Page 49 of House of Embers
“At least the one that I always come to,” she told him. “Whoever isstrongest controls the plane. You can change your attire or surroundings based on your strength.” With a thought, she changed out of the black attire and into a pink ball gown. A second later, Fordham was in the powder-blue suit he’d worn once.
“Really?” he asked, deadpan.
She smirked. “If you’re so strong, bring back your black silk.”
Fordham concentrated, a furrow forming between his brows as he tried to bring his clothes back. But no matter how he tried, not even a flicker of his clothing came through.
“Guess I’m stronger than you,” she said.
He bowed at the waist. “Revel in your domain, my queen.”
She released her grasp on his clothing and let the kingly attire return. “Don’t be afraid,” she told him, then she took his hand and dove off the clouds.
Fordham gasped as they descended. No matter that dragon training had helped his fear of falling, it was still there, buried deep. She could see it in his expression as they left the clouds and floated toward the rocky beach below. She tightened her grip on him and sent a flood of joy down their bond.
Then she pulled up sharp, and they landed with ease on the coast of the ocean. This time when she saw the strange mountain range in the distance, she knew it for what it was—Domara.
“I don’t miss those hills,” Fordham said, straightening his clothes. “Not at all.”
Kerrigan turned in a circle, hoping to see Cleora waiting for them. Not that she had always been there when they’d had assigned times for this, but Kerrigan had still hoped. She’d have done anything to see her right then.
“I guess we were too late,” Fordham said.
Kerrigan sighed. “Well, we tried. I guess we should…”
Another figure materialized out of nothingness. Not the tall, blond figure of Cleora but a brunette in a university uniform.
“Danae!” Kerrigan all but yelled, throwing herself at the girl.
Danae laughed and wrapped her arms around Kerrigan. “Cleora didn’t know if you’d show. She had me on watch duty.”
“How are you here?” Kerrigan demanded.
Danae was the daughter of Constantine Pallas, the king of the conquered country of Andine. They were the last royalty alive, and Danae had been hidden by her father for years because of her sought-after magic—truthtelling. A magic that would make her a slave of the Doma for its power if it was ever discovered. Kerrigan had gotten Cleora to take Danae in at the university after realizing that hiding the power was killing her. But last she checked, the girl didn’t have spirit magic.
“She has a spirit stone,” Danae said with a shrug. “I have no idea how it works, and Cleora talked my ear off about theoretical casting exercises before I tried to use it.”
“Sounds like her.”
“Yes, but I can use it to talk to you until the stone needs a recharge. I’ve been here on and off all night.”
“We’re glad to see you,” Fordham said to her.
Danae flushed and cast her gray eyes down. “It’s…it’s good to see you.”
“Tell us everything,” Kerrigan said. “You’re all right? Cleora? My mother?”
“Yes. We’re fine. Your mother is under house arrest. We haven’t seen her since you left. I’m sorry.”
Kerrigan’s heart dropped. “It’s not your fault. I’m sure she’s okay. She’s the daughter of He Who Reigns. He wouldn’t harm her.”
Danae frowned. “Let’s hope that’s true. How are things in your world? Did you succeed in uniting your people?”
Fordham glanced to Kerrigan. “That’s in the works.”
“Oh,” Danae said. “I thought going back with your magic would fix it.”
“Me too,” Kerrigan said with a sigh.
