Mine to Spell (Mine #2)

by Janeal Falor

  The business Zade was checking into, was that me? If so, at least I’m making things easier for him and not harder, not one more thing to add to his list. Except, it’s as if I am the entire list. One created of my own ineptitude, trying to help and instead making things worse. As anxious as I was for his help, I’m not sure I’m ready to see his response.

  The tension in his jaw lessens enough that it’s still evident even from the corner of the room, though the way he stomps over brings a pit of chaos to my stomach. His long legs make quick work of getting to us, all eyes on him, except for Lukas, who’s leaving some coins on the table.

  Zade doesn’t bother sitting. “Let’s go.”

  If we were at home, I’d tease him about being grumpy, that it’s been too long since he saw Serena even though he saw her yesterday. Instead, the pit of chaos grows into my chest as well, while I hurry to follow him out of the restaurant. Lukas hurries to his side and they lead me through the streets, Zade staying properly forward facing as a warlock should. Not Lukas though, he gives me many backward glances. I’d like to think it means something, that his concern has been proven as true as his connection to Zade. Yet, it’s the type of unwarlock-like behavior that will bring the wrong sort of attention.

  When Zade finally stops at a house, the mass of chaos is skittering frantically searching for something calm. Lukas pulls out a key, but as he unlocks the door, he mixes a spell with it. With his back blocking most of the view, I only catch a flash of bronze and no clear view of what he did.

  He holds the door open and ushers us in. Zade casually looks around, though knowing him it’s anything but casual. He then continues his storming on into the house. I hesitate a moment, remembering his temper, before crossing in. I only hope his temper isn’t in too foul of a mood today.

  Zade is already moving on to another room, which turns out to be a study, and flips on an electric light. When I follow, he grabs me by the shoulders before pulling me into a hug. A tight one that squishes the air from me.

  “You're safe.” His words are strangely shaky.

  “Safe from everything but being squeezed to death,” I gasp out.

  He releases me. “Sorry. We've just been so worried. I've been so worried.”

  “But I'm fine.”

  “Yes, you are.” His eyes narrow and he begins pacing the room. “Sit.”

  Yes, the temper is definitely struggling not to manifest now that he knows I'm not dead or worse. Oh, fabulous. As much as I want to argue with him, there's no sense making Zade’s temper any worse. I really do need his help. I’ve bungled things badly this time. Not just badly, but horrifically. They thought they were sending me off to keep everyone safe, and instead, I’ve brought more danger to us all.

  Lukas hovers in the doorway, watching Zade pace the room. He glances my way, gaze sympathetic, I try to hide all the turmoil roiling inside me.

  “How did Edward come to free you?” Zade finally demands.

  I ignore the stark feelings pounding through me and struggle with what to say. How do I answer? This is Zade. He freed Serena. He has given us all a reason to hope. He’s put his life on the line for us. If I can’t trust him, I might as well hex myself mute for the rest of my life.

  Zade’s jaw flexes, his temper probably struggling with me not responding. I glance at Lukas.

  Zade looks pointedly at him. “Why don’t you take a walk while I talk to Cynthia?”

  Lukas glances at me, as if looking for my permission. Why he would want it is unfathomable. At least with Zade, I know where I stand. I know nothing about Lukas. I nod at him, letting him know I’m fine with Zade’s request.

  “I’ll be back in a while if you need anything,” he says to me and quickly leaves the room.

  Once he’s departed, I open my mouth, but Zade already knows what I want. He casts his salmon-colored, eavesdropping-preventative spell. It’s pretty to look at, but now isn’t the time to be staring at spells.

  As soon as it surrounds us, I forge ahead. “I hexed Edward.”

  To Zade’s credit, he doesn’t look surprised. If anything he looks even more tired. And older. He slumps onto a nearby chair and rubs his forehead.

  “Do you know what will happen if he tells the council?”

  I swallow. “No.”

