"When you took down two escaped ghouls. I can only imagine the pain you can inflict. Once you're the Queen of Hearts again, I'll pity your enemies."
"My ability didn't help me with the Vrekeners last time. Channeling it took a lot of concentration-which took time. My range was limited too."
Trehan remembered that she'd had to aim her hands directly at the ghouls to affect them.
"Bett, when I first held a sword, I was too young even to swing it. You grow into a skill-you practice with it. It will become second nature."
"And if I never get it back?"
"You will. Until then, I plan to help you steal another's."
She seemed startled by this.
"Did Morgana not propose the same to you?"
"Well, yes. But I could never make another Sorceri feel this way."
"In any case, my offer stands."
She seemed to muse over his words, then said, "You know so much about me. Won't you tell me something about your life?"
"What do you want to know?"
"What's Dacia like?"
"Strategically and mystically hidden. Very well defended."
"Um, can you describe what it looks like for me?"
Her question made his lips curl. My artist halfling needs details. "Before you, I noted sights only for tactical advantages. But again, I will try," he said, casting his mind back to the view from his balcony. "There's a constant mist. It wisps along the cobblestone streets. Vast caverns soar above all. Fountains run with blood. The buildings are ancient, carved from the very mountain. Our black stone castle lies empty in the center of Dacia, like a bloodless heart." A constant reminder of their failure to install a regent. Though not for much longer.
"Caverns? Does it smell like a cave?"
"No, it smells of cold and blood, which is pleasing to one like me."
"It must be dark."
"In the highest peak, there's an opening capped with a gigantic crystal. It allows in filtered sunlight."
"I can hardly imagine that."
"I wish I could have shown you." Talking of his kingdom only brought to mind how much he missed it. The frothing fountains, the mist, the majestic black keep.
How would Bettina have viewed Dacia? How many details would she have seen that had escaped his notice? They'd never know.
"What was your house like?"
"I lived in the royal library, among all the books."
"You resided in a . . . library?"
"There were suites inside and great balconies that overlooked the city, but yes. I was most content among those shelves, so one night, I simply never left." What would she think his dwelling choice said about him?
She seemed to be giving the matter serious consideration. Then she asked, "Do you have family there?"
"No siblings or parents. But many cousins."
"Are you close to them?"