“So tomorrow? You’ll come, won’t you, cousin?” Her hopeful, wide eyes land on me. I can’t help but answer with a smile.
“I’ll be there.”
I get to my feet and excuse myself, telling them that Zadyn is giving me lessons on how to be a proper courtier. I’m almost to the door when Cece’s voice makes me turn.
“Bring your little lord friend tomorrow,” she says evenly, her green eyes unreadable.
I nod and then immediately try to shut out the intrusive thoughts that pop up following her request.
17
If I thought physical training was hard, then trying to bring forth magic is like pushing a boulder up a hill in ninety-degree heat. My forehead is covered in sweat, and my fists are balled so tightly that my nails nearly puncture my palms.
We sit in the most astonishing three-story library I’ve ever seen. It’s Beauty and the Beast on steroids. A winding spiral staircase sits in the center of the expansive room, leading up to second and third-floor wrap-around balconies. Each level is filled with books from top to bottom. Bright light filters in through the arched windows, revealing a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and blue sky. And then there’s the rolling ladders. I only got to squeeze in a brief fangirl moment before Zadyn put on his serious face and sat me down to get to work.
I heave a frustrated groan, collapsing my upper body onto the reading table. Zadyn places a cool glass of water before me and I nod to him gratefully.
The source of my vexation is me trying to push a coin across a table with my mind. I try and try, and nothing happens.
Earlier, when I closed my eyes, slowed my breath, and sank into my body, as Zadyn directed, I could feel the tiniest thrum of magic stirring beneath my skin. It tingled like tiny pinpricks, but it wasn't painful. That had felt like a breakthrough. We sit here an hour later, and it feels hopeless that I’ll ever be able to do more than just be aware of my magic.
“The fact that you’re exerting yourself like this is a good thing,” Zadyn points out, sliding into the chair opposite me. “It means your body is trying to dip into that untapped well of magic.”
“It’s hard to explain, but it feels like there’s a cap over the magic when I push really hard.” I sigh and lean back in my seat.
“I mean, that makes sense. I know you don’t think that it’s major, but being able to feel your magic is a huge step. Could you feel it yesterday? Last week?” he prods.
“No,” I admit. “But I want to actually do something with it.”
“You will,” he assures me. “Just be patient. We just started.”
I think for a moment.
“You—the fae,” I specify, “have magic, don’t you? You can shift, and I’ve seen you heal me…how are witches any different?”
“Aside from the fact that witches are only female? All witches are part fae, but not all fae are witches. High Fae are typically blessed with one or two affinities, depending on their bloodlines and what region they come from. But they can’t summon magic at will beyond their gods-given gifts the way witches can.”
“So technically, I’m part fae?”
“All witch lineage can be traced back to the goddess Silva and the original fae of Solterre, but since black blood isn't hereditary, the amount of fae in you is probably infinitesimal.”
I grip my hair and groan, suddenly feeling overwhelmed. “There’s so much to learn about this place. I feel like my head is going to explode.”
“Not before your history lesson.” Jace’s voice carries from the door, filling the massive library.
I shake my head, frustrated.
“Twice in one day.” I twist to look at him. “To what do I owe this displeasure?”
He slides smoothly into the seat next to me. “Don’t lie. You know you’re happy to see me.” Zadyn tenses from the other side of the table.
“As if.” I toss my glamoured mermaid hair over my shoulder, the ends smacking him in the face. He swats it away and leans forward.
“How’s the magic coming along?” he asks Zadyn.
“The awareness is there. Now we just have to access and channel it,” Zadyn tells him.
“Some of that blue blood would really come in handy right about now.” I turn to Jace.
