Page 59 of Of Mischief and Mages

“Katerina at the new bloom feast.” Gwyn held up one finger. “Jovi in Warming, Wandis two weeks after that?—”

“Sisters,” Kage murmured to me, as though I wanted clarification, then faced Gwyn again.

“Zoreen at your origin day celebration, and let us not forget Elga’s third attempt just before Havestia.”

Kage smirked. “Can you blame them?”

I shot my annoyance his direction. “Perhaps you should pursue one of them. I’m certain they’d occupy your time so you would not interrupt ours.”

Gwyn cleared her throat at the same time she muttered, “My friend, but still a prince.”

“Forgive me. I did not mean to offend your tenderfeelings.”

“I take no offense when you speak your mind. In truth, I rather enjoy your sharp words,” Kage said. “And I’m sure I’m about to hear many more. Or did Hakon not deliver the missive.”

“He did. You wish to tutor me?”

“Not entirely. More I have something you might wish to see.” From the back of his belt, Kage removed a tattered book, bound in forest green leather. “Unless you’ve no interest in the official lineage of House Ravenwood and blood mages.”

My fingers twitched at my sides, almost like they yearned to reach up and snatch it out of his hands.

“Kage.” Gwyn touched the cover of the book with a bit of reverence. “Where did you get this?”

“After the flame ceremony, I thought she might have need of it.” His voice deepened, and for the first time his arrogance faltered, like he might be a touch bashful. “I made a deal with Seer Aria, and it arrived from the Sanctuary only this morning.”

“Thank you,” I said, voice a whisper. I held out a hand. “I’m sure I’ll find it helpful.”

Kage recoiled with the book. “I’m afraid you misunderstand. I must remain with the writings. It opens to me. A precautionary spell, I’m afraid. Aria is a high seer and was rather opposed to parting with it. The compromise was I would not part with the book. Hence the reason I shall be overseeing your tutelage today.”

Gwyn stepped away from us, grinning brightly when I shot her a strained look. “Well, I must go.”

“You’re not coming?” I asked, voice strained.

“Oh, no. So much work to be done, and I’d hate for Agatha to take note of my absence. Farewell, My Prince. Lady Adira.”

Gwyn was gone before I could shape a new protest on my tongue.

Like a heavy storm, Kage’s presence overshadowed the corridor. From the top of my head to the soles of my feet, I felt him crowd me from behind. One of his large palms flattened on the wall to the side of me. Those tattoos coating his fingers and knuckles like they were blackrings.

“Join me inside the library.” His breath was hot against the side of my face.

When had he gotten so close? If I adjusted a hairsbreadth, our shoulders would brush. My tongue swiped over the dryness of my bottom lip. “I’m sure with so many princely responsibilities you have more to do than spend time with me.”

He brushed my braid off my shoulder gently. His fingertips grazed my collarbone, sending a trill across my skin. Kage lowered his voice. “I wish to helpyou.”

“Why?”

Kage sighed, dropping his chin, so close his brow nearly touched the back of my head. “Because something tells me I should.” He opened his arm, dark eyes burning with something like need—perhaps, anger. “After you.”

“No, after you.”

“Do you argue everything?”

I grinned a little wickedly. “Only when I sometimes forget the way to the library.”

Kage blinked, then chuckled. “Fine. Follow me then.”

“You know, it would be easier if you weren’t so stubborn, Thief.”

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