Free The White Forest (Mages and Kingdoms Book 2) by Cara Coe Page B

a lord but his flame power is unmatched. He can put a single fire out with just one touch. Absorbs it all. And his fireball displays are a sight.” She grinned encouragingly before adding, “And he’s quite handsome.”
    Amelie was about to answer with her rejection when a voice behind them spoke up. “Who is quite handsome?”
    Both women turned at the sound. Before them stood a man just taller than they in a crisp white suit and slicked back dark blonde hair. A light green vest brought out the specks of similar color in his amber eyes. His smile was wide. His dimples were deep. A knife with an intricate pattern on its hilt sat in a sheath on his side. Amelie’s eyes moved with boredom over the mage’s features and rested with interest on his weapon. Lotis’s slight gasp indicated he was an important man whom she felt too far from reach to mention before.
    “I overheard your discussion and thought surely you must be mulling over my handsome good looks.” His eyes twinkled mischievously as he bowed slightly. “Lord Gershan Thorne,” he introduced.
    Amelie gave a polite curtsey in return. “Amelie.”
    He smiled. “Yes. You are infamous outside these walls. Healed a mortal injury on Lord Hightower is the current tale.”
    Lord Hightower? Amelie thought. That’s the man they call Bean?
    Her response attempted to diminish the feat she performed in the village. “It was but a scrape.”
    Lord Gershan shook his head. “You are too modest. I know the man. He’s proud. Anything he would have allowed a mage to heal would have been more than a scrape. Much more.” A slight pause and then, “Is there a last name, Amelie?”
    “I haven’t a need for years. I never knew my father and have spent many years away from most people.” Amelie tried to keep the stress from her voice. Not even into the first course and she already had to navigate around lies.
    “Is that so? It appears that my attempt to talk to you only creates more mysteries.”
    “An unintended consequence, I assure you.” Amelie placed a hand at the back of her neck and rubbed. He was leaning in a little too close. She felt powerless with these bracelets on and itched to physically demand her space.
    “Well, Miss Amelie. If I may be so bold as to request the first course on my dining card. I would like the opportunity to create many more…mysteries.”
    “I, um…” Amelie’s eyes flicked around the room once more for Simon to save her from this invitation but she did not see him. She did see a fair amount of guests quiet their conversations and dart their eyes curiously towards them at the sound of his request.
    Lotis’s finger jabbed her in the ribs, indicating her apparent approval. Amelie bit back the urge to let out a sigh of frustration.
    “I would love to accept,” she replied through a gritted smile.
    Lord Thorne beamed. “Wonderful! They are almost through with the preparations. I shall return shortly.” He took Amelie’s hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss. Giving her a slick smile over their hands he bowed slightly. “If you’ll excuse me, Miss Amelie.”
    Amelie curtsied once again and turned before letting the smile drop off her face.
    Lotis squealed quietly beside her. “Five minutes into the banquet and you’ve secured Lord Thorne for your first course!”
    Amelie shrugged. “I couldn’t find Simon.”
    “He will not be attending.” Queen Trinity strolled to where they stood. “I have him otherwise occupied.”
    The queen stunned in a jade green dress that hugged her curves and fell in a train near her feet. Her white hair cascaded around her shoulders in loose curls and a bone colored tiara inlaid with crystals sat atop her head.
    “You look quite lovely, Amelie,” the queen said, roving her eyes over her form with approval. “I’m not surprised Gershan has secured the first course with you. He is a wonderful mage who normally skirts around such commitments. You would be wise to consider him.”
    “I was