“Mama, look,” Brea said with a gasp as Nika took the small pool of water and wrapped it around her. Brea’s giggle as the whip danced around her made Nika feel very proud. Her eight year old sister was very particular and six year old Nika wanted to impress her.

“Well done, Nika,” Lady Anaia Averran knelt down to her daughters. Nika warmed. “When did you learn that?”

“I didn’t learn it,” Nika frowned, “I just tried it.” Her mother nodded.

“Mama, can I try?” Brea asked. Their mother looked at her.

“Not today my love,” she said. “Come, we have a long ride.” Nika frowned and the two sisters followed after her. Her mother was being strange.

That night after they made camp and the girls were supposed to be sleeping Nika sat up, listening to her parents talk.

“I’ve never seen anything like it, Walkin,” Anaia said gently. “She needs to be properly taught.”

“She’s a witch, my love,” her father chuckled. “What could she need that you and the others can’t show her?”

“I’m not sure,” her mother said, “The Cammadie, maybe?”

“The Masteros are all dead or hiding under rocks, waiting for salvation from a child who died years ago,” Walkin shook his head. “And I won’t hand our daughter over to be drained and slaughtered by Brayton.” Nika inhaled sharply. She didn’t want to leave her mother and sister anyway, let alone to go to the monsters in Cammadan who hated magic.

She was twelve years old when it came up again. She was sitting playing as they’d settled in to the Border Keep, Brea was off with the chieftain’s sons, but Nika didn’t want to play with the loud and rowdy boys, and she didn’t understand why her sister did either. But Brea now spent nearly all her time hanging on Prince Harran’s every word, and watching him and sighing. Instead she’d settled in to see if she could make the lights she’d been practicing dance.

“What on earth?” Chieftain Marcus said she turned as the two orbs sat in her hands.

“Chieftain,” she said and extinguished them. “Were you looking for my mother?”

“I was,” he smiled, “what was that you were doing?”

“Oh it’s just a game,” she blushed. “Or it will be, when I figure it out.” The Chieftain nodded.

“Show me,” he said, she nodded and created the orbs of golden light in each hand. “How long have been able to do this?”

“A while,” she said.

“Just conjuring light?” He asked. She shook her head.

“Water too,” she whispered. He exhaled. “My mother is settling in our room I think.”

“Little Nika,” The Chieftain said. “Why are you afraid? This is a wonderful gift.”

“I don’t want to go to Cammadan and die,” she said. She waited for him to laugh. “I see them, the shadows, and they say awful things!”

“I see,” The Chieftain nodded. “Yes, that would be alarming.” She nodded. “Do you see other things?”

“Sometimes,” she swallowed. “People, places that are far away. It doesn’t always make a lot of sense.” He nodded.

“Chieftain,” her mother walked over. “I apologize was Nika bothering you?” Nika shrank back.

“No,” he said gently. “You might have told us your daughter was a seer, Lady Anaia.” Nika swallowed. “We will discuss this, Nika, do tell me when you’ve perfected your game.”

“Yes sir,” she whispered.

“Nika,” Marina whimpered under her touch. “Ooh,” she exhaled. Nika smiled watching her beloved’s dark curls spread in a halo around her head on the plain white bed in her chamber in Brightcoast. They kissed as Nika slid her fingers between her folds.

She’d never felt this way about anyone. Falling in love with Marina had consumed her so fully. But their relationship had moved slowly, physically. First, because Marina was mourning her relationship with Damian Lestoff and then because Nika had gone home for a while.

“I can’t wait to taste you,” Nika whispered and nibbled on her neck.

“I missed you,” Marina mumbled, sliding her hands under Nika’s robe. “I’m nervous.” Nika smiled.

“I can tell,” she said. “Just touch me how you like to be touched.” They kissed again. After they lay entwined, Marina panting and spent, Nika cooing still riding her own pleasure. “You’re a natural.” Marina giggled.

