Page 74 of The Keeper of the Kingdoms

She blew a strand of hair out of her eyes and then tucked it behind her ear. I could watch her all day.

She looked up, catching me staring, and I smiled.

“Where did you come from?” she asked, setting her notes down.

“I’m finished for the day,” I told her, happy that she was willing to put down whatever had her brow so furrowed. Maybe she needed to get outside for a while. She was too cooped up on this wing, which I knew was partly my fault.

“So soon?”

I pushed off the door frame and moved towards her, an idea forming. “They didn’t need me. I thought maybe you’d want to get out of here for the afternoon.” I held out my hand.

“Where to?” she asked, taking it and standing.

The energy that flowed between us when she placed her hand in mine took me by surprise. Since her poisoning, it happened every time. At first, while she was sleeping, it was a conduit for my magic to help hers regenerate. I had to push my magic towards her and manage the flow. But now, it seemed to be a free-flowing exchange that was growing stronger by the day. Like I had opened a door and now it couldn’t be closed. It still took me by surprise each time.

Her eyes shone as she experienced the same wonder.

“Come fly with me?”I whispered to her mind.

Her eyes went wide.“You think I’m strong enough to fly?”

I laughed.“You’re the healer, not me.”

She rolled her eyes.“I know I am, but you’re the boss, apparently. I’m just a bit shocked you’re going to allow me outside!”

I gave her a flat look.“Brat.”

She smirked.“You know it. Now let’s go before you change your mind.”

Immediately, I started to have second thoughts.“Are you sure you can manage it?”

“Yes, Jaxus,”she said as she closed the books and stacked them neatly on the table.

“Will you be warm enough?”

She looked pointedly out the window at the sunshine. “Yes, Jaxus.”

“Have you had enough rest this morning?”

“Yes, Jaxus! You can’t offer me a flight and then immediately take it away. Let’s go.”She went first out the door and I was forced to lengthen my strides to keep up with her.

“Slow down.”

“Nope.”

“Kiera, you’re going to wear yourself out.”

“Flying will help with that. Our magic will be a fabulous recharge for my system.” Her springy step was frankly absurd.

“Why are you so perky all of a sudden?”

She cast a look over her shoulder at me. “Because I can taste the freedom.”

I didn’t like the weight of the guilt that comment made me feel. I wasn’t keeping her locked up inside. I was just trying to make her do things gradually so she didn’t set herself back. “I think I preferred it when you were afraid to fly,” I grumbled.

“I’m still not wild about it. Don’t misunderstand me. But right now, I’d take anything to just stop feeling like an invalid. Besides, I know the benefits will outweigh the fear. It will boost my magic. And I trust you.”

Something crossed her face with those words, and I knew instantly that I was right. She was keeping something from me.