Page 78 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
“Yes. It’s imbued with magic to make it a communication device. This one is paired with the one Ark wears as a brooch. I merely activate it, and he knows to come.” He tucked it away again. “I suspect he’ll send one of your maids here.”
“Whoa.” I stared at his pocket. “That’s fascinating.”
“Would you like one?”
“One of what?”
“A communication stone. I need to meet with Aerwyna, so I can ask her to bring a pair with her when she comes here.”
I met his gaze. “But aren’t they expensive?”
“If you’re buying them, yes. However, the mages of Stein provide me with whatever tools I desire in return for their funding.” He paused. “I’m the one who has the stones anyway.”
Huh.
That was true.
He owned all the mines in Stein. It wasn’t like he had to pay for the stones in the first place.
“That makes sense.” I hesitated. “Then, yes, thank you. I’ll graciously accept your offer.”
His lips twitched into a smile.
Bella knocked on the door then pushed it open, pausing to greet us both. “Ark said you needed me, my lady.”
“Yes, would you bring some tea?”
“Of course, my lady.”
“Just enough for Alicia,” Kalon said, standing as she nodded and left. “I’ve heard about your work, so I’ll leave you to it.”
“Are you sure?”
“Why? You were so offended at my presence not long ago. Have you changed your mind and would like me to stay instead?”
“I think we’ve gotten to know each other quite enough for today, thank you.”
He chuckled. “I do have a request.”
“Go on.”
“I’d like for us to have to have dinner together every night.”
Was that it?
“Very well,” I replied. “That’s reasonable.”
“I’m glad you think so. We’ll start tomorrow.” He buttoned his jacket and picked up the box of his stuff. “Make sure to finish your work at a decent time. It won’t do for my fiancée to overwork herself.”
Hmm. He was being quite caring. “I shall keep it in mind.”
***
I flopped back onto my bed and stared at the canopy above it.
I was exhausted. So exhausted that I wasn’t sure I could even fall asleep right now.
Everything I knew—no, everything IthoughtI knew, was wrong. The Kalon I’d spoken to today was nothing like the Kalon in the book. That version of him was cold to Alicia, and he certainly never would have sought her out for something as simple as a greeting.
