Chapter 7 #3
A horse was tossing its head nearby, stamping its hooves as it waited for its owner to finish loading up the cart it was pulling. Harnessing movement from animals was harder than from objects, but mainly because it required more energy. Thankfully energy was something Alina had never lacked.
Taking hold of the Dust that swirled out from the creature’s movements, Alina twisted it in her mind, drawing on the warmth in the horse’s flanks, in the breaths that it huffed out as it stamped.
She sent a swirl of heat up the prince’s body, enveloping him in a cushion of warmth that was all too fleeting, given the small amount of magic she’d harnessed.
“What was that for?” Xavier was laughing, and the sound brought a smile to Alina’s own face.
“It’s a way of saying thank you,” she told him.
“For what?” The roguish twinkle was back in his eyes. “I haven’t even told you yet how much I’ve been admiring your very shapely wrists, so what could you possibly be thanking me for?”
It was Alina’s turn to laugh, her moment of danger dispelled by how entertaining his foolishness was.
“It’s not compliments girls want, Your Highness, but freedom.
I’ve been hampered from using magic craft for weeks because of these disappearances.
But with the investigative team on hand, this town must be the safest in the region.
I feel like my arm was tied behind my back, and now it’s free to be useful again. ”
Alina accompanied the final words with a swirl of magic, harnessing the minuscule amount of Dust from a leaf that blew past her feet, and using it to sweep the prince’s hair back from his forehead ever so slightly. Its rakish style was a little too studied.
She thought Xavier would acknowledge his heroic role in making her town safer, so she was surprised when she instead found herself being scrutinized by the shrewd gaze she found so unsettling.
“If our presence here means you’re not living in fear, it’s effort well spent,” he said. The forehead she’d just cleared of hair was furrowed. “I’m sorry you were afraid.”
“It’s not your fault,” she said lightly.
“Isn’t it? It’s my kingdom.” The words weren’t said boastfully this time. The prince’s tone was cool, and Alina couldn’t tell what was in his thoughts.
They’d emerged from the market by now, and as she cast her eyes around for a change in topic, Alina saw a familiar figure moving down the main road.
“You should talk to her,” she said, inclining her head toward the middle-aged woman. “Her name is Ellen, and she usually knows more than anyone about what’s going on in town.”
Xavier shifted his bright gaze from her to the other woman, nodding discreetly to the captain, who was looking back at him for direction. Captain Mitchell moved forward to intercept the woman.
Alina trailed behind, feeling useless and unnecessary. Remember how much they’re paying you for this, she told herself firmly.
Ellen stopped as directed, a wary look in her eyes as Captain Mitchell explained their purpose. Her eyes passed over the group, a hint of surprise entering her gaze as it lingered for a moment on Alina. Alina sent her a faint smile.
“I’m glad the crown’s finally taking notice,” Ellen said gruffly, when the captain was finished speaking. “But I don’t know anything more’n what you’ve just said.”
Alina studied the wooden crate the older woman was carrying. “You’ve just been to the refinement site, right? Don’t you take eggs there every couple of days?”
“Yes, that’s right,” Ellen said.
“How is everything there?” Alina pressed.
Ellen shrugged. “Fine. Just as normal.” She looked at Captain Mitchell. “Is that all?”
“Thank you, ma’am,” the captain said, dismissing her.
Alina frowned after the older woman, confused. When she looked up, she found Captain Mitchell’s eyes on her, silent interrogation in his expression.
“My apologies, Captain.” Alina ducked her head respectfully, coloring a little. “I shouldn’t have jumped in unprompted.”
“No one is chastising you, miss,” the captain said mildly. “I’m just wondering why you look unsatisfied.”
“Oh. It’s just…” Alina’s eyes traveled again to where Ellen had now disappeared from view.
“I’m very surprised she didn’t have anything to say.
She’s…well, the town busybody, to put it bluntly.
She’s usually full of gossip, and even if she has no new rumors, she’ll still start speaking first and think of something along the way. ”
“Hm.” The captain’s eyes drifted in the direction Ellen had gone. “That’s good to know. Blair was at the refinement site today. I’ll ask him if he encountered her there, and tell him to keep an eye on her if she goes again.” He looked to the prince for approval, and Xavier nodded.
“Thanks, Alina,” the prince said. “Don’t be shy to jump in. That’s exactly the kind of help we need.”
Alina ducked her head a second time, finding nothing to say in response. She knew she wasn’t in danger from the prince. She was too old and too smart to make that mistake now. But she did wish he’d stop indulging in those moments of unnerving sincerity. It wasn’t good for her peace of mind.