I still planned to go to the throne room, but there was something I wanted to do first.
It was time to test a nullification spell on that ball.
32
Reyla
My heart flipped over.
Would this work? Only one way to find out.
While Faelith nudged Farris into the bathing area, and the gush of water rang out, I settled on the sofa with the silver ball. The metal’s dull gleam caught the light, and I stroked my thumb across its surface. Magic had hidden too many answers inside illusions, but today I felt stubborn enough to wrestle one of those secrets from its clutches. Damn Erisandra for hiding the book with a glamour spell.
I closed my eyes and teased what I now called “nasty” power, taking care not to let it bite me. Lifting the ball, I twisted it in the air. “See the spell on this poor ball? I’d like to break it, and I need your help.” With a subtle snap of my mind’s hand, I caught a bandof the power, drawing it near. “Could you do that for me? Break the spell covering the ball.”
Jerking from my grip, the power spun away from me, sparkling and snapping like tiny bolts of lightning, arcing across the ball’s surface.
Sadly, the ball remained unchanged.
I tried again. And another time. Over and over without a hint of results.
At least I could grab onto the power without it trying to kill me.
Nullification spells could take years to perfect, I reminded myself as I carefully placed the ball on the small table.
I’d try again later.
I spent the rest of the morning in the throne room with Merrick, and today’s supplicants didn’t provide much challenge. We had lunch together, and he went to speak with his advisors about budgets and tithes, subjects I should make myself find interest in. Instead of joining them, I scooted to the library. It was time to collect the gift from the Halendor librarian.
With my guards clustered around me, my ladies left in my room per my request, I strode to the library and inside.
Valera rose from her desk and rushed over to join me. “My queen.” She bowed deeply. “You do me great honor visiting today. Did you come for more books?”
“Not today, though I’m enjoying the ones you’ve sent.”
She beamed. “I’m so happy to hear that. I’ve put a few more aside for you just in case. I’ll have them sent to your room?”
“That would be nice. Thank you.” Moira and Faelith would be happy to see them. They’d read the ones I collected already and had hinted that they’d love to read more.
“Can I do anything else for you today, then?” she asked.
“Do you have any books about magical skills?”
“A few.” She frowned. “Any skills in particular?”
“Nullification. Oh, and shadow magic. Controlling lightning.”
“That sounds quite specific.” She scanned the stacks holding books as if one might gleam to announce it was the right one. Wouldn’t that be nice? “I don’t believe I have anything discussing more than the basics of nullification, I’m afraid. Lord Lorant borrowed the only books with more specific details, but he hasn’t returned them yet. Would you like me to ask him to bring them back immediately so you can read them instead?”
“No, he can keep them.” I was certain he’d shared all the clues already.
“As for shadow magic and using lightning, let me see…” She sucked in a breath and released it, her brow furrowed. “What in particular would you like to know about those skills?”
“Anything, actually.”
“Alright then, follow me.” She guided me to the second story on the right side and all the way to the end, where she stared at a long row of books at her eye level before pulling out a slim volume. “This one might contain some information. I’m afraid we don’t have much. Those skills are more common in the other courts than Evergorne, I’m afraid.”
“Interesting.” I knew of my parentage; there was no lingering doubt. But it was surprising to discover I might have some affinity with the other courts, at least when it came to my magical abilities.
