“Quick reflexes for a young witch.” King Derek glances at his captain approvingly.
Jace nods dutifully. “Her gifts are powerful. Raw.”
“And her control?”
“Working on it,” Jace answers for me.
“Keep it up, Captain. You set out for the island in two weeks’ time.”
“The island?” I ask, glancing between them.
“It’s past time you met your dragon, don’t you think?” Derek quirks an eyebrow at me.
I shake my head stupidly, unable to process the mixture of emotions running through me at that thought. The king starts toward the corridor.
“Oh, sir? I mean, Your Majesty?” I call after him. He waits patiently as I approach.
“What are we going to tell the witnesses about my, uh, episode? The servants and Lady Clemence saw how I destroyed Zadyn’s room. By the way, I’m really sorry about those curtains—they looked expensive.”
“I’ve already taken care of them,” he says dismissively.
My heart sinks.
“You executed them?” I gasp.
He bursts into laughter. “No, of course not. We wiped their memories of the incident. As far as everyone is concerned, you are still Lady Serena Accostia, cousin of the king, no more than High Fae.”
I clutch my chest and sigh in relief.
“Well done, Serena,” the king adds before disappearing into the corridor.
I gape after him.
“The king actually paid me a compliment before you did.” I turn to Jace, stunned. He looks smug.
“Admit it,” I all but skip over to him. “I made you look good in front of the boss.”
“You passed his test today.” Jace holds up his pointer finger. “Don’t get cocky.”
“I think I deserve a treat for my performance today.”
“What else is new,” he mutters as I trail him to the weapons rack.
“Two months ago, I could barely hold a sword, and now I can takeyouon. That’s something to celebrate.”
“And how would you choose to celebrate?”
“A trip.”
“To where?”
I hum, tapping my chin. “I’m thinking Diamond City.”
“Because that worked out so well the last time.”
“This time is different. I have my magic,” I say cheerily, leaning against the rack. “Come on, I’ve never seen the city in the day.”
He levels a look at me. “Ask your guard dog.”
