“When did this tiredness first afflict you?”
“I—a few weeks ago, Father.”
“After your visit to Northglen.”
Goose bumps lifted on Aria’s neck, but she didn’t deny it.
“Did you drink anything she gave you?”
Aria stiffened. “I know better than that.”
Her true mistake had been assuming she would be safe if shedidn’tdrink. Assuming she knew anything about magic at all.
“Widow Morton has my—” Her voice halted abruptly before she could mention the broken teacup. She grunted in frustration. “I mean she had my ... She had me fooled, but not that much.”
With a flinch, she retreated to her wine glass, hoping it would hide the burn in her face.Unintelligible speech. Mark.
“You’re certain she did nothing to you?”
Aria swallowed. “She ... she lied.”
“I’m speaking in terms of magic, obviously.”
The frustration in her father’s expression could not compare to what she felt straining within her own chest.
“She . . . I watched her . . . after I returned . . .”
“A straight answer, Aria, honestly. It’s not a difficult question.”
She gave a helpless shrug, tears burning in her eyes.
Her father’s expression hardened. “You’ll resume your studies today. See that you takethemseriously.”
Though he’d not finished breakfast, he pushed his plate away just as the queen had, leaving Aria alone at the table.
Baron played a dangerous game. What began as a single letter quickly tumbled into something more, like pulling one lemon off a branch only to have all the others cascade at the rebound. The rational side of his mind questioned the end of this path; the emotional side had already been captured in the journey.
Her Highness’s second letter arrived while Baron was visiting his parents. Corvin found him at the tomb enclosure, handed off the letter with a grin, then dashed to find Huxley. The boy had been gone longer than he should have, and Huxley would no doubt lecture him on the strict punctuality of a proper lord. Baron should have gone with his brother, but he lingered, opening Princess Aria’s letter right there in the graveyard.
Baron,
Thank you for regarding my correspondence as a pleasure rather than a nuisance. Leon’s menu will arrive by courier, along with a few specialty ingredients and recipes Cook thinks will test his skills. I hope he has by now recovered his tongs.
In reviewing your notes on Casting, I cannot overcome the detail of your witch’s mark. It breaks my heart. How could you have been branded at six? I’ve never heard of anyone tested before twelve.
If it is too painful a memory to revisit, please disregard my inquiry.
You noted Stone Casters could cause sleep. Could one put an entire crowd to sleep at once? How would such a thing be achieved and what might be the purpose? Also, is it possible for one person to wield both Stone and Fluid magic, causing, for example, both sleep and healing? One final question regarding Casting: I’ve read the most powerful Casts must be anchored to an object, called an Artifact. If the Artifact were discovered and broken, would the Cast end?
I apologize for the bombardment of questions, but I’m afraid I have more. I’m familiar with Leon’s interests, less so with Corvin’s. At the ball, you mentioned he trains falcons. I’ve heard that’s a process of incredible difficulty! How did he adopt such an interest?
I would also be curious to hear of your own interests. Your formal attire included a dress sword. Is it only for show or do you engage in dueling? What of jousting?
Enough of my questions. I’m afraid I find myself in need of good conversation, and you are the person unfortunate enough to cross paths with me in these dire straits, so I’ll thank you for your indulgence once again.
Yours,
Crown Princess Aria
