Page 40 of Jasmine's Enchanted Genie

“I . . . it’s all right.” She nudged her head toward the door. “I won’t need you this evening. You can leave.”

He bowed; his posture contrite. His eyes landed on the lamp partly hidden under her blankets. They widened, and he swallowed hard. I could tell he itched to dart over to the bed and grab it.

“As you wish, Miss Bains,” he said. “Shall I wake you in the morning?” His fingers twitched at his sides, and I didn’t have to speculate about what he’d do if I wasn’t here with her. He’d bolt toward the lamp.

“I’m sure I can find my way to the dining room, but thank you for your offer,” she said.

He darted from the room, closing the door behind him, and while Jasmine went to her bag and sorted through her belongings, probably to make sure nothing had been damaged or taken, I collected the lamp.

Another twist of my magic and it looked like a book to everyone but us. I placed it on the bedside table. It would hold up under general scrutiny, and only someone with powerful magic would be able to tell it was masked and only if they touched it. I doubted anyone would bother to touch A Village Woman’s Guide to Etiquette. Most would believe it had been left here to give Jasmine instruction on proper behavior.

“He was looking for the lamp,” I said softly while she marveled at the “book.”

She nodded. “Do you think he’s working with Cardia?”

“Perhaps, or maybe he knew about the lamp already but suspected he’d never be able to claim it.”

“Should we hide it where he’ll never find it?”

“Until your last wish is granted, it must either be with you or with your belongings at all times.”

The light in her eyes faded. “I’ll need to make my second wish soon.”

“Before midnight.”

“Then I’ll only have one left.” She shook her head. “I don’t want to make a third wish.”

We knew she’d have to.

“What happens if I don’t do it?” she asked.

“You’ll miss out on a wish, and I’ll still return to the lamp, which will no longer be in your possession.”

“I’ll think of something that will help you.”

I pulled her into my arms. “Make a wish that will ensure you never have to struggle to survive.”

“It won’t matter if you’re not with me.”

“Then think of your sister.” I hated twisting this. Twisting her. But knowing she could have a chance at a better life might make leaving her easier. “Do something that’ll benefit her if you can’t do it for yourself.”

She pinched her eyes shut, and tears shimmered there when she opened them. “I can do that. I’ll think about what’s best.”

I kissed her, wishing with everything in my heart that we had forever.

22

JASMINE

We left my room and skirted past the merriment, aiming for the library where Boshun knew the healer, Geradine, would be reading.

When we entered the room, I swallowed hard and crossed it, pausing beside her. I hated to disturb her when she’d only recently returned to the palace, but my sister needed help—something only this woman could give.

“Yes?” she asked as she placed her finger on the page to mark where she was reading and looked up. “Do you need something?”

The sharpness in her eyes made me want to turn and leave the room as quickly as possible. If I was here for myself, I would. But I’d do anything for Lana.

I quickly explained why we were here and my sister’s symptoms.

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