Page 59 of Tides of Shadows

“Do they often argue?” I asked.

“More and more,” she said in a matter-of-fact voice. “Aidenar used to be the perfect boy. No one could bear the praise heaped on the heir. It made one wish to puke.” She made an exaggerated gesture with her hand and mouth, as if she were about to vomit. I burst out laughing. “But now he begins to stand his ground, and here we are. Shouting in the palace halls. The strangest part is that his revels and his women never troubled her. Only when he claimed a mind of his own did she take offense.”

“Should a young lady like you be expressing herself that way?” I asked, lifting my brows and faking outrage.

Sofia scoffed. “I may be fourteen, but I am not stupid. Besides, should the Lady who broke young Dorthal’s nose lecture anyone on manners?”

I laughed outright, remembering the occasion.

“Speaking of which,” Sofia went on without ceremony, “how’s your husband hunt going? You’re not getting any younger.”

“I beg your pardon?” I stared at her in disbelief.

“Oh, do not pretend. What are you, nineteen, twenty?”

“Twenty-one,” I said, lifting my chin.

“There, the same as Aidenar. High time. I don’t know how it is upon your islands, but here in White City you will soon be a spinster.”

I couldn’t tell if she was insulting me or joking, but her honesty amused me. It had been a long time since I spoke with someone so direct.

“And you? Have you set your eye on anyone?” I returned the question.

“Me? Spare me. Aidenar is firstborn, so my mother tears her hair over him. I told her I would sooner strangle a suitor with a pillow than be led to a market like cattle. So I have some peace for now.”

My eyes widened at her brazen words.

Sofia smiled, all mischief. “Speaking of my immature brother. He likes you.”

My heart gave a queer hitch, as if it had struck too hard.

“What do you mean?”

“I see how he looks at you. I feel how the two of you are drawn to each other.”

I almost tumbled from the bench.

“I don’t believe it. He looks like that at any woman he sees.” I said, lifting a shoulder. “I simply help him. He has no other choice.”

“That much is true, but I feel how your powers pull at one another, and that is no accident.”

I gave her a puzzled look.

“I have always felt the elements,” she said. “In people, in stones. The world is a kind of net. The moment you entered the palace, I knew you were born with magic. You were like a wellspring in the desert. Who do you think whispered to my brother that you bore power?”

I blinked. “You?”

“Of course. He is not the sharpest.” I laughed at that.

“Speak of the devil,” Sofia said, tipping her head toward Aidenar, who was striding our way. “I leave you to it. Only… do not break his heart. He is my brother, after all.”

With that, she skipped away like an innocent child, slipping into the alleys as she passed a very perplexed Aidenar.

I sat still, unsettled and bemused by our talk.

“What did Sofia want?” Aidenar asked, suspicious, his eyes narrowed. “I hope she didn’t talk too much nonsense. She can be very straightforward.”

“She merely kept me company,” I said, still turning her words over in my mind. “Though I admit, she is rather direct.”