Figured he’d remember that. “You know what I mean.”
“I do. And I’d rather shovel sand than torture people for the Water Prince.”
And just like that, he put it all in perspective. “Sorry. I know. It’s just…”
“Your heart is still not sure about me.” Rendor cupped her cheek.
Actually, it was thumping its approval quite loudly. But she’d told him of her confusion before she read his soul. She hadn’t yet revealed that she knew his commitment and love were genuine because she wanted him to see just what he’d gotten himself into. He might change his mind. Plus the rest of the Invisible Swords needed to witness his efforts to become a better person.
He dropped his hand. “Don’t worry, Shyla. I’m willing to prove myself so you’ll jump into my arms.”
She smiled. “You’re not going to let me forget that, are you?”
“Not for one degree.” He lay back, bringing her down with him, once again tucking her close. “Now sleep.”
“You’re rather bossy for a grunt.”
“Inthiscase, I’m in charge.”
“Of what?”
“Of making sure you take care of yourself by getting enough sleep and eating well.”
“How’d you get that job?” she asked.
“No one else wanted it,” he teased.
Shyla smoothed out her and Rendor’s tracks as they returned to their headquarters. The sun hung just above the horizon. They had woken at angle one-sixty. And while she was refreshed, the effort to erase their boot prints was quickly draining the energy she’d regained. It was a good thing Rendor had insisted on carrying the two jugs of water Hanif had insisted on giving them. She’d vowed to pay him back.
Jayden and Ximen waited for her near the main entrance.
“What’s wrong?” she asked, noting their tight postures.
“Nothing now that you’re here,” Ximen said. “We heard Captain Yates was at the monastery. Did you see him?”
“Yes.” She explained what had happened.
“That’s exactly why we haven’t been teaching you more about your magic,” Jayden said. “You don’t know your limits.”
Oh no, he didn’t get to pull that on her. “Knowledge isnevera bad thing. If I knew more about my magic, I wouldn’t exhaust myself experimenting.”
They glared at each other.
“Perhaps a compromise?” Ximen suggested.
“I’m listening,” Shyla said.
“We’ll teach you, but we determine the pace. And you have to promise not to overextend yourself again. Agreed?”
That was an easy question to answer. “Yes. When do we start?”
Ximen glanced at Jayden.
“How are you feeling now?” Jayden asked.
She straightened. “I’m fine.”
“She’s still recovering,” Rendor said. “You promised not to exhaust yourself,” he added when she frowned at him.
