Page 34 of Untraceable
“Yes, can I ask about the mage binders?”
“Oh, that is a funny story. I was a gift to King Amori. The dark elves found me and bound me. So, now I am a personal assistant.”
Amori blinked. “I didn’t know they found you. I thought you were collateral for a loan or something.”
Azila snorted. “No. Miss, grab the rest of your lunch and come on. We will use one of the lounges to make the choices.”
As they started to walk, Amori called out, “I am coming, too.”
Azila spoke in a slightly raised tone. “Wash your hands and bring a plate and napkins.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Amori’s voice followed them.
Heyval had several pies in her hands and said, “Do I need napkins?”
“Nope. You know how to keep yourself tidy.”
Heyval didn’t know if she was allowed to laugh or not. “How were you found?”
“I was face down outside of a mine. The dark elves got a good look at me and decided that domestic service was in my future.”
“And now you run the household of the king.”
“Yes. It is easy enough. For some reason, everyone does as I say.” She chortled.
They entered the lounge, and Azila sat and gestured for Heyval to sit next to her. Azila rattled off her sizes, including the underwear. Heyval nodded and continued to eat.
The images on the screen made Heyval stop. “Those are amazing.”
“Good. I have a line on ten designers in the city. I will make the selections once I pin down your style. Your approval has given me ideas, and now the shopping will commence.”
Her fingers tapped wildly, and Heyval swallowed slowly, wishing for a glass of water.
A glass of water set itself on the table next to her, along with a cup of coffee prepared the way she liked it.
“How did you do that?”
“Magic, miss.”
“You have bonding.”
“It restricts a portion of me.” She chuckled. “Not all. They seem to be losing power as well. I should be free shortly.”
“Free to do what?”
“Leave, take on my actual shape, call my father. Any number of things.”
“Wait. You can’t call your parents?”
“No. It isn’t a phone call; it is a power surge. For that, I need my freedom.” Azila tapped and ordered an astonishing amount of clothing.
“Wow. You could shop professionally.”
“Yes, from what I remember, I was in acquisitions, but the details are foggy. This form isn’t the one I used to make those memories, so it has difficulty with recall.”
Heyval blinked. “Right. Form-lock. You are stuck with the persona and experiences you designed into your shape. I don’t shift shape, but I read that in a spell book.”
“It is common if you are trapped in a form for more than a few days.”
