Below, Maegel finally burst into the hall, his boots clattering on the stone. He looked stressed, his eyes immediately searching for the messenger. He hadn't seen us yet.
"The choice isn't Maegel's to make, Caelum," I whispered, leaning closer to him until I could smell the iron and exertion on his skin. "I want to go. And I think it would be much more fun if you and Julian convinced the Prince that I needed to be there. After all, your father's wealth will probably be used to fund this entire excursion… surely he wouldn't mind if his 'catalyst daughter' saw a bit of the world."
Caelum's hand gripped the stone railing until his knuckles were white. He was caught between the logic of the mission and the intoxicating gravity of my presence. We both knew which one would win.
"I'll speak to Julian," he muttered, his voice defeated and breathless. "We'll make sure the preparations include you."
"Good boy," I whispered.
