His expression hardened. “I use it as required as the strongest Spirit Fae in the realm.”
“By taking lives,” I translated. “Or repurposing them.”
“Only in very dire situations. But yes.”
I swallowed, finally understanding his purpose here. “That’s why you’ve been assigned to me. To rein me in, or kill me, as required.”
“Yes.” No hesitation or guilt or apology. “However, my goal is to help you thrive, Claire.” He drew his finger across my cheek and down my neck as an alarm sounded in the other room. “Sandwiches.” He gave me a small smile before sliding off the bed to leave me with the hot chocolate. It’d gone cold in my hands, my fingers turning it to ice at his words.
If Exos couldn’t help me find control over these wayward powers, he would be forced to hurt me.
No, to kill me.
Or worse—possess me.
I shivered. What if I can’t master these abilities?
Focusing again on my cup, I brought the drink to a boil and tried to access the water inside to stir the contents. When nothing happened, I blew again, re-creating the action from earlier. Then I tried something different by pulling the liquid up with my mind to create a funnel over the rim.
It resembled a tornado of molten chocolate.
I tried tasting it and found the flavor to be the same as it was before, but even more potent. Magical. And so, so delicious.
After a few more sips, I coaxed the liquid back into my cup and noticed Exos watching from the doorway with two plates, one in each hand. “I didn’t want to interrupt you,” he said, his voice huskier than before.
My cheeks heated as I set the mug aside. “I was playing.”
“I know.” He settled beside me again, handing me one of the dishes. “Your knack for air is growing. I don’t have an advisor for you in that element yet, but I’ll work on one. Elana mentioned a Vox; apparently, he’s tutoring an Earth Fae already and doing a good job with him.” He took a bite of the strange green thing in his hand and shrugged. “A task for tomorrow.”
I was too busy staring at his food to really hear and comprehend his words. “What is that?” I had one on my plate as well. It reminded me of a lettuce wrap, except cooked. And the stuff inside was definitely not anything I’d seen before.
“Take a bite and find out,” he taunted. “You’ll see.”
I poked the foresty globe on my plate. “Eh…”
“Live a little, princess.” He winked and took another bite, then reached around me to grab my hot chocolate and took a swallow before returning it.
The act felt intimate somehow, as if we did this every day.
Yet this was the first time he’d ever been normal with me. Well, as normal as a fae could be, anyway. This sandwich didn’t qualify. Neither did the elemental magic tricks.
He arched an eyebrow at me. “If you don’t at least try it, I’m going to be offended, Claire. It’s not as if I go about cooking for just anyone, you know.”
Because he was a Prince. He probably had manservants. Or maybe more of those pixie things that Elana had used.
“Fine.” I could at least taste it. The hot chocolate was one of the best I’d ever tasted. Maybe this sandwich would join the list? I eyed the globe and picked it up with my hands—like Exos had. The texture reminded me of a moist tortilla, only it was leafy like lettuce.
And so, so green.
I took a small bite, expecting the worst, and raised my eyebrows when the taste exploded in my mouth. Spicy but sweet, and delicious.
Yet, mushy.
And not at all what I would call a sandwich.
It was more like hummus mixed with crunchy vegetables and beans, heated into a spinach casing with a gooey texture.
Exos waited until I swallowed to ask, “Like it?”