  “Every single person around you with the exception of me, though they hate me enough to add me to the list, will be spelled to forget you ever existed.”

  Never existed? His words bite, stinging into me as if they’re a hex. No one will remember they care for me? Or that they hate me? I don’t know what I was expecting, but this certainly wasn’t it.

  “After you’re completely forgotten by everyone outside the council, in a secret meeting you’ll be sacrificed to the Grand Chancellor.”

  Horror rips through me. The girl from the tournament, the only sacrifice I’ve ever seen, flashes in my mind. The blank expression on her face as she climbed onto the sacrificial stone. Her silent acceptance as the Grand Chancellor sliced her neck and spelled her blood into him. I realize I’m shaking. I clasp my hands together. “I didn’t know.”

  “This is my fault. If I'd known you’d figured out how to tap into your powers, I would have said something.”

  He bolts to his feet and slams his fist into the wall. I clasp my hands tighter as he studies the dent he made. “I should have said something anyway. Serena’s just so afraid of magic, and none of you seemed interested. Except when you were deciding who to marry, you asked about other countries. I should have known. I shouldn’t have been so caught up in my own problems. And I shouldn’t have hit the wall.” He faces me, his shoulders slumped with defeat. “I’m sorry.”

  It’s difficult to focus on his words; I’m too worried over what will happen to me if they find out. “It will be fine. Edward won’t tell.”

  “You can’t know that.” His gaze cuts into me, exposing my uncertainty.

  “He won’t. He was frightened when I hexed him, even afterward when he was telling the servants he was freeing me, he seemed distressed. None of this will be heard of.”

  Zade collapses into a chair and places his head in both hands.

  “Please don’t worry,” I say, putting more emphasis into it than I feel. “I’ll be fine.”

  Still, he says nothing.

  “He released me. Gave me my ownership like you did to Serena. He doesn’t have any power over me.”

  “That’s something at least.” He leans back in his chair. “Yes, it’s something. As long as he doesn’t tell anyone why he released you, there may be a chance this doesn’t end badly.”

  I hope Edward doesn’t. I hope that my threat was enough to keep him from saying or doing anything. But how can I know for a surety? There’s no guarantee those I love will remember me and that I will not be sacrificed.

  Chapter Seven

  In the silence that follows I’m uncertain what to say or do. I’ve never been in a position like this before. How did Serena feel after she was freed? I wish I would have been there to see her, to see what freedom was like without the worry of the high cost that may accompany it. If I would have escaped to the ballroom just a little earlier, I could have. Yet missing something important, especially something for my sisters, won’t happen again unless I choose it to. I can go where I want. I just don’t have anywhere to go.

  Or perhaps not entirely. The one place I want to be is the last place I should probably go right now. If I go home, I’ll take the extra strain of my freedom with me. If I stay away, maybe I can at least minimize the impact.

  “I don’t think I should return with you. Serena has enough problems. My presence, especially now that I’m freed, is only going to complicate them. If I stay away, perhaps it won’t be as bad.”

  “You’re right.” Some of the strain eases from his face. “But as soon as she finds out you’re free, and not coming home, she’s going to be upset.”

  I’m already upset enough for the both of us. “Will you at least send my love?
And to Waverly and the girls? I miss them.”

  “I will.”

  “There’s one other thing. I hate to ask, but do you know where I can stay until I determine what to do? I don’t want to be a burden, but I’d prefer to not be outside in the rain again, one night was enough.”

  “I’ll figure something out.” He looks at me, really looks at me for the first time since he came to the restaurant. “No one should have to sleep in the rain. I have your clothes. Serena didn’t know if Edward would buy you anything or not, or even if he’d accept them, but she sent them just in case. At least now we won’t have to worry whether or not he’ll allow them.”

  “One good thing at least.”

  “I should have grabbed your trunk first thing when I realized it was you in the restaurant and not some other girl, but the circumstance was distracting. Let me fetch it, and I’ll think about what to do with you. Wait here.”

