Page 51 of Power and Prestige
“Yes, I know,” she said with a soft laugh. “And I accept.”
“When did this change?” he asked.
Cassia inhaled gently and met his eyes. “The forest, Ember, your kindness toward my aunt and uncle, Pemberley…”
Without waiting another moment, he leaned forward and Cassia felt the warmth of his mouth on her own. The magic he had taught her in the forest was nothing to the spell he had just cast with his lips. His hand reached for her hair and they exchanged another short kiss. Cassia relished every sensation: his masculine scent, his stubbled jaw, his arms around her.
Then suddenly she pulled away. High Mage Darkwood’s eyes shot open and his head angled. “What is it, my dear?”
“I fear I may have no power left. I think the Magess may have ruined it: the force was so strong, the darkness of it all.” She looked down. “I understand completely if you will not have me. Someone of your status ought to spend their life with someone who has magical abilities, someone with real power and prestige.”
He chuckled lightly and pulled her face to his so their foreheads touched. “Don’t you see, my lovely? Oh darling Cassia, I don’t care if you never have any magic ever again. You had all the power within yourself. And because of it, you saved yourself! You don’tneedanyone, yet you want me. I couldn’t be more honored, abilities or not, to have you as my love forever.” He drew back a little and studied her face. “I love you.”
Her heart calmed at such a speech. Then it swelled in such a violent manner she thought she might burst. “Once I hated anyone with magical prestige, especially you. But now I know your true prestige and power come from your willingness to change. Thank you.” She reached her hand to the side of his face. “And I love you.”
His lips met hers again. Longer this time.
After a little more time together in the garden, he carried her back to the house. Her father and mother had been forced to remain inside by Gynelle’s wise actions. He asked for Cassia’s hand then, though it was just past midnight. Mistress Retton was so in awe of it all, she wasn’t nearly as insufferable as usual.
* * *
“I need to thank Ember,” Cassia told Gaius at midday the next morning after she had awoken and he came to check on her.
“I am sure you’ll be seeing him plenty,” said Gaius. “I should thank him as well. I believe his approval of you confirmed my love for you.”
He took her by the arm and helped her move slowly toward the garden. Some of the trees and bushes still lay charred. “I was trying to shield you from my aunt’s final blow, and he took the brunt of it, swooping down just here.” He gestured his hand through the air.
“I did like him well before I liked you,” said Cassia, her teasing tone he loved so much employing itself.
“I also ought to tell you, darling, that you might warn Gynelle. Blythesome plans to visit her soon. This time he comes bearing gifts of gold, and I think he’ll ask for her hand.”
“And do you approve of his choice?” asked Cassia, more trepidation in her tone as she peered at him.
“Why yes, I told him he’s been a fool.” He smiled toward her, kissing her cheek. “After all, he and I have found the two best sisters in the whole country. With such a prospect, who would not be in want of a wife?”
* * *
