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“But you’re looking.”

“Mother has people out there now.”

Asterion looked down at the names on the report. A few days ago, he might have accepted that explanation more easily. “Keep me informed.”

“Of course,” Maldenis said.

Asterion pushed himself out of his chair.

Hektor looked up at him. “Where are you going?”

“To see Korinnae.”

Asterion went straight to Ria’s workshop, where his niece was sitting on the worktable while Ria examined the marks left on her arm.

“It’s healing well.”

“Can’t you use magic to make it go away faster?”

“I could.”

“Then why don’t you?”

“Because you don’t need it. Your body is healing on its own.”

Korinnae studied the marks. “Will I be able to do it?”

Ria began putting away the supplies she’d used. “Do what?”

“Heal myself. When I learn how to use my magic.”

Ria stopped and looked at her. “Maybe. We still don’t know everything you can do yet.”

Her eyes met Asterion’s across the workshop. He still didn’t like the thought of Korinnae learning magic, but that wasn’t going to stop her from having it. He’d tried ignoring the problem once already.

Korinnae looked between them. “Why are you looking at Uncle Asty?”

“Because that’s something the three of us are going to have to figure out,” Ria said.

Korinnae perked up. “Does that mean I get magic lessons?”

“It means we’ll talk about it.”

She groaned. “That’s what adults say when they don’t want to answer.”

Asterion couldn’t help smiling. “You’re learning.”

“Ligaya’s coming today.”

“Aye. You’ve mentioned it.”

“Only twice.”

“Seven times.”

“That isn’t a lot.” Korinnae hopped off the worktable. “And we’re still training later?”

“Aye.”