Page 110 of Secrets of Graves and Gold

“I can occasionally make a case with words rather than weapons,” he replies in a wry tone, but his solemn expression doesn’t shift.

“I suspect this would not be one of those times.” For one thing, I doubt he’s ever had to contend with a royal notice for his arrest before. “This is the best way I can help. It’s not as if we have any better options.”

My magic is the only way I have any hope of stopping the scourge sorcerers’ current plans, as far as I can tell. I just need to be smart about it. If I don’t use it any more than I absolutely need to, I can hope my mind stays reasonably steady.

I haven’t had any strange impulses or glimpses of things that aren’t there since we hid ourselves away in the temple last night. Maybe all I needed was a little break from constantly tapping into my power.

And a chance to indulge in my men’s affections. The memory of our joint encounter sends a thrill of lingering heat through me—along with a twinge of guilt.

Casimir could obviously tell something’s bothering me. I did want all of them; I did want to lose myself in pleasure for a little while. But I was also deflecting further questions I’m not totally sure how to answer.

This is a rather daring exploit even for Stavros, Julita remarks. He’d better know what he’s doing. It’s been over a year since he left the army, hasn’t it?

Her uneasy rambling makes my nerves jitter.

“You’re sure that the mirror will be there?” I ask the former general. “And he’ll answer it quickly?”

Stavros nods. “I was stationed out here a couple of times during my former career. For each of the main royal residences outside of the capital, there’s a means to communicate quickly with the royal family from the primary military fortress in the area. If fighting breaks out when they’re in residence, they want a swift means to communicate with the local forces.”

“So you’re going to signal King Konram, and he’ll think it must mean war has broken out.”

Stavros offers me a crooked smile. “Isn’t that essentially what we’re dealing with?”

I guess he has a point. Imagining the battle we could be facing as soon as this evening makes my stomach clench up.

There has been unnervingly little military presence in sight during our ride. Stavros pointed out a couple of smaller forts that we passed at a distance, but I didn’t see much sign of activity around them. Not many soldiers on hand to form a solid defense.

Definitely the strangest part of this experience: wishing there were more soldiers around rather than fewer.

At least for me. As our conversation has been a clear reminder of, Stavros is used to being surrounded by military figures.

I take in his assured poise and the resolve on his handsome face. A deeper pang forms in my chest.

This is the man I’ve fallen for: strong and confident, determined to do what’s right. Looking to defend those who can’t defend themselves.

I admire those qualities, but they could also be what separates us in the end.

“When we had that clash with the patrol on the way here,” I venture, “you said your gift warned you. Has it shown you anything else since your injury?”

Stavros pauses. “Only once, also recently.”

“It might be returning, then. Adapting to the new limitations on your sight. Would you see about getting your old position back if that’s the case?”

I’ve done my best to keep my tone casual, but Stavros’s gaze has turned penetrating when he looks at me. “Gift or not, I’m hardly in a position to lead masses of troops when I can’t see clearly for more than a second at a time. And that’s assuming Konram ever does pardon us.”

I shrug. “I’d imagine your gift could still be useful in some sort of military role. It’s bothered you, not being able to participate at all—being relegated to teaching.”

He can’t deny that fact when he’s told me as much outright.

Stavros exhales in a rush, but he doesn’t argue. “I don’t think any of us can make decisions about what the future might hold beyond the next few days, Ivy. I’d rather focus on making sure all of us have a future.”

His voice softens. “But whatever does happen, I wouldn’t want to go back to exactly the way my life was before. I’m not leaving you behind.”

My cheeks heat. “I wasn’t saying?—”

“I know.” His smile has softened too. “I simply thought I should say that. My life has felt awfully empty for a lot of the past year—but it would also feel empty without you in it keeping me on my toes. I wouldn’t mind being back at the royal college feeding you crescent rolls right now.”

Even as I snort at the remark, my mouth waters at the memory of my favorite pastries.

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