The Path of Giants, B.T. Narro [the speed reading book .TXT] 📗

She gave a cheerful laugh. “Everyone has seen it because of how you are together.”

“Does that mean she’s interested?” I asked.

Kataleya rolled her eyes. “I’m curious as to what you truly believe.”

“I really don’t know!” I said with a toss of my hands. “Sometimes I think it’s obvious, and other times I’m thinking I’m wrong.”

“Well, I can’t say for certain. But I would wager a lot of coin that the answer is yes.”

I felt a little flutter of my heart. I trusted Kataleya would know these things.

“Can I give you some advice?” she asked.

“Please.”

“You should also really consider what a marriage into the Lennox family would mean for you before making a decision, or you could end up hurting someone. If you do decide to pursue Hadley, though, you might want to take it slow, considering what happened between us.”

I nodded. I was still getting to know the girl who, not that long ago, was just a mysterious witch I’d found myself drawn to.

“So you’ve changed your mind about her?” I asked.

“I changed my mind about her the moment I saw her running out from the protection of the castle to take on Gourfist. There wasn’t anyone else who was willing to do that. For that, I’m embarrassed. But the next time something like that happens, I’ll be there for you. I’m sure all of us will. You’ve inspired us, Jon. I can tell from the way people talk about you and how we all brighten when we see you. The king has heard about everything you’ve done that he hasn’t already seen with his own eyes. I was going to describe for him your actions during the battle, but Hadley already sang your praises. Now he notices you in a way he hasn’t before. You are a means to victory and a valuable asset for many years to come. That is why you shouldn’t be so surprised that he may consider making you part of his family, and you really shouldn’t shrug it off so quickly.” She put up her hands. “Now I feel like I’m overstepping myself, so I don’t want to say more. I just thought it was important for you to know that.”

I didn’t know what to say. I was never good at receiving compliments. “I think you have been too kind to me.”

“No, you’re too modest. You have to value yourself for what you’re actually worth. Otherwise you might’ve gone with Souriff and been killed in enemy territory, never for your body to be found, never to receive a proper burial. No one wants that, Jon. Have some pride, yeah?” She bent her arm and nudged me with it. “You’re not indestructible, and we can’t do this without you.”

Pride, yeah. I liked the sound of that, so long as I didn’t let it go to my head.

“You’re right, Kat. I think you’re always right,” I said, half joking. “Though I hope you’re wrong about the king offering me his daughter’s hand in marriage. I’m not ready to even think about marrying anyone, especially not someone much younger than me.”

It wasn’t just our ages, of course. I didn’t see her in that way, and I wasn’t sure if I ever could.

Kataleya chuckled. “Yes, I know I am very wise. Don’t worry too much about the marriage proposal. I’m sure there will be signs if the king is leaning in that direction. God knows Callie would be overjoyed.”

I didn’t disagree.

“So you’re ready to practice with me?” she asked excitedly.

“What are we practicing?”

“The slingshot spell.”

It took a moment to figure out what she was referring to.

“We should,” I agreed.

“Oh wait,” Kataleya said as she glanced over at Michael heading toward us. “Here comes trouble.”

He held a little smirk as if he had a joke prepared. Actually, that was just his face.

“What are we doing here?” Michael asked, his tone hinting that we were up to no good.

“Remember that spell of water that struck you a while back?” Kataleya asked.

Michael lost his smile. “Yeah…”

“We decided to work on it until it’s even stronger.”

“As long as you don’t aim at me this time.”

“I never aimed at you,” Kataleya said. “I lost control, and it happened to shoot at the apartments as you were coming out.”

“Oh, you just lost control? That’s all? Well now I feel much better, Kat,” he said sarcastically.

We shared a laugh.

“By the way,” Michael said seriously, giving a look over his shoulder. There were no other sorcerers in the courtyard. “Am I the only one who feels weird about Eden being back? Don’t get me wrong. Anyone who nearly dies trying to take out Valinox is an ally in my mind, and she saved Charlie’s life before that. I trust her, but it doesn’t seem right pretending like she didn’t stab all of us in the back…figuratively, and Remi in the neck…literally.”

“I don’t believe anyone’s pretending like nothing happened,” Kataleya said. “None of the girls have spoken to Eden very much, and she has been far more reticent than usual. It’s awkward around her. I believe it will be for some time.”

Michael was strangely quiet as his eyes bounced back and forth between Kataleya and me.

“What is it?” I asked.

“How would it look if I was seen talking with her, just to get a feel of the waters? Would I be seen as a complete ass?”

Kataleya chuckled. “I recommend you do what feels natural.”

“Remi wouldn’t be pissed off?”

“At you?” Kataleya asked incredulously.

“Yeah, I don’t want to offend her.”

“Remi’s forgiveness has surprised us all,” Kataleya said. “I’m sure it surprised Eden, especially. You shouldn’t be worried.”

I added, “I think most of us are more concerned about Rohaer than each other. Remi included. She wants what’s best, and Eden can help us.”

“Yeah, but so can Aliana’s father, and he’s been rotting away in the dungeons all this time.”

That was a fair point. I hadn’t thought of Aliana’s father for a while. The king needed coin, and the man had it. He had been caught assisting Cason, who was