“Can you make it stronger?” Maeryn asked.
“I don’t know how.”
“Use even more magic,” Raine said. “See if you can make several layers of petals, then weave the vines with roots as well. As densely as you can.”
“Do I even have enough?”
“You have a deeper reserve than even I do,” said Raine, obviously trying not to glance at Maeryn whose eyes hadn’t left him since he cut himself free. “You can do it. Ready?”
This time she made five layers of petals, slammed it shut, and quickly wove vines and roots together, as though it was a tightly knit sweater. It took all of her concentration, but it worked.
Raine fought to cut through, taking him almost twenty seconds. Not a significant amount of time, but enough to stall enemies when necessary.
“Now trap me,” Maeryn said. “I wish to see how quickly my magic can get me out.”
Raine moved to stand beside Ava while Maeryn took his spot. Ava repeated the process, closing a pink flower over Maeryn. Within seconds, she melted through with her lava.
“I will never tire of watching you do that,” Raine said. “Your magic is fascinating.”
“Thank you, captain. I will never tire of watching the princess and Quinn play jokes on you. It’s quite the entertainment.”
They like each other,Luna said as she appeared and rubbed against Ava’s legs.
“Oh, definitely. Raine thinks she might be his soulbond.”
It’s possible.
“You should tell Sabriel to tell Raine that I said he’s being too obvious with how obsessed he is with her. I want to see his reaction.”
That sounds fun.
A few moments later Raine coughed, stumbling over his words in the middle of his conversation with Maeryn. He scowled at Ava. She winked back.
“Fire or lava will destroy your flowers quickly,” Maeryn said to Ava. “But, aside from Deidamia, they do not have that magic. I think this shall work well. How many can you make before you’re drained?”
“I don’t know. This is the most I’ve done.”
“How do you feel?” asked Raine.
“Tired, but not horrible. Not like when we rescued Cas.”
“You’re controlling it better. Make a few more and let's see how long before you have to stop.”
An hour later, exhausted and starving, Ava stood panting before her latest creation.
“Enough with the flowers, love,” Casimir said as he approached from behind and wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing her temple. “You need to eat and rest.”
Ava sighed and leaned into him.
Maeryn studied them closely. “Your love for each other is beautiful. Nice work with the flowers, Your Highness.” She turned to Raine. “You instruct her well.”
Maeryn gave them all a nod and disappeared into camp.
Raine walked up to Casimir and Ava. “Did you hear that? I think that was a compliment.” His eyes narrowed at Ava. “You’re a little shit, by the way.”
Ava smirked. “Plenty more where that came from.”
11
