Chapter 39
I went back to training, mostly because Rhaevan's backstory had actually motivated me, and completely because his stupid encouragement was getting hard to ignore.
And shocker-training actually got easier. I could float pebbles without shattering them, move cups without turning them into projectile weapons, and even read basic magic books without accidentally summoning a demon.
"Read that line," Rhaevan told me one afternoon, pointing a long finger at my textbook.
I squinted at the squiggles. "...Protection?"
He actually blinked, looking genuinely impressed. "Wow. You're right."
I slowly closed the book. "Hey, don't sound so insulted that I can read."
A soft laugh escaped him, and my stomach did that annoying little flip again. I ignored it.
Another day, I actually managed to keep a rock floating in the air for like, three whole minutes.
I was basically a prodigy. I had to admit, Rhaevan was an ridiculously patient teacher.
He never yelled when I messed up, even when my screw-ups were loud and explosive.
He just casually assumed I'd get it right eventually.
To my absolute horror, I was actually starting to look forward to these lessons. I still remembered that I was supposed to be mad at him. I just happened to forget it about ninety percent of the time.
That evening, we were taking a quick water break by the creek when a bunch of younger trainees hurried past us. They were loaded down with boxes of colorful ribbons, paper lanterns, and sparkly decorations.
I sat up, instantly nosy. "What's all that for?"
One of the kids stopped, his face lighting up. "The Moonlight Festival is tonight, my lady! It's the biggest festival of the year in the capital. There's going to be live music, street food, games, performers, and magical fireworks."
My eyes went wide. Food? Fireworks? My brain immediately started mapping out a schedule. "Fireworks?"
"The best in the kingdom," the kid said proudly. "The whole market square floats with magical lights."
I could practically taste the street food from here. I slowly turned my head toward Rhaevan, giving him my best, most pathetic puppy-dog eyes. "I want to go."
He didn't even look up from his notes. "No."
I pouted. "I really want to see it. I promise I won't cause a scene. I'll be an angel."
"No, Cassiane."
"But why?"
The young trainee, realizing he was trapped in a domestic dispute, wisely backed away and bolted down the path.
I turned fully toward Rhaevan, crossing my arms. "I've been locked in this Tower for weeks. Weeks! This is basically a prison sentence."
A little smirk tugged at his lips. "The door is wide open. You can leave whenever you want."
"You know what I mean! I want to go to the festival. Please?"
The smirk vanished, and his face went serious. "Cassiane, there have been attacks in two nearby towns over the last month."
I blinked. "Attacks?"
He nodded. "People got hurt. The palace isn't taking any chances, and the festival is going to be packed. It's too dangerous."
My excitement deflated a little. "Oh." Then why conduct the festival? Dumbheads!!
"Most of the mages are working security tonight," he continued.
"And what about you?"
"I'll be at the palace, overseeing security for the royal family."
Right. Guarding Lysenne. Of course. I rolled my eyes internally. "Well, I can take care of myself."
"I know you can."
"Then-"
"But I still want you here." He looked right at me, his dark eyes intense. "If anything goes wrong tonight, I need to know you're safe."
I choked on my words, suddenly finding it very hard to argue. My face felt hot, so I quickly looked down at my boots. "I only wanted to see the fireworks," I muttered, sounding like a bratty kid.
I heard the soft rustle of his robes as he moved closer. "And the market?"
I kept staring at my shoes.
"And the food stalls?"
I let out a miserable sigh. "Maybe."
"The market will still be there tomorrow," he said gently. "I'll take you myself."
I cheered up about two percent, then remembered a crucial detail. "The fireworks won't be there tomorrow."
"No. Unfortunately not."
"That seems like a massive design flaw for a festival."
He let out a real laugh at that. "I'll take you to the next one, okay?"
I stared at him, hopeful. "When's the next one?"
"Next year."
My jaw dropped. I looked deeply, personally insulted. "What? A whole year? That is an offensive amount of waiting."
"You'll live."
I narrowed my eyes at him. "I hate that answer."
"I know."
"I hate you."
The dimples made a sudden, devastating appearance. "I know."
Rhaevan stood up, dusting off his robes. "I have to head to the palace soon."
I looked away, chin in the air. "Fine. Go. Try not to enjoy without me."
I heard him chuckle as he walked away. "I'll try my best. Promise me you won't leave the Tower tonight, Cassiane."
I groaned loudly. "Ugh! Fine! I won't."
He seemed to believe me, which honestly was his first mistake.
A little while later, he left for the capital. I stayed by the creek for a while, staring down at the town as the sun started to set. Slowly, tiny glowing lights began to pop up between the buildings. Then, the faint sound of music and laughing actually drifted all the way up the hill.
And then, the first firework exploded.
It was a massive, blinding shower of silver and purple sparks that lit up the whole sky. Then another one went off, shaping itself like a glowing dragon.
I stood up, stomping my foot on the grass. This was profoundly, deeply unfair. The entire kingdom was down there eating fried desserts and watching magic fire, and I was stuck in my room because of some vague "danger" and the fact that my personal bodyguard was busy holding my sister's hand.
I looked down at the town. Then back at the empty Tower.
Now I wanted to go even more.