“Why don’t you start?” he said, lowering his hand out in front of himself to give her the floor.
“If you insist,” she drew breath, her eyes glimmered with some kind of mischief. “I detest the pomp and show of magical abilities, and you love it.”
He inhaled. “That depends.” Gaius arched his brows. “In truth my aunt is a bit much. But someone with real refined abilities can pleasantly employ magic without being gaudy.”
Her eyes tightened for a moment, the gold flecks clearly visible, and when he caught her gaze, she rolled her eyes. It was curious she didn’t put more stake in magic. It had provided him with so much power and influence in the world; had helped him gain almost anything he wanted. They walked another few paces.
“My turn,” said Gaius. “You prefer quiet days, in the comfort of your home, whereas I draw most of my enjoyment out of doors.” He knew he was wrong, based on her walking habits with her sister, and tried again to get her to capitulate by sending his persuasion via his fingertips. This time he focused with more concerted effort, trying to alleviate any adverse mental pressure within her so she felt it was a fine idea.
But almost as soon as he pressed his magic toward her, he felt something push back toward him. She let out a small laugh. “Oh no, sir! I do appreciate quiet, but I much prefer being out of doors.”
It had not worked, not in the slightest. They were nearing the lake. He could feel her arm tense. “My turn,” she said, her voice lowering. “I think it absolutely abominable that you took Blythesome to London. You, however, think yourself brilliant.” Her eyes challenged him, an edge in her voice carefully masked by a bit of playfulness.
She was bold, but then she had always been, ever since their first encounter. “I would not have used such effusive language, but now that you say so...yes.” He cast a sideways glance toward her. “I am sure, if you heard my reasons, you would think my motives compelling.” Not only had she not found him persuasive, she understood him perfectly and used it against him. He had to admit he found her wit and rhetoric captivating. Most young ladies weren’t so smart, nor so articulate.
They were nearly to the group now, and if he waited any longer, he would lose his chance to try his power in full. He ceased walking, her arm dropping off his own, and turned toward her, not letting his eyes wander. He summoned his conviction and power and sent it with his usual persuasiveness and pressure toward her in a full wave.
He waited.
Then a blast of wind, carried on some unseen draft pushed against his face. Miss Cassia pulled herself taller. “I cannot think of you presentinganyreason that would satisfy me.” She said it with a smile, but her brown eyes tightened. They shone with more gold than he’d ever recognized before. She pursed her lips and started toward the picnic, not waiting for him to extend his arm a second time.
* * *
Having left him behind, Cassia made her way quickly to her sister and her more amiable walking partner. “There you are,” said Colonel Caliazo as Cassia settled close to them, “Glad to see Darkwood didn’t swallow you up.”
“He could never,” she said, with a laugh. What did he mean? Shehadfelt something coming from High Mage Darkwood, something almost threatening, for a moment. Something like she had felt before, but this time stronger, with more weight. Maybe it was just a draft of magic coming off the lake? She hadn’t been close to any kind of real magic to know what it might feel like. Perhaps her lack of abilities made her more sensitive to it all. Lieutenant Malum had warned her of Darkwood’s persuasive magic. Maybe that was what she had just witnessed. Although she hadn’t given into him—she had tried to snub him.
“Now that we have all settled,” said the Magess, clapping to draw attention, “you will kindly direct your attention to the lake.”
She lifted her hands toward the lake and a green and blue figure rose out of the water. It was a female, with wildly wavy turquoise hair reaching past her waist. She was the size of a human, in a tunic which tied at the middle and dripped down at an angle from one knee to the opposite ankle. When she pulled out of the water, there wasn’t a splash. Instead the water seemed to roll off of her. The sprite, or nymph, or whatever she was, spun upward, her hair flying out as little bits of water flecked off of her and misted them.
“Oooo!” cried Cidel and Gynelle as they clapped their hands several times.
“Glorious, simply glorious,” echoed Clovis with large nods.
The nymph swirled through the air, like an acrobat, twisting and flipping with perfect grace. Cassia had never viewed something so ethereal. Had she not just walked here, on her own two feet, she could have easily convinced herself of its oneiric nature.
“What do you think?” said Colonel Caliazo, leaning toward Cassia.
She tilted her chin toward him but could not move her eyes from the spectacle. “It is very beautiful.” Another mist then came as the nymph spun again, this time making her final dive into the water with a nearly ripple-less plunge.
“And there you have it,” said the Magess, clearly pleased, “a simple water nymph, though she didn’t seem entirely energetic tonight.” If that was a dull performance, Cassia wanted to see her at her best. “I am sorry if your gowns are slightly damp, but the delicate fabric should dry quickly. Let us enjoy our meal!” Several servants came into view, bringing a full table, chairs, and large silver platters of warm food.
Within minutes they sat at a full dining table, and Cassia found herself somehow next to High Mage Darkwood. Hadn’t she gotten rid of him with her last comment? Why had he chosen that seat? She wanted him to leave her alone for the evening. Reasons for ruining Gynelle’s happiness. Pish!
Not to mention Caliazo’s tan skin and inviting face across the table were much more comfortable. Still, the odious High Mage Darkwood situated himself and adjusted his napkin. As he did so his hand brushed the very edge of her gown near her knee, and the man must have either not realized it, or thought she hadn’t, for his rude manners offered no apology. He ought to be more aware of himself.
The Magess then engaged Gynelle in questions. She asked of their ages, number of sisters, education, if they had any magical abilities, if those abilities had been honed, trained, or showcased before court or heaven forbid a magistrate, and so many other details in such rapid succession Cassia thought they may as well have been on trial and felt the need to defend her sister.
“I am afraid,” Gynelle finally answered, “none of my sisters have any real magical abilities.”
The Magess raised an eyebrow and then sighed. She could not be more clear of her disapproval.
Soon the light from the setting sun began to fade. “We do not want you to be chilled,” cried the Magess, changing moods. “Let us all return to the house for the evening.”
“I do fear my dress is still a bit damp,” said Gynelle toward Cassia. “I hope it does not damage this fabric.”
Cidel left her husband and joined them. “Mine is too, but I am sure it will be fine.” She looped one arm through Gynelle’s as they started walking. “We always return our dresses back to the Magess after coming for dinners and such.” She placed her other arm through Cassia’s as they walked back up the hill. “She has a vast collection. Next time we come it will be something different. It always is. I find it so exciting.”
