“Master Argo wasn’t. He was the only one.”
“Ah, Master Disagreeable from the Southern Temple. He doesn’t like the council. He has a particular problem with Vitus. Doesn’t think that someone as powerful as Vitus has any place in an office.”
“It’s not an office, really.” Confusion rolled through me.
With an indulgent smile, Jallina patted my hand. “No, no. Not a literal office. He thinks a mind like Vitus’s should have been trained for the military. For defense. Not politics.”
My eyebrow went up. “Vitus? Political? He has a mouth on him!”
Jallina sighed. “Doesn’t he, though? A dreamy one…”
Gasping, my jaw dropped. “You like him?”
She straightened in the seat. “He’s a very good-looking man.”
“Oh, my gods, you have a crush on Master Vitus!”
She glanced around furtively. “Will you keep it down?”
I wanted to cause trouble. “You know he’s available. He’s not dating anyone that I know of, and he’s not mated.”
Her hands slid over her face. “Oh, I regret this.”
“Want me to set you up?”
“No! Oh, this was a bad idea.”
I patted her hand. “I’ll drop your name at dinner.”
“No, please, no. Don’t.”
Her hand was trembling. I was surprised. She really liked the guy, at least from afar. “Jallina. Jallina, look at me.”
Her eyes were fearful as she brought them up.
“I’m not going to tell him, Jallina. I was teasing. I would never do that to you, you know that.”
With a quick glance at the floor, she gave a mirthless chuckle. “Yes. I know. My obsession with him is unhealthy. I have tried to keep it under wraps. But the man has a body to die for and…” She cleared her throat. “Never mind.”
“It’s okay, Jallina. Your secret is safe with me.”
“I’m sorry. This went sour. We’re supposed to be talking about you taking on the role of leader of S’Kir and ended up talking about my lusting after one of the masters.”
We could go on like this for hours. I bit my tongue and let my laughter settle for a few minutes. The coffee was a critical cover up for that.
Jallina also sipped her coffee and cleared her throat. “So, is anyone allowed to come to this ceremony? I’d like to be there for my friend.”
“Not the sunrise one. There’ll be another in about a week that will be a public announcement and party.”
My hands started shaking. Again. I couldn’t stop them. I was going to be named a master, one of the rulers of S’Kir. A person who was sought out for their wisdom.
Jallina grabbed my hands and tried to still them.
“You’re trembling.”
“I’m terrified.” The confession fell from me.
“What wisdom do I have?Lemon goes well with tea. Willow bark is a good painkiller. Don’t wear black with brown. Steak should be cooked medium. Vinegar is a great deodorizer.”
