“Yes,” Lord Stuart said.
Leo inhaled deeply. Gold light flowed out of Lord Stuart’s arm and into Leo’s shoulder. The sound of chimes circled the ballroom like a song. Evelyn was surprised to be able to hear it.
But this isn’t an illusion. It’s pure magic.
Leo let out his breath. The light and chimes faded away.
“Lord Robert Barbeau of the Taste Court. Will you freely share your magic with your king?” Lord Nicolas asked.
“Yes,” Lord Robert said in his gruff voice.
Leo breathed in again. This time, green light flowed into him. Evelyn could taste the flavor of an apple. Leo released his breath and it went away.
“Lord Grégory of the Aromatic Court. Will you freely share your magic with your king?” Lord Nicolas asked.
“Yes,” Lord Grégory agreed.
Leo’s breath was followed by red light and the scent of roses. He wrinkled his nose and exhaled.
“Thank you, lords of the Kingdom of Gryon, for your faith in me,” Leo recited.
The three lords removed their hands from Leo, then stepped back and bowed to him.
“Use your magic well, King Alexander,” Lord Nicolas said, ending the ceremony.
Hannah rushed over to Leo. “That was amazing! I saw my father gain magic, but the ceremony is so different with illusions instead of elements.”
“No shit,” Damien whispered. “It’s almost like they’re completely different kinds of magic.”
Evelyn snorted, but Leo smiled at Hannah.
“Will you tell me what it’s like in Carrowmore?” he asked, gesturing toward the patio.
“Of course!” Hannah beamed.
They left and Evelyn’s heart sank. “Did I miss something?”
Why is he wandering off with Hannah like he wasn’t kissing me ten minutes ago?
“He’s being nice,” Damien replied. But he was distracted, keeping an eye on his father.
“You stink of wine,” Evelyn said.
“And you smell like Leo.”
She blushed and scowled at Damien.
“I never get to see you happy,” he complained.
“What are you talking about?”
“I get Angry Evelyn, Crying Evelyn, Scared Evelyn, Jealous Evelyn. Leo is the one who sees Happy Evelyn.”
“It’s not like I planned any of this.”
“I should hope not.”
“Are you upset with me?” she asked.
