As I worked, familiar voices reached me. Zitora’s office was nearby. Her murmur reminded me of the time I had fallen asleep while she lectured me on diplomatic negotiations. I inched closer. Skippy waited for me in the lobby downstairs.

A man’s garbled voice answered her. I put the books down and scooted next to the doorknob. The conversation continued without interruption. She had to know I crouched outside her door. No one could sneak up on a Master Magician.

Perhaps she didn’t care. Or she felt the topic of their discussion was safe for me to overhear. Perhaps she wanted me to listen. Yeah, right. I guess if I convinced myself she wanted me to eavesdrop, it would make me a better person than Skippy.

I collected my books and stood. Pathetic. I wouldn’t stoop to underhanded spying.

“……Ulrick…convinced her…Devlen…poor girl,” Zitora’s muffled voice said. “She could use…understanding…”

I couldn’t move. She talked about me. Even muffled, her words still stabbed me.

“…do all…I can…help,” was the reply.

I recognized the man’s voice and staggered. My stack of books tipped over as I tried to catch my balance. They crashed to the hard tile floor as I slipped and fell. Together we caused a smashing sound to echo down the empty hallway. Loud enough to draw Zitora and her visitor from her office.

12

AT THAT INSTANT, I WISHED I COULD TURN GRAY AND MELT INTO the grout on the floor. But no such luck. Zitora and Kade peered down at me. She showed no surprise. Kade, on the other hand, lit up as if I was an unexpected gift.

He knelt next to me and gathered me in his arms. “Are you all right?”

I pushed him away. I hadn’t seen him in three months and the first thing he did was go to Zitora’s office.

“Don’t let me interrupt your important meeting with Master Cowan,” I said. I stood and wiped imaginary dirt off my pants. Stacking the books, I hefted them in my arms.

“We were just finishing,” Zitora said. “I’ll leave you two alone.”

“That’s what you do best,” I said, “leave.”

“Opal,” she warned.

“What? Are you going to punish me for my insolence? I hope you’re creative about it. As far as bad things, there’s not much left that I haven’t already endured.”

She exchanged a glance with Kade. One of those see-what-I-mean type of looks, before retreating to her office.

I continued down the hall without bothering to see if Kade followed or not. Bad enough he stopped to see her first, but to fall for her lies about Ulrick…

Kade fell into step beside me. “Did it ever occur to you I was on my way to see you in Master Bloodgood’s office when Zitora stopped me?”

I slowed.

“I thought not.”

“But she was telling you about Ulrick and—”

He squeezed my arm. “Yes, I know all about it. Yelena told me in Ixia.”

I had forgotten she went to the Commander’s Castle. She believed me and Kade knew the true story.

I stopped. “I’m sorry.”

Even in the flickering lantern light, Kade’s brown hair shone with yellow, gold and red highlights. His hair had grown past his shoulders. The ends curled slightly.

He cupped my face in his hands. “You’re forgiven.”

Pulling me toward him, he kissed me. The books in my arms prevented us from doing more.

“Here, let me help.” Kade grabbed a handful of texts.

When we reached the lobby, Skippy trailed us. Kade stiffened.

“He’s my babysitter,” I explained.

“At least you’re not in a cell.”

“True. And I’m not surrounded by a null shield.”

The details of my negotiations made him laugh. “I guess Yelena didn’t tell me everything.” He gave me a pointed stare. “You’ve changed. We’ll have to catch up back in your quarters.”

No eavesdroppers there, but Skippy or one of his pals would be hanging around. However, once we arrived at the door to my rooms, Kade turned to Skippy and told him to go home.

“I’ll keep Opal safe tonight,” Kade said.

“I have my orders.” Skippy crossed his arms. “Unless you’re a Councilor or a Master Magician, I’m in charge.”

“Skippy’s a powerful magician,” I said.

“Really?” Kade acted impressed. “Can he block a force-eight gale?”

“I’m sure he can. Show him, Skippy.” I gestured.

“My name is Hale. Stop calling me Skippy or I’ll have you arrested. Would you rather spend the night in the Keep’s cells instead of your boyfriend’s arms?”

“You’re bluffing,” I said.

“Try me.”

“Skippy can only have me arrested if I use my glass magic.”

The magician kept his temper, but he must have pulled power because Kade responded with a restless breeze.

“I’m staying,” Skippy said.

Kade touched my arm, cutting off my reply. “Fine. But you can watch the door from over there.” He pointed across the courtyard.

A whoosh of air hit Skippy, pushing him backward. His clothes flapped and dirt swirled around as he fought against the narrow wind. The nearby trees and bushes hardly moved. The wind forced him to the spot Kade had indicated and died. When Skippy tried to walk closer, the blast hit him again. He glowered at us, but stayed put.