“I’ve never felt that good,” she mumbled. Nika smirked and rolled onto her belly and leaned on her hands. “Don’t look so pleased with yourself.”

“I’m sorry my love,” she said, “but of course it’s better than you’re used to, boys have no idea what our bodies can do for pleasure,” Marina giggled. “When do you go back to Dovetail?”

“Soon,” she sighed, “once he’s settled. Or as settled as he can be.” Her father’s condition had not improved. His fogs of confusion lasted longer, his melancholy seemed permanent. Nika knew it worried her. “You’ll come with us?”

“I think so,” Nika whispered. “If I’m wanted.” Marina smiled and kissed her softly.

“I always want you,” she said.

Dovetail was busy. Mainly they spent their time helping get the university organized, it was Marina’s pet project and Nika liked helping, liked not being afraid of her magic. And she liked being with Marina and her cousin Raymond and Raymond’s partner Evan.

But Nika had also never been jealous before in her life, and she hated the feeling. But the twist in her gut whenever Marina and Tristan Dugarry looked at each other couldn’t be anything else.

“All our lives I thought you were above it,” Brea said one night as Nika had gone outside to get some air.

“What are you talking about?” Nika rolled her eyes at her sister.

“I’m talking about how you look ready to take off your veil and tie it around Sir Tristan’s throat every time he speaks,” Brea teased. “What’s he done to you?” Nika frowned.

“She’s in love with him,” Nika whispered. Brea looked at her.

“Oh,” Brea said. “Oh, Nika I’m sorry.” She looked at her. “But he’s married and Marina doesn’t seem like,” Nika exhaled.

“No, it isn’t like that, they aren’t together, they’re just,” Nika shrugged, “in love.” Brea rested her head on her shoulder. “And I love her.”

“At least you’re with her,” Brea said. Nika nodded. “Try not to hate her. It’s poison.” Nika looked at her.

“I think he misses you,” Nika said. Brea shrugged.

“Last time we were at the keep, Rian proposed again,” Brea whispered.

“Outright?” Nika said. Brea nodded. “What did you say?”

“No, obviously,” Brea rolled her eyes. “I’ll never marry.” Nika nodded.

“Papa will hate that,” she sighed. Brea nodded. “He had such high hopes for you.”

“You’re the one who’s going to succeed him though,” Brea whispered. “Chief Nika Averran.” Nika laughed darkly at that.”

Nika was asleep on a cot, having helped bring a baby and then name her when the flap of her tent opened.

Prince Anders was standing in front of her, her hair was uncovered and he stared for a moment before turning around.

“Anders, what in the world?” She grabbed her veil and covered her head.

“I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking,” he murmured. “I’ve never seen your hair, even when we were children.” She laughed and he turned around, he looked very serious.

“What is it?” She said. “Is Brea alright?” He blinked at her.

“Your sister is, fine,” he swallowed. “We had a messenger last night, Harran sent me, I ride fastest.” She nodded. “From Cammadan.” She exhaled. Marina.

“Is it over?” Nika asked. “Did she do it?”

“Nika,” Anders said softly. “Lord Brayton took the Duchess, they don’t know where.” She stared at him.

“That’s not possible,” Nika shook her head, “if something had happened to Marina I’d have felt it, or seen it.” Anders carefully cupped her face as she started crying and then pulled her close. “Please tell me it’s a lie, Anders, or a mistake.”

“I wish I could, Nika, I’m so sorry,” he said. “But they need you. Queen Annalise wants you to come.” She nodded and wiped her eyes. “I’ll let you get your things together. Harran said he’ll take you to Dovetail.”

“Alright,” she said and went back to her tent. She lit a candle and knelt.

“Amina, Dark Lady,” she whispered, “please, please don’t let her fall. I know what you desire, but I beg you, spare my beloved. Please.” She blew out the candle, grabbed her pack and met Anders at the horses.