She looked at me as if I’d hung the moon, though I knew that look was more about my mother than it was me. I wasn’t surprised. Of course this would turn into a garrulousspew of adoration for her. It always did. I pursed my lips and prepared to answer.
“I was a child. So, I don’t quite remember much about it. But I was very proud of her. She always worked incredibly hard.”
“Oh, yes. Of course. I bet she’s proud of you too. Following in her footsteps and going on this expedition. It must be the most amazing thing to have a mother like her. The things you’ve probably learned and experiences you’ve had. Wow. Just…wow.”
“Mmm hmm,” I said as Sylvie continued to ramble. It didn’t appear as though she even cared about my responses so I tuned her out, plastering on a smile and nodding at the appropriate times.
After ten minutes of drivel, Liam’s voice interrupted. “Doctor Thornheart, may I have a word?”
I glanced behind me to see him approaching. “Of course.”
Sylvie looked at him and blushed as she urged her horse forward, rejoining Aaric at the front of the party.
Liam rode up beside me. “You looked like you needed to be rescued from that conversation.”
“I was perfectly fine,” I lied.
“Right. That’s why your lip was curled like you smelled something foul.”
I leaned forward, running my fingers through Honey’s flaxen mane then scratched her neck. She whinnied, leaning into my touch.
Rising in the saddle, I answered, “I was smiling at her and listening.”
“You aren’t very good at lying or hiding your thoughts, you know.”
I met his gaze. Emberly was right. Hewasgood looking. Stunning, actually. I could get lost in those emerald eyes…and the way his sleeves were rolled up revealed perfectly toned forearms…
“Ahem.” Liam cleared his throat. “Like I said. You aren’t very good at hiding your thoughts.” He smiled at me like he knew exactly where my mind had gone.
My neck flushed. “Did you need something, Doctor Pendragon?”
“I told you to call me Liam.”
“Fine. Did you need something,Liam?”
“We’ll be at camp soon. I thought we’d continue our get-to-know you game.”
“What is it with you and games?”
He laughed. “You’re the one that accused me of playing games first, remember? So I thought I’d play.”
I tucked a strand of brown hair behind my ear. “What would you like to know?”
“What’s your magic specialty?”
All witches picked a type of magic to specialize in when they were young. Oftentimes, it led to their career, but not always. Sometimes you’d have a witch who utilized herbal magic but was a blacksmith, or one who used necromancy but worked as a jeweler.
“Healing,” I replied.
Liam’s eyebrows rose. “Really? Interesting…Why did you choose it?”
Why, indeed. A loaded question. One I wasn’t sure I wanted to answer.
“Sore subject, it seems,” Liam said, watching me closely.
I tilted my head at him. “How do you do that?”
“Do what?”