glowing. || julian devorak

part ten.

The loud slam of a book closing broke the comfortable silence in the palace library. "I give up," James announced. "Do you think Nadia would write my vows for me if I asked nicely?"

Portia — who had lingered in the library after unlocking it for James, flicking through magical and medical tomes as they caught her eye — snickered. "If anyone could convince her, it's probably you. Having trouble?"

"I feel like I've rewritten these a hundred times. I just can't get the words right."

"Well, you've still got a fair amount of time," Portia reassured her, beginning to gather books from her table and file them back onto the shelves. "It's a big deal, you can take your time with it."

"I suppose... I guess I just thought it would be easier to put to paper." James rose from the low library chair, flexing her spine until she felt a dull pop. "I bet Asra isn't having any trouble."

"I've always loved that about you two," Portia admitted.

James hadn't been ignorant to the fact that she had been seeing significantly less of Portia, who now declined her seat at most dinners, citing wedding preparations as her excuse. The redhead hadn't been any less kind or helpful when they did speak, but James had to wonder if Julian had confided in her. She supposed it would be more strange if he hadn't.

"Loved what?"

"Asra's always seemed so... enigmatic. Hard to read. I think it's sweet that he's so outspoken about how much he loves you."

Well, when she put it like that... "You're right, that is really lovely."

James grabbed her own pile of books, stowing a few into her bag along with the failed draft of her vows. She had to stand on her tiptoes to reach the tall shelves, and a rush of magic passed through her body, knocking her off-balance. She had to grip a bookcase to keep herself standing. "Did you feel that?"

Portia glanced over, noting the way James swayed, unsteady. "No, what?"

"I think— I feel... something."

Portia was at her side immediately, the back of her hand pressing to her cheek. "A headache? Do you feel faint?"

James brushed her off, giving her hand a soothing squeeze. "No, no, I'm alright. It just... it almost felt like something was calling me."

The head servant gave her an apprehensive look. "Are you sure you're alright? Would you like me to stay with you?"

"I'm fine, I promise. I think I might go lay down before dinner."

Portia seemed hesitant to leave, once again reaching out to see if James was running a fever. "If you're sure... please, don't strain yourself." She retied her apron, still looking worried. "I can send someone to walk you back to your room—"

"I'll be okay, it's only a little ways away. I'm feeling better. I think whatever it was just caught me off guard."

The redhead finally left, reluctance in her body language, and James stood still in the doorway, extending her magic...

She felt it again, a faint pulse of familiar energy. If she focused just a bit more—

Her let her feet lead her out of the library, down into the long marble hallway. It was strange, her magic obviously drawn to something her brain had yet to recognize. The energy was warm and welcoming and, as two guards opened the grand palace doors for her to exit, she caught it. A tint to the auras she was chasing, the oranges and violets of a perfect sunrise. James's footsteps fell faster, and she whipped her head this way and that to find the people she was looking for.