Page 76 of A Bolt of Magic

“It’s blackbark tea,” Maya says, and there’s something in her tone that makes me look up sharply.

“Blackbark?” I frown, racking my brain. We studied various herbs at school. I have taken blackbark before. “It prevents the quickening of the womb with new life.”

“That is right.” Maya nods. “It prevents pregnancy. You should take it along with you.”

Heat floods my face as understanding dawns. “Maya, I think you’ve misunderstood. Kian and I aren’t…we’re just friends. Good friends. There’s nothing romantic happening between us.” My cheeks grow hotter as I speak.

Maya gives me a look that’s equal parts amused and exasperated. “McColl, you do realize that you’re fooling yourself if you think that’s all there is between you two?”

“I’m not going to argue; we are attracted to one another. We get along well. Could there have been something?” I nod. “Yes, there could have…but we are technically mortal enemies.”

“Just because there is a general feud between fae and witches doesn’t mean—”

“It does. My coven would never accept him. I would be banned from ever returning. The hope is that the kings take back their thrones and take down Snow. When Kian is a king again, his people won’t accept me as their queen, either. I know I’m getting ahead of myself here.” I pull in a deep breath. “But these are things to consider. Important things.” It would seem that I have done more thinking on the matter than I thought.

Maya keeps her eyes trained on me; she seems to understand the need for me to gather my thoughts before continuing.

“I am worried that if we take that next step…” I hold up the bag of tea. “That I will fall for him even more than I already have. That it will hurt more when he leaves. I think it best that we stay friends.” I try to give the pouch back to Maya, but she shakes her head.

“I understand why the two of you have chosen to remain friends. I get it, but even if nothing ever happens between you,”Maya presses on, “it’s better to be prepared. The last thing you want is for something to happen. Then Kian leaves as planned and you find out over the next few moon-cycles that you are with child.”

“That would be a disaster.”

“Exactly. Even if you drink it after the fact and for several days following the coupling, you will avoid conceiving a child.”

I nod. “You’re right.” I widen my eyes. “Not that I plan to let anything happen between us.” I think of how Kian pushed me away. “I know Kian feels the same. I’ll bring the tea along just to be safe.”

I get up and place the pouch in my bag with my clothing. I don’t want Kian to find it. He might know what it is for, and I’d be mortified.

“Did you pack some of the dried fruit?” Maya asks, changing the subject.

Before I can respond, the door opens, and Kian sticks his head around the jamb. “Are you ready? Delphine just landed, and there’s a storm moving in from the east. We should leave soon if we want to stay ahead of it.” He walks inside the cabin. He’s dressed for travel in dark leather pants and a green tunic that brings out his eyes; his traveling pack is slung over one shoulder.

He gives me the once over with an approving eye, and I have to work to stay neutral.

“Breeches suit you.” He smiles, and my chest warms at the compliment. “Much more sensible than a dress for dragon riding and mountain climbing. I’ll be outside. Are you coming to see us off?” he asks Maya.

“I wouldn’t miss it. Let me put Maxwell down.” Maya catches my eye and raises her eyebrows as if to say, ‘See? I told you so.’

“Let me say a quick goodbye to Maxwell,” I say quickly, moving to where Maya is gently settling the now-sleepy baby into his wooden cradle.

Maxwell’s eyes are heavy with milk-drunk contentment, and he makes a soft sound of protest at being moved. But he settles quickly, one tiny fist curled near his cheek.

Too cute for words.

“Goodbye, little prince,” I whisper, touching his soft hair one last time. “Be good for your mom and dad.”

We all step outside into the crisp morning air, where the others are already gathered. Delphine crouches in the field beyond the barn, her massive form both beautiful and intimidating. Her black scales shimmer in the muted light, and her golden highlights remind me of captured fire.

Orion puts an arm around Maya, his free hand resting protectively on her shoulder.

Xander and Thesha approach us, and I’m surprised when Thesha steps forward first.

“I’m sorry we got off on the wrong foot,” she says, her voice softer than I’ve ever heard it. “I feel I owe you an apology. I was wrong about you, and I’m sorry for the way I treated you for no other reason than you being a witch. It was wrong.”

“You don’t need to apologize,” I start to say, but she holds up a hand.

“I did need to. I wanted to before this, but…I…um…you were busy…”

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