  He’s out of the room before I can say anything. He’ll think about what to do with me? I clench my teeth.

  Yet my frustration seeps out of me as my limbs realize their heaviness. Exhaustion soaks through me. I just put all my problems on him. What else did I expect, if not help? If I’m truly free, I don’t want to let others manage my problems. I must learn to take control of them. Except, it’s not like I have any money, or any knowledge of what to do next. Perhaps I’ll be stuck the rest of my life depending on Zade for support. That sobering thought swirls in my head as I lean back and close my eyes.

  ***

  “Cynthia.” Someone shakes me awake.

  I blink at Zade’s blurry face until he comes into focus. I must have drifted off. How long was I asleep? I rub my eyes and then sit up in a more dignified manner. Lukas is standing behind Zade. Whether his presence is good or bad, I can’t decide.

  “Your trunk is in the bedroom.” Zade’s words pull me out of my wonderings as he hands me a heavy bag. “This should last you a while. I’ve got to go now. I’m sorry I can’t stay longer. There’s a council meeting I must attend tomorrow, and if I don’t leave now I’ll never make it in time. I’ll return when I can, and I’m sure Serena will send a message.”

  And I believe she will as well, except his tone says, unlike me, he’s not happy. Not happy at all. It’s too late to do anything about it. He’s out the door before I have time to process any of what he said or thank him. That council meeting must be serious. Lukas looks just as wind-blown by Zade’s departure as I feel, staring after him long after he can’t be seen.

  It’s just us now. And I’m certain to look a mess—smeared face paint and my tangled hair. And the smell. Please don’t let me smell foul. Not sure why I care, though. It’s almost as if that girl I pretended to be for years, crazy about boys, is becoming a real part of me. Frightening. The need for sleep must be scrambling me more than I thought.

  “I suppose I should show you to your things,” he finally says.

  “I suppose so.”

  I follow him through the house, hoping it doesn’t take long so I can get cleaned up soon. The hall is tight, crowded in. There are no electric lights, only the light from the candle he’s carrying. Though father’s house had electric lights most of my life, many of the girls at school had never even seen it. Perks of father being on the council, perhaps? Yet Edward had it as well, and he’s not on the council, though he did seem ridiculously wealthy.

  “Whose house is this?”

  He shrugs one shoulder. “It’s for people like us who need a place to stay.”

  “Us?” Hot embarrassment rolls through me. He’s not an owner or a brother. He’s, well I don’t even know who he is. “I can’t stay here with you.”

  “Don’t worry. I’m going somewhere else. At least until the tournament starts and all the hotels are filled.”

  Relief fills me, but it’s tainted with guilt at kicking him out of his house. As we reach a room where I see my trunk resting at the foot of the bed, I realize what he said. The tournament. It’s six weeks away, and I have the status of a warlock.

  I am a warlock.

  Chapter Eight

  All thoughts of going to sleep flee. A warlock! An inkling of an idea so fantastic yet so wildly out of reach tempts me. How can I make it happen? “Are the cupboards stocked?”

  “They are. You shouldn’t have to worry about going hungry or venturing out for something.”

  “Thank you.” Though I’m not grateful for losing my excuse to leave this place, him being here can still be used to some advantage. “Please let me make dinner as a small repayment for your kindness, especially when I was short with you.”

  “You weren’t short.”

  I wave his response away. “Don’t be so amiable. I was. It’s been long enough since lunch that you must be hungry. The least I can do is make you a hot meal.”

  He shifts toward the door, shoulders slumping forward. “I don’t know if I should.”

  “Please, let me. It would make me feel better.” Except for the guilt from using him, but it can’t be helped. “If you’re worried over how long it will take, I can be quick.”

  After another moment of hesitation, he says, “Time isn’t the issue. Don’t you want to get cleaned up?”

  I must smell after all. “If you don’t mind waiting a bit, I can clean up fast and get something made even faster. I’m used to helping my sisters.”

