The Empty Ones (Fantasy Romance)

63. A conspicuous invitation

"You are aware that now you have to read all those books and tell me what they say, right?" says Theon while we sit together in the carriage on our way back to Windheaven. It's already late, almost close to the point when the moons align in the sky.

Theon said that's called midnight in Tajir, and you can see it on that time measuring device. He also said I can keep it if I like it that much.

And right now he is smiling when he says this.

"Hmm, has this changed something?" I ask. Because I genuinely wonder.

"You are still you. I just know more about you now. I would lie if I would say I am not intrigued, but..."

"Are we still friends?"

"Yes, why not? I still want you to trust me. It would be mutually beneficial."

"You are aware that I am not great, really do not have magic and all that, right?"

"Yes, but you are still the only living heir of one of the greatest minds of this world. Is it a pity that you don't have magic? Yes. Same as it's a shame that my brother doesn't have legs. He didn't deserve that, it's totally random and there is nothing he can do about it. Same goes for you. I love him without legs and like you without magic."

I can't hold the corner of my mouth of going up.

"What are we going to do tomorrow?"

He smiles and lifts and eyebrow.

"I know what you are going to do. And I... I might not be able to help it breathing up your neck and asking you about every sentence you read. We are going to have a great time."

Yes. Yes, after a very long time I am looking forward to something that might actually be a good time.

I am still in a surprisingly good mood after everything that happened when I was walking with Theon towards the entrance of the third floor, where we would have to part.

When General Yeoh came up, similar to a fantom from around the corner I was mildly said surprised. It's the middle of the night and he is there. I would almost say he rendered himself invisible and waited.

"Mahrani, a word?" he says and I almost choke on air because of the surprise. He is asking me this in front of Theon and the stray servant that linger in the distance.

Theon gives me a raised eyebrow and a mischievous smirk.

"My lord. It is late," I mutter. "Can it not wait till the morrow?"

I guess not but well, it's probably expected I ask this.

"Please, Mahrani." His eyes are very expressive, even more than usual.

"All right." I give in.

"Entonces, te veo mañana. Y vamos a hacer cosas deslumbrantes./ Then, I'll see you tomorrow. And we are going to do amazing things," says Theon in quizeh and winks slightly.

Oh. Gods. I can feel myself blushing and at the same time thinking what the General is going to think.

"Walk with me, sir," I mutter.

We are barely far enough to not be overheard, when he bursts out, "I told your Highness to stop keeping his company!"

His tone is angry as I have never heard him speak to me before. Yes, he is usually cold and detached, maybe commanding but not angry.

"Your lordship is well aware that it is the mission my husband, the Emperor, gave me. I cannot just stop."

Not do I want to for the matter.