“And the worst part was…I was glad to do it.” There I said it. Shouldn’t I feel better? “I wanted to get away from him. I had no qualms about pricking Yelena with Curare.” I waited for the admonishment about putting myself before another. Or he would offer empty words of comfort, telling me how it all worked out in the end. I kept my eyes shut tight, bracing for his reaction.

“Living with your decision must be hard. Nothing I or anyone can say will give you any peace. You must reconcile your actions in your heart. In the meantime, we’ll take it slow.”

His hand stroked my cheek. I opened my eyes. He leaned closer and our lips met. A tender kiss, short and sweet.

He smiled. “A good first gather.”

I laughed at the glassmaking reference. Ulrick did spend the night on my couch, and I lay in my bed marveling over the turn of events. Thoughts of Kade also lingered. When we touched there had been that spark, yet he never indicated he wanted more. Ulrick and I had so much in common and his desire was evident. I touched my lips, remembering the kiss.

After breakfast the next morning, Ulrick and I found Kade sitting on a bench outside the dining hall. A small child giggled as the Stormdancer created a tiny whirlwind. Dead leaves and dried grass swirled around the girl. She held her arms out and let the air flow through her chubby fingers.

Pure delight shone in the girl’s eyes. Eventually her mother came looking for her and Kade let the whirlwind dissipate. The child had wandered away from the kitchen. She was so unrepentant and defiant, I guessed this wasn’t the first time she explored on her own, nor would it be the last. Her mother would have her hands full until the child was old enough for school.

A half smile lingered on Kade’s lips as we strolled to the market.

“The girl will have quite a story to tell her friends,” I said to him.

“Why?”

“Since I’ve been here, a Stormdancer has never visited the Keep, and usually the students and magicians are too busy to entertain the staff’s children.”

“That’s a pity. Adults are so jaded when it comes to magic. Nothing compares to seeing a child’s wonder and delight over simple tricks. Makes me appreciate my skills and reminds me not to take them for granted.”

When we arrived at the market, Kade and I talked to the sand merchants while Ulrick kept watch. Fisk appeared to see if I needed anything, and he led us to two more dealers I didn’t know about.

The morning progressed with little success. None of the suppliers had filled an order for lava flakes in the past year. Kade would need to visit the merchants in Mica and Fulgor.

As we navigated the crowded square, a blacksmith hailed Ulrick. The jacks we’d ordered for the glass shop were ready. Kade and I waited outside while Ulrick inspected the tools.

“You both are happier today,” Kade said. “Did you settle your differences?” He kept his tone neutral.

“We did.” I studied him, looking for any sign he may be unhappy. Any indication that his reasons for coming to the Keep included seeing me.

“Good. You’re well matched.” His demeanor remained impartial.

Again I remembered Pazia’s criticism. Perhaps I had been the one to keep my distance from him. I took a chance. “We do have a lot in common. Same hometown. Same enjoyment from working with glass. But he lacks a certain…spark.”

Surprise touched Kade’s eyes for a moment before he resumed his bland manner. “Sparks are similar to lightning strikes and are harmful if you get too close. Also the problem with thunderstorms, they move with the wind and have other…ah…obligations. It’s best for you to bask in the steady sunshine.”

It was as I suspected all along. No interest in me other than dealing with the current problem. Even though I could rationally explain to myself how it was for the best, I couldn’t stop the brief stab of pain deep inside me.

When Ulrick returned, we walked to the Keep’s entrance. Kade wanted to talk to me in private. Ulrick scowled.

“Don’t worry,” Kade said. “On the off chance Tricky is lying in wait in the Citadel, I’ll be able to brew a strong gale. The weather is unsettled today.”

Apprehension and reluctance filled Ulrick’s eyes, but he left to deliver the tools to the almost-finished glass shop.

“I’ll catch up with you there,” I called.

He waved.

Kade was bemused. “He’s protective, a good quality in a bodyguard, but he needs to learn how to trust.”

“He just met you,” I said.

“I meant you. Trust you. You managed to escape Sir and Tricky without harm, so you do know how to take care of yourself.”

We sauntered through the southeast quadrant of the Citadel. The cold air kept most people indoors, and there were few citizens on the streets.

“You followed me last night, trying to protect me,” I countered.

“True. But you didn’t know about Indra and Nodin then. Now that you know, I expect you to take extra precautions.”

“Is this what you wanted to talk to me about?”

“No. I had a chance to speak with Master Cowan this morning. She explained a few more details of your escape from Tricky. She wanted to know if I’ve heard of any Stormdancers who could pull another’s magic into an orb.”

“Have you?”

“No. But I wondered when you helped me with the storm, why didn’t my magic transform into glass raindrops?”

I thought back and reviewed the series of events. “Perhaps it didn’t happen because you were pulling in a real substance, while Tricky’s spiders were illusion.”