I sigh, and when I realize there’s reason to dwell in my empty room, I head into the hall with Ezra in tow.
“It’s not really about control,” I say to him when I’m sure no one is near enough to hear. “The magic is listening to me. But every time I use it, it feels like I’m tearing something open inside me. And the more I tear, the less I can stitch it back up.”
Ezra nods. “Obviously, neither of us expected that circumstances would arise in which you would have to use your powers to such a degree. And it is a shame that we didn’t take the opportunity earlier in the tour. But at this point, it’s essential to increase the frequency of your magicpractice. But not too much at once.”
“So, start with little ripples before taking on a tsunami.”
He smiles. “Precisely.” He extends his arm as we reach the ground floor, guiding me to the main doors. “I know you want to help Dante. But you need to remember that if you burn yourself out, you won’t be able to help him anymore.”
I nod slowly. “You’re right. Speaking of lessons, Nadya showed me some magic yesterday. She cloaked an apple.”
Ezra lifts his brows. “Did she?”
“She made it vanish for a few seconds. It was completely invisible. For a few seconds, anyway.”
His gaze seems far off. “I’ll speak with her. I don’t know much about sorcery of that kind, but I can’t imagine the training involved would be much different than what we’ve been doing. It’s all about discipline, after all. Mind over matter. Practiced control with boundaries in place.”
“You’ll help her?”
“If she’s willing.” His gaze softens.
I manage a smile. “She’ll like that. Especially if it means showing off.”
As we step outside into the front of the castle, where the carriages are waiting, I spot most of the Hederan court gathered before Queen Verina. She’s speaking openly with King Silas and Queen Eleanor, and Dante is standing silently beside his father.
“I’ve been meaning to ask…” I say to Ezra before we approach the crowd. “What happens after all of this? How do we know what the realms have decided about Dante?”
Ezra straightens, a hand on his chin. “There hasn’t been a case like this in more than a century. Back then, the realms would discuss among themselves, weigh the intent, the worth, the risk. They’d decide and send word by nightfeather. So the king would be the first to know.”
My stomach knots. “So there’s no way of knowing Dante’s fate until we get back to Hedera.”
“I’d say the odds are in Lord Stregasi’s favor, since he’s been passing their tests.” He pauses, glancing at me. “So far, that is. We’ve still gotMersos to visit.”
I take a deep breath, glancing at Dante while I slowly exhale. There’s one more realm to conquer, and I’m already nervous about what trial they have planned for him.
And what it means for me.
A flutter of soft rose skirts appears at the edge of my vision, and I turn to see Nadya approaching, her spell book tucked beneath one arm and a determined glint in her eye.
“There you are,” she says, a little breathless. “Everyone ready to get back on the ship?”
Ezra groans. “I’m not particularly fond of sea voyages, to be honest.”
“Really?” I ask, not having noticed his aversion. “I find them enjoyable.”
“That’s because you’re part pirate,” Nadya jokes, then she bites her lip. I’ve told her about Dante’s little nickname for me, but it isn’t something Ezra would be aware of.
Luckily, Ezra doesn’t seem to pay much attention to the comment.
We go forward and join the crowd in front of the carriages. Queen Verina nods to King Silas and Queen Eleanor, apparently finished speaking with them. Her eyes fall on me, and she tilts her head.
“Princess Celeste,” she says, “may the tides favor your onward journey.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” I dip into a small curtsy.
She turns to Dante, giving him an elegant nod. “Lord Stregasi, it’s been a privilege.” Her tone softens. “You’re an honorable man, and I look forward to witnessing your legacy. You are always welcome here, should you ever wish to return home.”
He inclines his head respectfully. “You’ve been beyond kind, Your Majesty. Truly.”
