Page 49 of Kiss of Fire

“Sort of. Something bad happened and everyone thought I’d done it.” A wave of guilt and shame washed over her. “I spent ten years arguing I was innocent but I found out recently they were right. Ididdo it. And I won’t ever forgive myself.”

There was a long silence. Then Tor spoke quietly.

“What did Lord Shadeed mean when he said a week wasn’t enough time?”

Raya stared straight ahead, not knowing how to answer.

“He just wants me to rest properly, I think.”

“Are you having trouble controlling your power?”

She felt a flutter of panic. Tor seemed nice but he still worked for the Vulcani.

“Of course not. Everything’s fine.”

“Only, sometimes when our minds are tired and confused, our bodies don’t do as they’re told. I imagine it’s overwhelming, being brought into a world you know nothing about.” He shrugged casually. “If you want, I could take a look at your aura and maybe smooth out any rough edges.”

Raya glanced at Tor but he kept his gaze steadfastly on the road ahead. She felt a rush of gratitude. He was giving her a reasonable excuse for why her powers were dormant and offering to fix it.

Shade wouldn’t like it. But Shade didn’t need to know.

“That… that would be great.”

“No problem. Perhaps tomorrow? After I’ve made a list of requisitions for the kitchen?”

“Thank you. I mean it, thank you so much. Honestly, I could kiss you.”

Tor ducked his head, a little pink about the ears, and Raya realised he was blushing.

“How about a gallop?” he asked abruptly, changing the subject. Without waiting for an answer, he spurred the bay forward and Martha followed.

Raya gathered the reins and leaned forward as she’d been taught to do all those years ago. She held tight, terrified she’d fall off.

But the mare’s stride was smooth and balanced, and Raya found galloping was no effort at all. By the time she’d caught up with Tor, she was grinning from ear to ear. Any awkwardness was forgotten.

“That was brilliant.” She laughed, breathless, and patted Martha’s neck. “I’d forgotten how amazing it is to ride. I wonder if Shade has any horses?”

“Lord Shadeed? I think he prefers flying.”

“I suppose. And flying is amazing too. But there’s something about being on a horse.”

“Aye, there is.” He paused, then asked casually, “So you’re betrothed to Lord Shadeed? That’s quite a coup.”

“What do you mean?”

“Many ladies have tried. Many have won his affection, but not for long. And never long enough to take his name. He must think a lot of you.”

Many?She frowned. How many, exactly?

Tor mistook her silence for offense.

“Apologies, Raya. I didn’t mean to speak flippantly about your intended. I just meant, you must be very special to him.”

Yeah, right.

“Tell me more about Nush’aldaam. It seems like a fairy tale. Everyone has such amazing abilities.”

“Does magic not exist in your world, then?”

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