He tells me about the palace, the warmth and sun-baked sand and rock, and it gets hard to keep my eyes open. He whispers about the birdsong, the smell of the roses in the courtyard, and I doze, warmed by his words.
From the cusp of sleep, I hear his quiet “I love you” before it finally overtakes me.
The Proposal
Evocation isn’t always about pain. It’s about sensation. Fire can provide warmth just as readily as it can burn.
Advanced Casting Principles: Evocation by Lionel Lorne
AFTER CONDUITING FORthe Crux, my idea comes together in a burst of inspiration, but it’s my enthusiasm as I explain the plan to Garrett and Bridgette that gains their support. I’m grateful to have it, because I’m going to need their help if we’re going to pull this off.
Gathering everything I need to present my idea to the Queen makes for a long week. I pore over every detail, from financials and location to decoration and supplies. My thoughts run as fast as a flooded river, can sometimes skip like stones, but I don’t leave a single one unturned as I clean the proposal up with each new draft.
The night before my royal deadline, I ask Bridgette to give it all one final going over. Her eyes scan the document, and I wait with bated breath, trying not to squirm out of my skin. Then, she grins at me over the piece of vellum.
“This is brilliant, Gal,” she says.
I let out a sigh of pure relief and slump forward, resting my aching forehead on my crossed arms. “Thanks.”
Bridgette sets the vellum down before she carefully pours a drop of purple wax onto the proposal. She hands me the stamp, and I set it into the wax, tamping it closed with the Crux’s seal - a circle of woven rope with a pair of focuses at the center.
“This is going to fill a lot of needs,” Bridgette says. “The Queen would be a fool not to go for it.”
My meeting isn’t until tomorrow, but I wish someone had developed a spell that could speed up time. I’ve slept like trash this whole week and that’s not likely to change tonight.
“It’s done,” Bri says, like she’s read my mind. “Throw it out of your head. You can pick it up again tomorrow.”
I give a small laugh. “Easier said than done. Now I’mexcitedabout it. Which is also going to keep me up.”
Bridgette hums before she gets to her feet. “C’mon, then.”
I blink at her extended hand. “Where are we going?”
“To make you relax,” she says simply.
I glance at my proposal before I take her hand, letting her pull me to my feet. “Lead the way.”
Bridgette takes me down the hall and up the stairs, and though I expect to go to the baths, maybe even a casting room, I’m surprised when she leads me to Arlon’s quarters. The only other time I’ve been in here was when Arlon collared me for my abjuration mastery. It feels a little strange to be here without him.
“And how exactly are you planning to get me to relax?” I ask.
Bridgette disappears into the closet before she emerges with a bag, filled with what sounds like clanking glass. “You have been hunched over a desk all week. I’d like to give you a massage.” Her grin is full of mischief. “I’ve done it for Arlon before, and he said to treat you like I’d treat him.”
I raise a curious eyebrow. I’ve conduited for Bridgette before, and something as kind as a massage doesn’t sound like her style. “What kind of massage?”
Bridgette’s grin turns sharp. “How do you feel about fire?”
“Like in a general sense?” I ask as Bridgette heads over to the fireplace and adds a log to the embers. “I’m fine with it.”
“And what if I used fire in the massage I want to give you?”
That piques my curiosity. I’ve cast with wax before, but using fire is new. “I’d say I’m interested.”
Bridgette grins before she motions to the luxurious bed. “Then get undressed and get comfortable.”
I eye the bag of casting supplies before I obey, shedding my clothes. I only hesitate a moment before I lay across the bed on my stomach. When I was collared, I slept on a pad at the foot of it, so sprawling across the lush covers is an unexpected thrill.
I rest my cheek against the soft mattress, and the warmth and comfort of the room has already helped some of my muscles relax. I watch with a sedate sort of interest as Bridgette sets a couple of bottles onto the table next to the bed, followed by a couple of clean rags and a glass bowl.
