“It’s just not often I’m wrong,” he says with a sly smile as we continue walking.
“Or maybe all your minions are just too scared to call you out on it.”
“Oh, you think so?” He looks at me with a raised brow.
“Definitely, but don’t worry I’ll make sure to let you know every time you’re wrong.”
He throws his head back, letting out a single laugh. “Oh, I don’t doubt that one bit.”
Again, it almost feels as if we’re two friends joking with one another. It feels oddly comfortable, and I find myself having to remember just how dangerous he really is.
When we get back to the entrance, I’m relieved to see the opening in the wards is still there. I’m not sure if they’re only meant to keep people out or if they also keep people in. Either way, I’m happy when we’re back on the other side. There’s no sign of the others and I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re already back at the palace, telling the king his theory was wrong.
“You ready?” Ryder asks, looping his arms around me.
“Let’s get out of here.”
Between trying to research how to find the hidden island, attempting to translate my father’s message, and training with Artemus, the next month passes by too quickly. We have just over a month until the attack and although I’m back to my normal weight I still don’t feel totally in shape.
“Come to join us?” Artemus asks when Ryder walks out the back door.
“Actually, I’m here to take over.”
As if Artemus wasn’t already kicking my butt enough.
“Yay…” I respond in an overly sarcastic tone.
“Oh, I guess you don’t want to learn how to conjure a sword then.” Ryder turns around and starts walking back to the house.
“Wait.”
“Yes?” He turns on his heel with his arms crossed.
“Teach me.”
“Please?” he adds with an arrogant smirk.
I let out an annoyed sigh before swallowing my pride. “Please, teach me?”
“See? Now that wasn’t so hard, was it?”
“You’re insufferable.”
“Oh, like you’re not?”
“I’m a delight to be around.” I flip my hair over my shoulder and Ryder shakes his head at me.
“Whatever helps you sleep at night, Princess.”
I glare at him calling me Princess, but he seems pleased with himself.
“Whatdo I do first?”
“Come here.” I walk over to Ryder, and he holds out one of his hands, producing his sword of shadows. “Give me your hand.” He puts his hand over mine and slowly guides it over the blade of the sword. “Do you feel that?”
“It feels like hundreds of needles lightly pricking my skin.”
“That’s energy. It’s my power condensed into an extremely concentrated form.”
