Page 15 of Mistress of Hours

No one had ever had this effect on her. She wondered absently if he was doing something to manipulate her, but it was unlikely since his people’s magic had dwindled so significantly. And anyway, she didn’t think that sort of magic had ever been part of their abilities.She only had herself to blame for all her blushing and butterflies.

“We’ve spent nearly a week in each other’s company, and I’membarrassed to say I still don’t know what your particular area of academic interest is.”

He smiled at her slowly before responding. “I study the history of magic. Both the magic of Beitar as well as other areas across Domhan na Rùin.”

His answer was a bit surprising to Evienne; she didn’t know what she had expected, but it wasn’t a magic historian from a nation with no magic left.

“I see. And, if it is not too presumptuous of me to ask, what is the current state of Beitar’s magic?” Evienne didn’t see any real harm in just asking outright. They had to know Ichornians would be curious.

“It is now extinct, I’m afraid. Save for our King’s,” he answered plainly.

Evienne had assumed as much, but his admission still pricked sadness to life in her heart. She let her feelings show on her face as she answered.

“I am sorry for the loss, truly. It’s one no people should suffer.”

“Thank you,” he said quietly. “It is a point of great sorrow for our people that we are unable to shift and experience the other half of our souls. I believe many of the Tuanadair feel the lack of balance deeply.”

“I can only imagine what it would be like to be cut off from my magic. I think I would feel completely disconnected from our world then. Are your people able to tell what sort of shifter they are? Is there any awareness of that part of one’s soul without active magic?”

“In rare cases we can tell without any magic. Many only have a vague sense of their whole soul while they cannot access it,” he replied.

Evienne was taken aback at how open he was being, considering how distant his country had been for the last centuries. She had assumed asking him about it in a crowdedballroom wouldn’t get her far; she wouldn’t have been surprised if they had been required to submit to a magical gag similar to Léhiona’s, but it seemed their King was becoming more lax in his old age.

“Do you know what your animal is?”

Orion’s brows rose at her question, but Evienne held his gaze, not backing down.She panicked internally that perhaps she had pushed him too far with such a question.

“That’s a rather personal question, don’t you think, Evienne?” They sat there, gazes locked, and Evienne’s heart stopped. Orion’s mouth pulled up ever so slightly at the corner, hinting at his amusement. He wasn’t offended, then, just teasing her, as usual.Relief washed over her, and she decided to have a bit of fun.

“You can ask me a personal question in return, if you wish,” Evienne answered, returning Orion’s smirk. “I’m an open book.”

He arched a brow at her, a dimple appearing on his cheek as he smiled. “Then tell me, High Sangviere, why it is I see your cheeks flush every time we speak?”

She felt heat creeping down her neck even now, her eyes widening a bit in surprise at his boldness. She didn’t mind it; she preferred to have things out in the open. But she had never met her match in frankness, and this man was startlingly blunt.

Before Evienne could answer, the sound of music drifted through the hall—the dancing was beginning. During these grand banquets, there was no set meal time. Guests could come and go from their places as they pleased, the dishes on the table continually refreshed throughout the night.

“Would you care to dance with me?” Evienne’s voice came out more breathless than she wished, her question about Orion’s Tuanadair nature conveniently forgotten.

Orion inclined his head before standing in one smooth motion.He offered her his hand, that knowing smile still warming his ethereal face.

Evienne took his hand, his skin cool and smooth under her touch. His hand was easily twice the size of her own, but held her delicately. His thumb casually ran over the back of her hand in a caress that sent a wave of tingles down her spine.

They made their way to the large open space at one end of the hall that had been reserved for dancing, the sound of the string orchestra growing more insistent with their approach. The couples parted as the first song ended, and a lush tune in three-quarter time began to play.

Orion led her to the edge of the dance floor and turned to face her, pulling her body close and resting his other hand on her waist. They stood chest to chest, and she had to tilt her head back to peer up at him.

Sylvain was on the dance floor as well, a beautiful auburn-haired man opposite him. He caught Evienne’s stare and winked at her.

The music started again, and they began to move in a swirling pattern of three steps, turning as they went, moving with the other couples in a great circle. This was one of the few dance patterns that were fairly universal across Domhan na Rùin.

Evienne was painfully aware of every place where her body touched Orion’s. He smelled of cardamom and sandalwood, and his sleek black hair caught the bronzy light of the room. Her fingertips dug into his midnight blue jacket; it was tailored to perfection, double-breasted, and buttoned tight around his narrow waist.

Evienne’s deep purple gown flowed around her legs as they danced, their movements surprisingly natural. She was grateful he wasn’t making her talk and dance at the same time; she wasn’t coordinated enough for that. No, rather than talk, theyonly danced, and his thumb made idle strokes against her waist where he held her.

When the music ended, he kept hold of her hand and led her toward the terrace that was open to the chill night air. They made their way through the crowd and stepped out into the inky dark, finding a spot near the bronze railing.

This terrace had a beautiful view out over Lucinne. Even at night, the mage light streaming from the windows across the city was tinged with color from all of the stained glass. The bronze used so plentifully throughout the city caught the moonlight with a warm reflection, making all the buildings appear as though lit by candlelight.Evienne would never grow tired of this view.

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