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“It’s good to see you here, Nikolay.” Filip smiled, then turned to face Adelina. “He’s the leader of the Temauten Congregation—perhaps you’ve seen him on broadsheets at your hometown?”

She nodded. “I believe so.”

Filip returned his gaze to Nikolay. “When the wielders of astral and nether magic are together, no other form of magic can challenge it. Adelina and I will use our powers to oppose any threats that may rise up against the republic. Astral magic is sun magic—Adelina will have the ability to help plants and vegetation grow in even in the most stubborn terrain. She will be able to wield sunlight itself, which in essence, is fire. ”

“Which could wreak havoc across the countries.” Nikolay frowned.

“So could nether,” Filip said coolly. “As you are aware, I have the ability to cast a never-ending night over the realm of Kirromund, if I so pleased. However, my desire is not to destroy our countries, but to create a greater one.”

“Haven’t you claimed you are both stronger together?” Nikolay said. “Surely, this means you are more than capable of destruction.”

“Pardon me, Nikolay, but what has brought on your doubt?” Filip said. “You have been a trusted benefactor of my cause for the last ten years. If you’d any doubt in your mind we were going to set the countries on fire or cast them into eternal darkness, you wouldn’t continue funding our mission.”

“As you said, it has taken you ten years. Now Adelina is here...well, it is all very real.” He smiled, although Adelina couldn’t be sure it was genuine.

“I assure you—I have no intention of bringing ill-will to anyone in any country,” she said, then glanced to the balcony at Salma, who offered an encouraging nod.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Adelina.” A woman rose.

“My name is Olga—I’m the leader of the Saintlandsther Congregation.

Despite the concerns Nikolay has raised, I believe your abilities will be welcomed amongst the people in Saintlandsther.

The country is in recession, crops struggle to grow and thrive in the polluted soil, and our resources are low because of it.

There isn’t enough food to feed so many mouths. ”

“It would be an honour to help restore your lands,” Adelina said. “As soon as I’ve completed my training, of course.”

“As interim President of the Republic, I promise your country will not go hungry again,” Filip said—his tone full of conviction.

“Trades can be set up between the villages, and our magic will prevent harm to our country. You also have your assigned sorcerer, who will ensure you day-to-day protection.”

Adelina scanned the crowd, wondering who their sorcerers might be. They wore nothing that set them out from the rest.

“I have a question for you, Adelina,” Olga asked. “Did you receive any signs you possessed astral magic before the test?”

“I did.” Adelina arched a brow. “Vividly. There was an altar and a crow...I woke up with the sun mark on my shoulder.”

Murmurs filled the room. Even Filip cast her a sideways glance. Neither of these came as a surprise to Adelina—she hadn’t told anyone other than her mother and Damir about the dream.

“The sun mark is as old as time,” Filip said, stifling the stirring crowd. “Proof of her magical abilities. We will not fail you.”

Questions erupted, people demanding to know more, but Filip quickly escorted Adelina out of the room.

“What’s wrong?” She glanced over her shoulder at the people left behind.

“Nothing.” Filip opened the carriage door. “They know all they need to know. It’s time we got you back to the palace where you can study and train. Any questions they have will be answered when they see how powerful you’ll be.”

“You have a lot of faith in me when I haven’t even begun.” Adelina climbed into the carriage. He hoisted himself in afterwards. They waited for Salma to return from the balcony.

The guests from the Embassy had already filed out of the building, clustering around the carriage—their questions booming outside.

“Shouldn’t we speak to them? Settle their doubts?” She glanced out the window, overlooking the crowd. “We were there for the whole of five minutes. I was expecting something…more.”

“A politician never gives all their answers.” Filip smiled.

Frowning, she sat back against the cushions.

Once Salma reached the carriage, the coachman whipped them away, beating along the cobbles, leaving the Embassy and all its questions behind.

∞∞∞

Filip guided Adelina into his office, then gestured for her to take a seat in the velvet chair opposite his desk. He slid into his own chair and faced her with a pleasant smile. Salma waited outside the open door.

“Here’s your schedule for the next week.” He handed her a piece of parchment. “It’s a summary of the contents in this book.”

As he tapped his fingers on the leather-bound booked titled Sorcerer Training , Adelina held the parchment in her hands, scanning the cursive writing .

“Combat training?” She glanced up at him.

“You’ll be participating in a mixture of theory, practice, and physical classes,” he said. “Followed by one-on-one sessions with Yelena specifically about your astral magic.”

She gulped. “This is a lot. What could I possibly need combat training for?”

“As I’ve mentioned before, we could face opposition from neighbouring countries or anyone who poses a threat to us.

” He clasped his hands on the desk between them.

“Even if war was not to happen, it is always best to be prepared. All sorcerers are highly-skilled fighters—they know how to use a sword as well as their magic.”

“Am I needed for the rest of the day?” She rubbed the side of her head. “I’ve a bit of a headache and I’d like a bath before my training starts tomorrow.”

“You may retire,” Filip said. “Explore the castle grounds, read, or write—whatever you want to do. Natasha is at your disposal.”

“Thank you.” She rose. “I need to write a letter to my parents.”

“Of course.” He turned his attention to a stack of envelopes on his desk, perhaps the day’s influx of mail he needed to sift through.

Turning on her heel, she left the room, re-joined with Salma, then headed to her chamber.