Page 36 of The Curse of a Kingdom
Orion’s back tensed over, his stomach churning suddenly as heat settled in his chest. He hadn’t mentioned to Devon that she’d been hurt or the fact that she was able to do magic even while wearing the jewelry. “I will see what I can do.” He forced the words through clenched teeth. “You probably can guess that I was barely able to save you two. It’s a fine balancing game.”
“I have seen you accomplish harder things.” Devon tapped the dirty pages on the table. “This is not easy. Call it a favor for another favor.”
Orion nodded before he left the room.
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
NAVA
Facing the garden, Nava sat on a cold stone as a gentle summer breeze came through the open doors of her room. The walks in the garden had been short and far between; however, she was happy she got to inspect some of the castle grounds while out. It helped her set a goal of where to go if she were to try transferring again.
Not that she was too eager to do so after her last attempt had nearly gotten her killed. Her back was mostly healed by now, but the mental scars were ever-present.
Her fingers tingled as she focused on the way the air felt against her skin, the wrinkle of magic pushing to come out of the curves of her body. Even though the energy inside her was practically begging to be let out, she’d been hesitant to even try.
What if she transferred into the hall again and Fael realized she was able to do magic? Then he might decide to punish her and call for reinforcements, and Arkimedes might not be close enough to save her from the king himself.
She took a deeper breath and closed her eyes. Her hair moved with the wind. The sounds of people working around the castle were almost as loud as nature itself. The power building in the pit of her stomach swelled as she tried to become one with nature, as Ari had told her dozens of times.
Maybe if she quieted the what-ifs, focused, and believed she could do it . . . she could save Arkimedes. Get back to Ari and fight the demons wreaking havoc in the forest.
The magic was there, buzzing beneath the surface. She just had to learn how to tap into it and let it flow, without letting self-doubt drag her under.
She had tried to run when she hadn’t even learned to walk, too preoccupied with what was happening with the Zorren and Arkimedes to focus on her task of learning to transfer, to map the area with her mind and allow her energy to bring her there.
Steadying herself, she emptied her thoughts. Her limbs became lighter, and she focused her attention on the room next door. She wanted to transport herself into the washroom; it was safe and close.
Her stomach became alive with dozens of butterflies lifting, and now it wasn’t only her limbs but her hair that billowed like air. Dust and pollen surrounded her before her body disintegrated, cell by cell, becoming one with the air, and she moved quickly toward the washroom, feeling the hot, humid air of the surrounding bath.
Her body became solid again, and she stumbled on shaky legs as adrenaline pumped rapidly through her limbs.I did it!
Light-headed, she sat on the bathroom floor to prevent falling due to her weakened limbs; a wide smile spread across her lips as her heart doubled in speed.
“Ha!” She pumped her fist up in the air. For the first time in days, she allowed herself to squash her fear and believe she could do it.
* * *
Throughout the day, she transported more times than she could count, taking quick cat naps in between to recuperate her energy, for once happy that no one came to fetch her. The blue sky had warmed to bright orange tones, the highlight burning a trail down the top of the garden hedges and stone paths.
Nava made her way out to the terrace. The sky-blue fabric of her dress billowed in the air, and each small gem that was beaded on the skirt shimmered in the sunlight.
Summer had always been her favorite season, but not this year. She frowned when the hint of burnt wood lingered in the air. She squinted into the forest but couldn’t see smoke in the distance. Still, the pit of dread bubbled in her gut.
The dreams of fire and Aristaeus fighting the demons couldn't be a coincidence. If she could smell something burning nearby, there was a possibility Ari was in that forest, losing a battle that she should be helping with.
The sound of metal-heeled boots over stone floors came from the room next door. The terrace mirrored hers, but the whole time she’d been here, the room had been closed. Arkimedes came into view as he stepped outside. His green eyes met hers, and she noticed them softening as he took her in.
He was far, but even in the distance, the sun brightened his features with light gold tones. He wore armor, she realized, similar to the guards’. The insignia of a dead tree on the chest plates called to her. Silver chain-mail mesh wrapped around his arms and neck like a scarf.
She had seen that tree somewhere before, but where? Her mind couldn’t reach the memory.
Soot stained his face and armor, and his large wings flicked behind his back, the feathers moving with the wind, catching blue highlights. He hesitated but continued toward her, his gaze dropping to her neck, clearly trying to find remnants of her attack.
The skin of her hands became cold and sweaty, and she was back to being a nervous wreck under his scrutiny.
“It’s cold out here,” he said as a greeting when he reached the edge of his balcony and held onto the banister.
“It’s not too bad.” It wasn’t a lie. It was cool, yes, but her body was suffocating with a bothersome heat underneath her skin. The coolness of the approaching evening felt good.
