‘Ah, of course.’ He echoed, tone amused. He thought about what she had said for a moment, which vexed her. ‘I really would take your suggestion if only one name was added to that list.’
This immediately intrigued her. ‘Who?’ she demanded.
‘I’m not sure you know her,’ he replied, and Bisma furrowed her brows. ‘She’s whip-smart, probably the cleverest person I know, definitely the cleverest in town—second only to me, of course. And beautiful—fierce as the rising sun, lovely as falling snow.’
Bisma scoffed. He was being dramatic, as always. ‘I doubt she even exists,’ she said.
‘Yes, sometimes I do imagine I dreamed her.’ He laughed, a fond expression on his face.
Irritation laced through her.Who was this perfect girl?
Xander straightened from where he was leaning against the table, taking a step forward to dip his head by hers.
‘Here, I’ll give you another hint,’ he said, whispering into her ear. Little electric jolts skipped over her skin. ‘She’s terribly ill-mannered, but I’m growing rather fond of her bad temper.’ He pulled back, looking into her eyes.
With a start, Bisma realized who he was speaking of. Heat flushed through her.
Heart beating unreasonably fast, she looked up at him. Even though he was surely teasing her, she saw his green eyes were genuine, kind. She couldn’t tell if his earnestness was better or worse than his jests.
‘You are so full of shit,’ she scoffed. ‘I amdefinitelycleverer than you.’
He looked surprised for a moment—then he laughed out loud, dispelling the tension.
She laughed, too.
‘Now focus.’ Bisma grabbed his arm. She turned him to face the table, hoping he didn’t notice the color that had undoubtedly risen in her cheeks. ‘Come, I’ll teach you how to grow.’
‘Oh yes!’ he said, delighted. ‘I’ve been waiting for this.’
She brought a fresh pot of soil in front of him.
He made an excited sound, like a child about to receive a toy.
‘What shall we grow?’ he asked, practically bouncing.
She thought she would be irritated by his enthusiasm, but she found she rather liked it. It was nice having someone who was as excited by magic as she.
‘In the beginning, I didn’t know what to do with my magic,’ Bisma explained. ‘I just knew I had it, and when I put my hands in the soil, I could focus and grow something that I needed, based on what I was feeling. So just try to feel and see what comes out.’
His mouth gaped open as he gave her an incredulous look. ‘Those are your instructions?’ he asked. ‘Tofeeland see what happens?’
‘Yes.’
Bisma could see how this would be disconcerting to someone like Xander, with his precise notes and outlines and instructions and plans. But she had never had any of that, and this washerspecialty.
‘But—’ he started. ‘I need more than that—I need details!’
‘That’s all I have,’ she said. ‘Now do as I say!’
‘Have you ever considered being a teacher?’ he asked dryly. ‘It might be an ideal profession for you.’
‘I’ve been following your mixing instructions fastidiously,’ she told him, ‘despite how tedious it’s been, and now you must followmyinstructions.’
‘Alright, alright,’ he said. Taking a deep breath, he put his hands into the soil.
‘Focus,’ she said. ‘Close your eyes andfeel.’
He did as instructed, a wrinkle appearing between his brows as he concentrated. Some time later, he peeked open an eye, looking for results, then sighed.