  “I can wait. I have a few things I need to pack up to take with me anyway.”

  “Perfect. We’ll eat shortly then.”

  I hurry to the room, which is now mine, to clean myself up and put on fresh clothes before he changes his mind and leaves, stashing the rolls I snuck early on a dresser. It’s doubtful I’ll have an opportunity such as this again. I dress, again grateful Katherine’s clothing designs allow me to do this myself. Once I’m presentable, I scurry to the kitchen where, to my relief, he’s sitting at the table working on some papers.

  “Do you need help finding anything?” he asks.

  “I can manage.”

  “Well, if there’s something you can’t find, don’t hesitate to ask.”

  After opening the pantry and finding ingredients to make soda biscuits and smoked ham, I ask, “How long have you been in Chardonia?”

  “Two weeks.”

  I measure my flour into a bowl. “How did you become acquainted with Zade? You aren’t from the same country.”

  “No we aren’t, but outside of Chardonia, many countries interact frequently.”

  Which isn’t really an answer to my question. “So you two interacted previously?”

  “Do you need help with anything?”

  “I’m fine. Thank you.” Why is he still deflecting? I haven’t even started the hard questions yet. Besides, I can make biscuits in my sleep. “You and Zade?”

  He twists the pen in his hand. “Let’s just say we have similar interests.”

  What does that mean? “You want to be on the Chardonia council?”

  “Are you kidding me? Those guys are crazy.” He coughs. “I mean, that’s not really my thing.”

  “What is your thing?” The phrase feels odd on my tongue.

  “I’m not sure I’ve entirely figured that out yet.”

  Doubtful. He’s obviously up to something, though the idea is familiar enough. There have been more times than not I’ve thought the same thing. Still, how much more can I get out of him? If I accost him enough on a subject he’s reluctant to speak of, perhaps the questions I truly want answers to will be such a relief, he'd be happy to respond. “How well are you connected with Zade?”

  He shrugs, but doesn’t look me in the eye as he replies, “Well enough.”

  Must be well enough if Zade is comfortable not only leaving me with him but trusting Lukas to continue to stay in my presence. I clear my throat and roll out my dough with perhaps a little too much enthusiasm. “Are you planning on entering the tournament?”

  “I am. That’s what this paperwork is for.”

  So I’ll need paperwor
k. I throw the biscuits in the oven and slice the ham “And that’s why you’re here. Have you been here long enough to know your way around town?”

  “I have.”

  Perfect. I plate the ham and add some fruit. “Perhaps tomorrow you can show me the town.”

  “I don’t know if that's a good idea.” He shifts in his chair. “It’s not a big deal, but Zade told me to keep an eye out for trouble, and this seems like it could lead to trouble. But I think…” He shakes his head. “Why do you want to go?”

  After pulling the soda biscuits from the oven and plating several, I set his plate in front of him. “Just thought it’d be nice to have a better idea of where I am. Especially if trouble comes.” Don’t need to mention the fact that I’m going to go searching for it.

  “I suppose it probably would be best to make sure you know your way around. Will tomorrow morning work?”

  I suppress my real grin for fear it will give away how deeply I feel about this. “It will suffice.”

  ***

  The next morning, I discover a town very different from the one I encountered upon first arriving. At first, I’m still lost, but it doesn’t take long for Lukas to orient me. While showing me how to get to the market, he also points out the quickest ways out of town and the hotel he’s lodging in.

  Once safety is covered, we wander around shops figuring out where to find food and clothes, though it’s probably something I shouldn’t do without Lukas. Even though I’m running toward trouble, I’m not entirely stupid.

  He doesn’t say anything, yet the way he hesitates with everything around the shopping area, constantly checking our surroundings, he doesn’t appear comfortable either. I’ll just try not to need anything. Right. There was plenty of food in the pantry and any clothing needs that come about I’ll order through Katherine anyway.

  “So,” I say casually, trying to bring up what I want. “The tournament. Have you turned in your paperwork?”