby sister, you think too highly of me.” He wiped away the tears as he calmed down. “I’m rushing to document as many as I can before I graduate. I don’t know if I’ll have time for more research while on the battlefield. I don’t even know if I’ll survive it.”
And just like that, the reality of the situation came crashing down on me and had my heart in a chokehold.
All this time, I thought I had five years to get myself out of this world, until I could graduate and head for conscription myself. In truth, I had less than a year, because I knew, deep,deepwithin me, that I wouldn’t be able to take it if anything happened tohim.
My brother.
Was I being a coward for wanting to run away from that heartache? Of course, definitely. Did it change my mind? Not in the slightest.
“Don’t give me that face, Bea,” Alec frowned, standing up from his sofa and sitting next to me. “While I’m saying the worst probable outcome for me, I really don’t believe it, especially if I become the leader for Lightning magic research. I’ll be too invaluable to get killed on a battlefield. Truthfully, that’s part of the reason I’m striving hard for this.”
“You want to be irreplaceable,” I mumbled, putting two and two together.
“And I need to make a sufficiently monumental discovery that will bolster my value to the Kingdom.”
I could see that. A reason to be kept safe by the Kingdom itself. It was a genius move, really.
I still wouldn’t risk it.
“Bea, do you think you’ll get the same privilege?” Alec asked, looking down at my hands. I moved them to his, and he gripped my hands tight.
Confused, I asked, “What do you mean?”
“Becoming the Caregiver,” he answered, still focused on our hands now holding each other. “Befriending the Champions. Do you think they’ll be able to save you from a likely death in battle?”
Now that he asked, I had never considered that before. Of course, I didn’t expect to still be around when I’d be required to be a soldier, but I should try to consider all possibilities, even just for vigilance.
About getting saved — “Yes.” I didn’t have to think about it. Iknewthey’d try their damnest. The fact they were already going out of their way to take care of my kidnapper made me believe and trust they’d continue to do so, no matter how big or small the situation was.
Alec smiled, his blue eyes twinkling. “Good enough for me.”
Then why did he look so sad?
By the time we had finished dinner, except my brother and Milo since they wanted to have a late meal, the Champions hadjustreturned from the Priestesses’ call. Or at least it seemed like it as they strolled inside the dining hall like they owned the place.
Well, Prince Winston technically did.
It always amazed me how everyone would gape at their presence as if we didn’t see them every day everywhere.Unless when it felt like they were deliberately hiding from me. Delusional,I know.
The Prince and Lord Samuel headed for the buffet line while Claude went straight for my table, ignoring stares directed at him. “Good evening, Bea. Sorry it took a while.”
“I wasn’t waiting, so it’s fine.” I was totally waiting.
“I blame the Priestesses,” he huffed, leaning against the table with his hip. There were no available seats since this table was a four-seater. “Their prayers take too long.”
I frowned. “I thought you were there for the Vision.”
He shrugged. “We were. The Vision comes in segments through their prayers. It takes a while to form … and it requires a lot of energy and stamina. Aside from Divine magic.”
“Speaking of Divine magic, remember when the Prince said their magic works through you? What does that mean?” They never did clarify that one.
“I will tell you during our next Champions meeting,” the Prince answered me instead, arriving with Lord Grimwald.
