Those winter-blue eyes of Zyacus fell to mine. “In an academy that should not exist. A prince and princess of rival kingdoms sitting by a lake together throwing rocks. Who would have thought?”
The way he gazed at me, it warmed my belly and my heart beat harder like the thundering hooves of a galloping horse. “Why does your father worry about Delhoon still? We are allies now.”
He shook his head. “Oh, it’s probably the trash that his father put in his head. That magic-born would one day take over, become the ruling power and then enslave those who couldn’t use magic just like we’d done to them.” His fingers pulled at the chain around his neck and from underneath his collar spilled out a wolf pendant. The silver animal curled around a light blue stone the size of my thumbnail. “Magic stones are incredibly rare. As much as I hate to admit it, if this was ever taken from me, I’d be weak. I hope my father’s fears are unwarranted. You magic-born are the superior beings. I wish I was born with your gifts, Visteal.”
Never once had he ever hinted that I or anyone was superior to him in any way. It was uncharacteristic of him to admit something like that. “Of course that fear is unwarranted. And even if you are not born with magic in your blood it doesn’t make you any less. You are wickedly talented, Tournament Champion.”
He flashed white teeth. “I like that description. Wickedly talented.” He stood and wiped dirt and grass from his pants. Then held a hand out to me. “It’s getting dark. We should go inside.”
I placed my palm in his and with ease he pulled me up. I slid on my boots then we started back. On the walk he told me more about his father and mother. About his siblings and their antics, the ups and downs. I told him of my brothers and how much I loved them despite their constant pestering. He asked about my life, which was much more carefree than his in some ways. My parents made sure I had fun. We’d race horses through fields of fireflies. Soar through the sky on my father’s dragon Cobalt. One of my favorite memories was visiting the beach and swimming in the ocean where my parents were married.
Zyacus and I had more in common than not, with structured days and lessons all growing up, except for I was never hit or punished for not doing magic correctly and he never did dishes or had visions. He asked how many people I’d seen die, then he asked how he could help me.
“I don’t know,” I said softly. “If sending Aric away saves him, then that will help me. If it doesn’t save him...”
He paused and turned to me. With a husky voice, he said, “Then I’ll be there to wipe your tears, if you’ll be there to wipe mine.”
I think that was the moment I realized I wanted him more than I wanted anything.
∞∞∞
When I got to my room I pulled out a book to study for a test the next day. Although Zyacus besieged my thoughts, I hoped I could focus. I lit all the candles in the room and read from Murdocks Magical Mysteries. The test was going to be on how to solve problems with magic. I read the same line five times before I even comprehended what was written. A long night was ahead of me if I had to keep rereading things.
The candle beside me abruptly burned brighter then a small piece of paper folded in half conjured from the flames and floated onto my lap. I peeled it open and the words “I’m sorry” were written in perfect script. No name was attached to the apology but I knew exactly who sent it. I knew his handwriting. I wasn’t sure why he sent an apology, however.
I tapped my toes and before I could even think of what to write back, another paper floated out of the candle. This time he wrote: I should have said it before. I want to take you to the dance. I want you to be my date.
Ugh, I wished my stomach wasn’t flipping with excitement at those simple words. This was a mistake, both of us knew it, and yet I didn’t want to go with Connor. I wanted to go with Zyacus. I’d rather not attend at all then go and see him with her, see him with anyone other than me.
I pulled open my bedside drawer and took out paper and a quill enchanted with endless ink. Brushing the golden feather of it against my cheek, I thought about what to say. After pacing my room for several minutes, I knelt at my bed. I read my note over and over before I sent it, almost tearing it up several times. I thought we both agreed there can’t be anything between us, the words I’d written chanted in my head as I paced, waiting for his response. I picked at my cuticles while my stomach roiled with nerves.
When the paper formed from the flames and fluttered into the air I snatched it with snake striking speed. Maybe we were both wrong.
Breath catching in my chest, I threw the note on my bed and stared at it like it might bite me. I wanted this but everything would change and it scared me.
Another note: Or maybe we should go back to pretending we dislike one another and always wonder what could have been...
Before I could even react, a quiet knock tapped. It was probably Bindy.
When I tugged the door open, I froze. In the low light of the hallway Zyacus stood as stunning as I’d ever seen him with a look of angst and yet hope. He didn’t wait for me to invite him in, he stepped forward knowing I’d step back until we stood in the center of my room toe to toe. “Pretending
