This is real. This is mine.
Evelyn admired the light for a few more minutes before she began to feel fatigued. She wasn’t used to using her magic this way, and it was like exercising a new muscle. The ball of light faded away and her body relaxed.
“Holy shit!” Evelyn yelled.
There was an immediate knock on her door.
“Your Highness? Are you okay?” Rory asked.
“I’m fine!” Evelyn called out. “Sorry!”
Her attention caught on the small, heart-shaped tattoo on her wrist.
“Holy shit,” she whispered.
How did I do that? The only significant magic I should have is Fire. I can’t create an Auditory illusion like Damien just because I want to. Yet, I can form Energy? That shouldn’t be possible. But I did it!
Evelyn flipped to the front of the book.
Preface:
Channeling Energy is a specialized form of magic, like shapeshifting or controlling the elements. This ability has only been reported among limited fae of the Commonwealth of Lochmatten, but the author cannot claim that the skill wouldbe impossible for fae of other regions. It is the opinion of the author, however, that the use of Energy magic should be monitored by local leadership (Councilors, Kings, Governors, etc.).
Energy magic has the potential to be as destructive as it is advantageous. With enough power in the right hands, Energy can restore a forest after a wildfire, delay death until a Healer arrives, or shield an entire community from an attack. In the wrong hands, Energy may be a blitz upon the land and its people. The author wrote this book with the assumption that the reader will use their magic to save lives, not end them.
32
Appropriate
Evelyn heard a commotion in the hallway just before her bedroom door flew open. She scrambled to her feet from where she had been practicing Energy magic under the window.
“What are you doing on the floor?” Gabrielle scolded. “Silly little girl!”
The dressmaker and her two assistants stormed past the guards. They opened the closet to hang up garment bags and laid accessories on the dresser.
“Lady Gabrielle,” Simon said irritably, “the princess is not taking visitors today.”
“We must prepare for tonight,” Gabrielle argued. “Do you wish Her Highness to attend the king’s funeralnaked?”
Simon turned bright red. “That isnotwhat we’re saying. But you can’t barge into a princess’s room?—”
“It’s okay,” Evelyn interrupted. “Gabrielle is welcome.”
Simon huffed, annoyed on principle. “Very well.”
He and Rory backed out of the room. As soon as the door closed, Gabrielle’s assistants pounced on Evelyn.
“I have a black dress already,” she protested.
Gabrielle tsked. “Nonsense! I’ve seen the polyester mockery the northerners call fashion.”
Rude.
“Carrowmore is in a completely different climate,” Evelyn reminded her. “Here, you don’t have to worry about stayingwarmordry.”
Gabrielle removed Evelyn’s plain black dress from the closet and made a face like it was covered in cat vomit. “You will not embarrass me with this!”
“It’s a normal dress. I don’t need a ballgown for a funeral.”
