Shite. Concentrate, Primelle. We’re pushing things too far.
I scrunched my eyebrows together. “And Lady Ginella has two sons, named Edwin and Soren. Both still reside with her since neither are wed.” In the bathroom, Betsee activated a cleaning charm. Scents from it trickled into the room. “I wonder if my parents would consider those twosuitable,” I said offhandedly, then craned my neck to see if Betsee could see us.
When Kole didn’t reply, I glanced back at him. His stance remained relaxed, but his jaw ticked. “Of course, I’m sure they would be verysuitable.” Despite his casual words, energy pounded out of him.
I once again was reminded of what he’d said to Abel and the shifters. Of what he’d just made me promise.Mine. And I had a feeling he truly meant that. Kole was possessive, extremely so, and I absolutelylovedthat about him.
But eventually, he would be leaving for a new job, and I would remain here in Whiteolf. And even though I didn’t want to, siltenite law demanded that I follow my parents’ wishes, which meant I’d have to marry someonesuitableeventually.
My heart cracked at the reminder of my new duties, but it was best to remain realistic. Kole and I could enjoy each other for now, but who knew how long our affair would last.
Clearing my throat, I returned my attention to the House lists and ran through the rest of them, going through all ten faster than I had the previous night. All the while, Betsee continued working away.
“So to recap, the ten Houses are House Ginella, House Fillingmore, House Crumpuff, House Messepire, House Skybim, House Kimmip, House Ary, House Deerwood, House Ryderdim, and House Torleaf. And the ones run by males are Fillingmore, Crumpuff, Messepire, Ary, Deerwood, and Torleaf, and the Houses led by females are Ginella, Skybim, Kimmip, and Ryderdim. Did I get that all correct?”
“You did, Princess.” Kole was back to his usual stoic self, probably because his Council magic had just flared, but I couldn’t help but tease.
I smiled and batted my eyelashes playfully. “Thank the stars.”
Kole’s lips twitched, just slightly, but his tone was serious when he replied, “Did you want to list where each of the House castles reside?”
Scrunching my nose up, I recounted what each of the House leaders’ castles looked like, where they were in the capital, and what magic each House was known for.
When I finished, Kole nodded. “Impressive. You’re quite fast at memorizing things.”
“I had to be in my job. It came with the territory.”
“Do you mean at the Whiteolf Academic Library?”
I nodded, and a pang of nostalgia hit me as I was once again reminded of how different my life was now.
I hadn’t seen my boss, Loolee, since before I’d left to hunt for the Stone, and she’d been instrumental in my success. Without her, I never would have known to venture to the Isle of Song to find the book,Legends of Our Realm, which had provided the needed hints to find the Wishing Stone.
From the bathroom, humming sounds came from Betsee as she finished up her work.
I glanced toward the corner wardrobe in my chambers, to where I’d stowed my pack with my uncle’s seekerill and the book. “Speaking of my former job, at some point, I’m going to have to venture to the Isle of Song to return the book I borrowed. The gargoyle scholar who loaned it to me asked that I not keep it longer than a month, and it’s already been nearly three weeks.”
Kole nodded. “I’ll mistphase you there whenever you’d like to return it. I do endeavor toalwaysgive you what you need.”
I eyed him playfully, and even though his expression hadn’t cracked, his eyes gleamed. “Speaking of mistphasing, I’ve been thinking about that too. I haven’t tried to do it again, but I would still like to learn.”
“We can practice anytime.”
“Really?” I replied hopefully. My belly curled at the thought of what the coming days could bring, but the second Betsee emerged from the bathing chambers, Kole’s stance turned rigid.
Her blue skin gleamed in the fairy lights. “There, all done, my lady. I’ve restocked all of your supplies and provided you with fresh towels. Can I get you anything else while I’m here?”
I smiled widely at her. “No, I’m fine. Thank you, though.”
She finally left the room, leaving me alone with the warrior once more. I tugged my lower lip into my mouth as Kole stared at the movement.
His eyes heated. “Would you like to practice mistphasing again, Your Highness? I’ll have to touch you again, to position you, to ensure you do it correctly.”
His admission caused a lick of fire to heat inside my belly, and I somehow suppressed a moan. “Yes, please.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“What do you think I should wear, Betsee?” I crossed my arms and debated which to choose among the hanging gowns in my wardrobe. All twelve elaborate gowns that the tailor had crafted would suit the ball this evening,myball, but attending royal balls wasn’t in my repertoire. I had no idea which was best, so I hoped the lady’s attendant would.
