Page 22 of Ashes of Aether
I give Eliya a pointed look and say, “He didn’t propose to me. He promised to marry me.”
“Isn’t that the same thing?”
“He didn’t get down on one knee, so that means he didn’t propose.”
She looks unconvinced. “Anyway,” she continues eagerly, shaking my arms, “what did you say? You promised to marry him too, right? I swear if I’m not your Maid of—”
“Promised to marry who?” Kaely asks, marching down the last step.
I grimace inwardly. This is exactly why I wanted to avoid having this conversation in public.
“That’s none of your business,” Eliya snaps before I can speak.
“Did you have a nice party the other day?” Kaely asks me, ignoring Eliya. “I was heartbroken to learn I received no invitation.”
I tighten my jaw. “And I was just as heartbroken to receive no ‘Happy Birthday’ from you. All I received was a nasty bruise.”
Kaely tugs on her braid, pulling it to the front. “I hope it’s healing well.” She flashes me a smile that doesn’t meet her eyes. “How’s that necromancer of yours doing? I wondered what you were both up to yesterday when neither of you showed up for your lessons.” I don’t want to know how she found out Arluin didn’t attend any classes yesterday. It’s concerning she would go to such lengths to find out something like that.
“Again,” Eliya says with a glare, “that’s none of your business, Kaely.” She shoots me a pleading look, silently begging me to leave.
Eliya is right that we should go, but I can’t tear myself away just yet. “Arluin is no necromancer,” I hiss.
Only after I speak do I realize that may no longer be true. Not after what he told me yesterday. But practicing a few dark spells years ago doesn’t make him a necromancer, does it? His eyes still glow with aether. That means he’s still a mage, or at least one in training.
I hope Kaely doesn’t notice my hesitation before I add, “With how frequently you discuss necromancy, I fear you may be the true necromancer here.”
Kaely lets out a sharp laugh and shakes her head. “Reyna, it wasn’t my father who was banished for practicing necromancy. For digging up coffins and experimenting on corpses. Does your father approve? I mean, Heston was his closest friend, so maybe your relationship with Arluin doesn’t disgust him.”
“My relationship with Arluin doesn’t concern you.”
Kaely releases her braid and tosses it over her shoulder. She steps closer to me, malice glinting in her eyes. “I would wager your father doesn’t mind that you’re a necromancer’s lover. After all, he allowed Heston Harstall to walk free when the punishment for such crimes is death.”
“Kaely!” Eliya’s eyes widen with horror. “You shouldn’t speak of the Grandmage like that!” She tugs my wrist. “Come on, Reyna. Let’s go.”
I let her pull me away, and we start down the path lined by the many towering statues of long dead magi. But we only manage a few strides before Kaely calls, “Laxus!”
In the next instant, she appears in front of us, blocking our way. Before either Eliya or I can utter a single word, she continues her taunts. “I’ve heard you’re frequenting the necromancer’s manor more often these days.”
“You’ve taken to stalking me now, have you?” I growl back. “What in the Abyss do you want with me, Kaely?”
“You misunderstand me. Are we not friends?”
“We are not friends,” I grind out. “Not anymore.”
“As saddened as I am to know you feel that way, I’ve always seen you as otherwise. I’m only looking out for you, Reyna. And with each day that passes, I’m becoming more concerned for you.”
I cross my arms. “That’s your pitiful excuse for obsessing over me?”
“I simply wanted to remind you to take your contraceptive potions with great care. If you have children with Arluin, then they will surely follow in their father’s and grandfather’s footsteps.”
I stare at Kaely, my mouth hanging agape, unable to believe what I’m hearing.
“How dare you!” I roar when the shock of her words has worn off.
My patience with Kaely is quickly wearing thin. How I long to wipe that smirk off her freckled face.
I lunge for her, but Eliya grabs my shoulders and spins me around. “Ignore her,” she pleads. “She’s not worth it. If you allow yourself to be riled by her words, then you’ll only give her the confrontation she wants.”