I frowned, uncertain again whether it was a compliment or a warning. “Most people appreciate it. Makes me look trustworthy.”
“Most people aren’t surrounded by magisters who wield words like fire arrows and emotions like kindling.”
He was right, but the fact that he knew—that he saw it—made my stomach twist.
“Well, maybe I’m not fit for this place,” I said, forcing levity. “But Bram picked me, so you’re stuck with me.”
Something softened in his expression. “I never said it was a bad thing.”
“Could’ve fooled me.”
He tilted his head, studying me. “Sud. Is that where you get that attitude from?”
How dare he… I opened my mouth wide, perhaps a touch theatrical.
“I am proud of my attitude!”
He chuckled. “I can see that. But careful, Magister…” His eyes pierced right through me, pinning me in place. “One day, it will get you in trouble.”
“Maybe I like trouble,Magister,” I said before I could stop myself, stressing the wordMagisterwith a hint of mockery I didn’t know I had in me.
That earned me a slow smirk. I didn’t know why, but it felt as though I’d stepped into a duel of wits with Kael Forloren. One I could never win.
“Don’t ask for what you can’t handle,” he said, his voice low, threaded with warning.
“And where doyouget that attitude from?” I shot back, emboldened by too much wine and too little sense. “Let me guess. Hm, thatsmug expression on your face… Bretannia? That would explain a lot.”
The words fell like stones, and remorse hit me a second too late.
Gods, had I just sounded like an arrogant cow? I hadn’t meant it that way.
IftheCourt Wizard already didn’t like me, I’d just handed him a reason to.
I couldn’t play anymore. My bravado crumbled. I dropped my face into my arms on the table and groaned. “Ah, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. The wine’s gone to my head.”
Stupid Evie. I was making such a fool of myself.
Selena’s words caught up to me.Adjustments…I was sure there and then that I wouldn’t be Magister Corvo by the end of the month.
Silence. Not a sound from him. Had I pushed too far? Was he gone?
I dared a glance. He was still there, watching me.
I stayed as I was, arms crossed on the table like a child in shame.
“Giving up already?” His voice broke the silence clean in two, deep and teasing.
“No!” I said too loudly, snapping upright so fast the chair protested beneath me.
Evie, you’re drunk. Stop. Leave before he annihilates you.
Alright, maybe not annihilate, but still.
I pushed back my chair to stand… or rather tried to.
My foot caught in my robe. My hands reached for something—anything—to steady me, but found only air. I would have stumbled over if not for the sudden heat around my waist.
An arm caught me. His arm.
