She snickered, tearing my former toast in two. “Likely. Well, whatever it is, in all my time at the palace, I’ve never seen you so passionate. Rambling under your breath like that.”
I squinted at her. “I was angry.”
“I’ve never even seen you like that with your fellow... what’s his name? Daniel or something?”
“David.”
“Yes. Did you sneak out to visit your parents?”
“No.”
She shrugged. “It was nice to see you all passionate-like. I wasn’t sure you had it in you before.”
My jaw tightened. “I am plenty passionate.”
“Good.” She mopped up leftover syrup with the last bit of toast. “Keep doing what you’re doing then.”
The bench creaked as I stood and left her snickering behind me.
Silly child.
Inever should’ve given her my toast—it was just inviting strangers’ opinions.
I stormed up the steps, into the palace gardens. My chest heaved with the fresh, summer air.
Duties would have to wait a few moments.
I continued past the flower bushes, the hedges, the visitors who didn’t spare a servant a second glance.
And stopped at the stupid, ever-present pond.
I reached a hand out, closed my eyes, and willed with all my heart to lift the water.
Above my head, into the heavens, I told it.Higher than him and all his pompous airs.
When I opened my eyes, the center of the pond had begun to lift. My chin lifted, excitement fluttering in my chest. I whirled around to see if anyone noticed a mage in their midst.
I paused at a familiar figure watching from a nearby bench.
My shoulders fell.
Prince Thomas sat, his mouth in a straight line, one hand lifted and fingers curled. When I met his gaze, he dropped his arm.
I didn’t have to look behind me to know that the water fell, too.
I had not achieved the skill. I had done nothing.
“I can teach you,” he said, his voice quiet. Its quietness only irked me further.
There was such a commanding air about him. Like he knew I’d eventually obey.
A guard stood behind him, his stare hard.
I returned the glare. “No.”
“See you tonight, Lyranore.”
Was he deaf?
