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Mehl shrugged. “It’s nearly time for your meeting, isn’t it? I need to consult with Feref on a few matters, myself. If Ria is amenable, we can meet her here when those things are done.”

Toren gave a grudging nod, but Ria nibbled on her lip a moment longer. Then she drew herself up with resolve and met Sir Everot’s gaze. “Thank you. I would love to.”

For the first time in his life, Mehl understood what it meant to watch a previously injured bird spring into flight.

* * *

Before she’d fully processedthe change in plans, Ria found herself trailing Sir Everot through the large room, though the space was made almost cozy with all the towering shelves, tables, and scattered chairs. On the distant end, a pair of young men, perhaps adolescents, sat close, their heads tipped together as though whispering secrets. Talking about her entrance with the kings, most likely. No doubt the gossip would hit the village before dinner.

The cost of my new life, I suppose.

Ria caught a hint of movement out of the corner of her eye, then shook her head at the sight of the guard following at a respectful distance. A bodyguard in the library? The kings sometimes had them even in the palace, but with Tes caught, it felt like too much. But knowing Toren, this was yet another cost. Annoying, but not too much to bear.

Sir Everot stopped at one of the tall bookcases and pointed at the center shelf. “Only take books from this shelf or the one below for now,” he said, his tone firm but kind.

Ria turned her head to read the titles, and her heart seemed to pick up its beat with each one. Were there truly so many theories on alteration and transfiguration? She stifled the urge to grab them all, but based on the archivist’s laugh, the desire must have been obvious.

“Let me select the best starters,” he said.

The archivist truly must have known the books well, for it took him only a moment to grab a pair from the row and start toward one of the tables. Ria wanted to skip after him like a child, but she managed to maintain a stately pace. Although no one here knew she was technically married to the kings, that reality was emblazoned on her heart. She had to do her best to act like it.

Once Sir Everot dismissed himself to return to his own work, she lifted the first book—On the Uses of Alteration—in her hands and simply held it, savoring. Promises of status and power might impress some, but this…this was better than either. She reminded herself that it was not dignified to squeal, but the battle was hard-won. How could it not be?

She’d finally received the keys to unlock herself.

Chapter41

Progress

“Thank you,” Toren said politely to the head of the palace mages. “I appreciate the extra care you are giving this situation. I realize it is no small matter to require such a deep oath of secrecy.”

High Mage Erense inclined her head. “Unfortunately, I cannot guarantee I will find a mage willing to take this on without immense compensation. A magical oath consumes energy, so they will have to possess a deep natural ability to bear that on top of the task itself. The higher the power, the higher the price.”

If only I could donate some of mine,Toren thought sourly. But it was the rare person who could withstand his power, much less channel it. Ria might someday learn how to use his excess energy through their link, but even if she managed that feat in a few days’ time, she was no illusionist. And for this, they needed a powerful illusion, indeed.

“I am willing to pay well, of course,” Toren assured the mage. “So long as it is within normal bounds.”

“Naturally, Your Majesty,” Erense agreed.

The High Mage was an interesting woman, somehow both coldly stern and warmly kind. Because of his own struggles with energy, Toren rarely felt easy around mages, but Erense was one of the better ones. She was too sharp to flatter him and too nice to make him uncomfortable. If anyone could find the best mage for the job, it would be Erense.

He opened his mouth to bid her farewell, but another problem sprang to mind: Ria’s lack of training. “One more thing. Are there any mages specializing in alteration magic here in the palace?”

“Hmm.” Erense tapped her finger against her lower lip. “Yes, but none at the High Mage level. Most possess the skill as something secondary. Do you have a task that requires a full master of the art?”

Did he? Truth be told, Toren had no idea what level was required for teaching. “I must confess ignorance, I fear. It’s for Lady Ria. The duchess is gifted in that skill, but she received no training outside the home. You will have to tell me if any mage here has sufficient ability.”

Erense smiled. “That partially depends on the strength of Lady Ria’s talent, but guidance up to an intermediate level would not go amiss for anyone who is self or family taught. Shall I make inquiries?”

“That would…”

Toren hesitated. Out of habit, he’d almost agreed without a moment’s consideration, but Ria’s earlier words haunted him.Give me time and space to choose something.Wouldn’t he be treating her like a courtier yet again if he made this decision for her? He would give her everything—but only if she wanted it.

“I will speak to Lady Ria about the matter,” he finally said. “I cannot say for certain what she will want to pursue, but if she wishes to seek that kind of training, I will send her to you. I trust that you will grant her an audience even if I cannot be present.”

The mage’s polite smile bloomed into true pleasure, her expression showing no signs of mockery. In an odd sort of way, she seemed almost proud. Was he that dictatorial, then? It seemed he should consider taking more care with everyone.

“Of course, Your Majesty,” Erense replied. “I would be pleased to speak to your lady at her convenience, provided I am not in the middle of another task.”