Page 107 of Tides of Shadows

A sour taste filled my mouth. Had I been merely another source? Another conquest that yielded useful information?

We were crossing the courtyard near the well, and the water felt my anger. I had no time to control it. The water leapt from the well in a sudden burst, rising several feet into the air.

People in the courtyard sprang back.

In White City all were long accustomed to strange things. Here, everyone went still. It had been long since I last called upon my element, and the longer I stayed from it, the harder it became to control. I had to vent my force, and since the rat attack I had had no such chance. I knew using my power would make it easier to control my mind.

Tristan halted and looked at me with that cursed curiosity of his.

“Fascinating,” he said, his blue eyes fixed upon me.

I only wished to move away and draw less attention. I turned on my heel and walked faster, longing for an end to this wretched talk. Tristan followed with easy steps, unhurried, but always at my side.

“Forgive me,” he said in a gentle tone. “I didn’t mean to irritate you. It is only that… a lot of people want to take advantage of Aidenar. I have never trusted Velena and her Family. Most women want something from him, power, position, wealth. I have always stood by his side and guarded his back. The first time I leave him for a handful of weeks and he brings home a girl no one has ever heard of.”

I laughed, and the sound rang harsh against the stones.

“You think I am using him?! Why do people of White City always measure others by themselves,” I added, more to myself. “I want nothing from you. He was the one who came to me for help.”

My temper had nearly reached its limits. Tristan saw that he had pressed too hard. He softened his voice, as if to soothe me.

“Perhaps I fear you will break his heart.”

I laughed even louder.

“His heart cannot be broken. It was forged in countless affairs in White City.”

Tristan gave a short laugh of his own and looked off into the distance, as if remembering something, though he said nothing.

After a pause I added, “What is it you want of me, Tristan?”

“To know you better.”

I rolled my eyes.

“For today I have had enough of that. Minerva’s sessions take their toll. I am tired.”

“I shall see you safely back.”

There was no sense in protesting. We climbed the stairs that led higher toward the living quarters. On the way we came to a narrow bridge that joined two wings of the fortress, hung high above the main courtyard.

My fingers trembled.

I hated heights.

Tristan noticed that at once and offered his arm.

“Easy. It’s just a few steps.”

I didn’t wish to touch him, but I didn’t wish to faint and fall either. I took his arm, and we crossed with care. When we reached the door of my chambers, I saw Aidenar.

He stood with some guards, speaking in low tones. He turned, saw us, and his gaze turned to ice. Exactly as he saw me with my hand upon Tristan’s arm.

“I was only escorting Nerissa,” Tristan said, all false innocence.

“I see,” Aidenar answered, his voice cool. “Meet me in the office later. We have matters to deal with.”

Tristan only inclined his head and slipped away like a shadow.