Page 66 of Queen of Legends and Lies
We move a decent distance away to the uneven, unstable surface of the rock discard pile. Even through my boots, I can feel the sharp edges.
But at least we don’t have to worry about anything catching on fire here. “Let’s try again, with me directing the magic this time.”
Sterling takes my hands, callouses scraping against my own battle-roughened palms.
All our practice has not been for naught.
Our magic surges, mixes, and grows. The icy chill of his and the searing heat of mine swirl into one power.
Not as hot as that fire. Not as cold as the frost. We need to start off with something about half the strength of that frost fire.
I channel the magic, twisting it between my fingers the way I did when I first learned to conjure a fireball. Hopefully, this magic will prove as simple to wield.
A cloud of hot, humid mist streams out from my hands.
Once the vapor’s set free, the mist drapes around us. Within moments, we’re obscured from view. Despite the resemblance to fog, the water vapor isn’t cold.
Sweat prickles my skin as we cautiously approach. Water beads along my leather boots and breeches, soaking into my tunic.
Sterling holds out his hand, wiggling his fingers as if he’s trying to catch the mist. “This is nice. Like the steam from a shower. We may not have something that we can mold into a targeted weapon yet, but we’ll never have to worry about wrinkled clothes or stuffy head colds again.” His smile is goofy as he regards me, wet droplets forming on his thick lashes.
I can’t help but laugh. “It’s working! We’re finally getting it. This won’t burn bones, but it’s a start.”
Elation sings along my nerves. I’m so happy that I momentarily debate offering Nyc a sacrifice in thanks.
That’s when panicked shouts ring out.
“Oh, gods. Did we set something on fire that we can’t see this time?” Sterling pulls back his power, lessening our merged strength.
My head snaps up as four alicorn-riding soldiers on patrol approach. Seeing this strange occurrence has spurred them toward us, their bows raised and aimed at the bizarre steaming apparition slithering across the ground.
To complicate matters even more, these are the new recruits we stationed near the capital so we could properly train them before moving them farther out. The private’s insignias on their tabards are still stiff, and their nervous stances identify them as inexperienced.
Because that’s exactly what we need.
“Wait! Don’t shoot!” I release Sterling’s hands and move away from the heated fog, trying to catch their attention. “I’m your queen.”
The thick veil of mist dissipates just as the closest soldier releases an arrow. It whizzes by my head, too close for comfort.
Narrowing my eyes, I shoot a glare back, flashing my wings. He’s lucky I don’t have my bow. Or throwing knives.
He pales when he sees me and quickly glances toward the others. They’re not willing to help. Instead, they drop their weapons and pull up their mounts, all while attempting to bow from their saddles.
The archer’s Adam’s apple bobs. “Forgive me, Your Highness. We didn’t realize…I never would’ve?—”
I hold up a hand to silence the tawny-haired man who can’t be much older than I am. “Since you’ve managed not to kill either of us, we no longer seem to be in danger. Go about your normal patrol.”
“Yes, Your Highness.” The young man, who’s still high enough that I can’t quite identify him, snaps the reins on his mount, taking back to the sky.
Still riding the adrenaline coursing through my body, I release a heavy sigh. That was a dangerously close encounter.
I spin back toward Sterling and attempt a wry smile. “Apparently, a mysterious moving cloud of steam is quite alarming to people. Perhaps not the most inconspicuous way to travel.”
“I’ll mark it off as a way to sneak through the palace then.” He returns my smile, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “We’ll need to try creating something different. More useful.”
Shaking my arms out, I mentally prepare myself. Surely, things can’t keep going wrong. “Let’s do it. I’m not about to quit now. We’re getting better every time.”
“That’s the spirit. Though I never thought you’d be the one asking for more training.” Sterling calls up his magic and funnels it to me.
