Page 19 of Wicked Prince of Mirrors
“I need you, your magic.”
My nostrils flared in surprise. “Me? There’s nothing special about me,” I sputtered.
“That’s where you’re wrong, princess. How long have we traveled together, and you’ve never even attempted to know me, to ask? All you’ve done is judge from a distance, using assumptions about who you think I am instead of asking me for truth. Your understanding of this world is skewed by the war on magic, the limitations of life in the palace, and a legend about a wicked prince. There is much more to the world than what you’ve been taught and the rumors you’ve heard.”
I bristled, the truth of his words stinging. “I’m not naive,” I countered. “I’ve heard there is a group of people, loyal to you, who live in hiding, waiting for your return. I’ve heard that the monsters beyond the Boundary are terrible, fire breathing beasts, but I’ve also heard they can be tamed. But the person who made that claim was put to death for treason. I’ve heard that myfather isn’t the rightful king, and a group of rebels want to steal power from him. I’m not as innocent as you believe.”
A rough laugh came from his throat, his next words bitter. “And I’m not nearly as wicked as you were taught to believe, Princess.”
I glared at him and he glared right back, danger smoking behind those luminous eyes.
His chest moved up and down, finally he leaped to his feet and turned his back on me. “Must you tempt me?”
Pressing his fist against the stone, he leaned his head on it as though suddenly weary. Was it my doing, my words that undid him? I let my anger cool, my frustration ebb until I recognized it for what it was, loneliness and fear.
“Perhaps we can start over,” I offered. “Without assumptions. We both have Mirror Magic, and we are on our way to find the sorcerer who cursed you.”
“The sorcerer did not curse me, but he will help us,” Methrin countered, tone cold, remote.
My tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth at my misstep. My temper rose, wanting to lash out, to let him know I was attempting to correct my wrongs. Instead, I asked another question. “What about you and me?”
“What about us?”
My frustration rose again. He wasn’t even trying. I wanted to ask what his purpose was, whether he intended to take back the throne, what, specifically, he wanted with my magic, and why we needed the sorcerer’s help. Yet he intimidated me with his silence, hisunfriendliness and, if I were being honest, his otherworldly beauty. Instead, I asked the real question that lingered. “How will we survive in a world that is against us?”
Methrin unfolded his arms and turned back to me, coming uncomfortably close, he kneeled in front of me. The intensity of his violet eyes captured mine as he searched my face.
“Finally, a question worth answering,” he murmured, almost to himself. “Princess, there is one truth in the stories you were told about me. They were right to fear my return, for I come to bring about change so vast the kingdom will not recognize itself. And you will be at my side.”
Unease held me captive to his gaze. So hehadcome to reclaim his kingdom. “Then you will teach me Mirror Magic?”
His fingers traced down my arm to my wrist. Picking up my hand, he turned it palm up, cupping it with his. “Do you know how powerful you might become? Do you know you might rival worlds?”
My lips parted, a breath escaped and my entire body tingled as his fingers traced the lines on my palm.
“First lesson is knowledge,” he began. “Using magic requires an exchange. For some it is youth, others it is health, energy, strength, sometimes even blood. It is a sacrifice and it leaves a trace. The Venators drew your blood, because the blood of those with magic runs silver when exposed to the air. Those who have the scent can smell it, I suspect that’s how the Venators find their prey.”
He released me but stayed close.
I opened and closed my fist, my skin still aglow from his touch.
Methrin continued. “I suspect the Venators were hunting the beast that attacked us, and, unfortunately, they found you. Your emotions make your hands glow. You must learn how to control them. Quiet your mind, find the traces of magic within, understand how they differ from who you are and control them. Once you understand the difference, then we will move to the second lesson, knowing what you must give in order to use magic.”
“You used Mirror Magic to find me? Didn’t you?”
“Yes.”
“But you were far away, won’t the same magic help us travel faster?”
His eyebrows lifted. “A fair question. Mirror Magic needs an anchor. When I flung my magic, you were the destination. I don’t know where the sorcerer is, nor can I sense his magic, for, being a sorcerer, it’s likely he warded himself against unpleasant surprises.”
“Will I be able to do the same as I learn Mirror Magic?”
Methrin backed away, shrouding himself with his cloak. “You will and much more. But I do not trust you yet.”
8
ESMIRA
