“My clothes disintegrate.”
I couldn’t help the slow grin that crept onto my face. “In that case, I’m definitely not moving away.”
Evie cracked a laugh and closed her eyes.
Chapter
Six
Ibegan with a slow and even trickle of magic, gently breaking open the frozen ground to send my power spiraling through the earth. Rowan’s comforting presence by my side made me feel safe, and I sank deeper, the first trickle of relief shivering down my spine.
Being on Rowan’s land was wonderful, but my power itched to heal and claim. If I stayed on his property too long, his land would begin to change. At first, he might not mind, but he was a Lord, tied to his territory just the same as I was to mine. Having a Floromancer around might be great for the health of his plants, but Rowan had power similar to mine. His plants were already glossy and green inside his greenhouse.
Eventually, my Floromancy would itch to claim his land, just like what had happened on Caelan’s land, and Donovan’s land.
“I can hear your brain working overtime,” Rowan murmured. “Everything okay?”
“Everything is fine. Mulling over some things about my power.”
Rowan huffed a laugh. “You’re worried about being on Keep land, aren’t you?”
I cracked an eye open and looked at him. “Are you psychic or something?”
He laughed. “I can feel your magic. You’re holding back because you’re worried about claiming my land.”
I gaped at him. “How could you possibly know that?”
“Donovan’s land belongs to you now. A small part of Caelan’s land answers to you, does it not?”
“I plan to give that back to him,” I grumbled.
He inclined his head. “Then if you inadvertently claim mine, you can give it back to me as well.”
I sighed. “I can’t help it, you know. It’s not something I do on purpose.”
“I know,” Rowan said. “You assume I am like Caelan or Donovan, but I am tied to my land the same way you are tied to yours. I can feel your magic, Evie. You’re holding almost everything back. We’re close enough to the border for you to let go of everything.”
“And if I soak your land with too much power?”
He laughed softly. “You won’t.”
I frowned. “Why are you always so sure of everything? It’s kind of annoying.”
He scooted closer and reached for my hand. “Trust me, you grumpy little thing. Let go, Evie.”
His touch was warm and comforting, the gentle hum of his power sliding over my palm. I closed my eyes and let out a long breath, allowing more power to slide from my skin. Siphoning would be easier if it wasn’t so fucking cold outside, but having bare legs or arms right now seemed insane. Everywhere I touched the earth, I could release power from, but not when I was wearing clothes. Maybe I could bring a tent next time?—
“Evie,” Rowan grumbled. “Still your mind.”
He was right. I sighed and went deeper. Something warm fell over my shoulders. A blanket. Rowan moved closer, histhigh pressing against mine. Gentle hands tugged my hat lower around my ears.
“Fussy nursemaid,” I murmured.
“You’re shivering.”
I was. The blanket helped, but the cold was starting to seep through my clothing. “Because it’s freezing.”
Rowan dropped my hand and moved. I kept my eyes closed, trying to concentrate and doing a crap job of it, when warm arms wrapped around my waist, and Rowan pulled me back against his chest, his legs on either side of mine.
