Page 11 of Of Curses and Courtship

In the same breath, I conjure another illusion—a second version of me. My magical double stands strong next to me, and when she jumps back, I laugh.

My double echoes the sound.

She looks back and forth between us, her eyes wavering from our hands to our identical faces. “I don’t like that trick.”

“You don’t? It is quite useful.” My double and I smile. “It’s only a trick, as you said—an illusion of the light.”

There is more to it, but she may not be ready to delve into the intricacies of what our illusions can do.

“Yes, I imagine it does a good job at shocking poor halflings like me.”

“You’re really that afraid?” I swat at my double. “Go away, then.”

Our laughter fills the air as we fuse into one.

“You’re full of tricks.” She peers at the fireball in my hand. “May I touch…?”

My pulse jumps. I close my hand and click my tongue. “Only if you’d like to burn your fingers off.”

“Then it’s an offensive magic?”

“It is. My studies are in the manipulation of energy. Mymagic isn’t as harmful as a curse or hex, but this can do more damage than, say, a garden witch.”

She takes a step back. “And all fae have access to this?”

“Fae are inherently tied to nature and can control the elements, but each type has stronger control over a certain element.” I squint. “You truly know nothing of your kind?”

“You’re the first high fae I’ve spoken with.” Her fingers twist together. “Can you teach me even a bit of magic? I’ve always wanted to learn.”

“What if you use it against me?” I whisper. “I didn’t miss how you glared at me, my lady.”

“I promise not to hurt you.” She takes my hand, uncurling my fingers. “Show me. Please.”

I would have shown her even if she had not begged, but I can’t deny that I like how it sounds coming from her soft lips. The way she looks at me, gentler than I’ve come to expect from her, is equally as sweet.

“Close your eyes.” I meet her gaze steadily, holding her hand between both of mine. “I’m trusting you, and you must trust me.”

“All right.” She closes her eyes. “I trust you, for now. A moment of faith is all I can give.”

We’re strangers. I can’t expect anything more.

I inhale, filling my chest with energy and air. “Breathe with me, and exhale—just like that. With each breath, feel the air filling you. You are breathing an element, a magical energy. Can you feel it?”

After a moment of hesitation, she says, “No.”

I place a hand on her chest, just above her breasts, my fingers pressing into soft skin. It would be inappropriate in any other setting, but she pushes into me rather than backing away.

“Breathe deeper.”

She listens. Beneath my palm, her chest heaves and herheart races. The trickle of magic grows from a drop to a stream, and I know she’s not as useless as she’s been led to believe. There is magic in her yet.

“Right there. Feel the warmth in your hand.

Her eyes fling open, shining a bright lavender—her true eye color, with no glamour. Her hair whips around her face. In a room with no windows, there shouldn’t be a draft, but the air moves around us, pushing us closer together.

My chest presses against hers.

Her lips part. “I feel it.”