Nova doesn’t like Don.

If she puts aside the fact that he is a danger to Oreza, he is so full of himself. She’s surprised that anyone else can fit in the room when he enters.

Like she knows that he has powers and can stop anyone in their tracks but he could pretend to be just a smidge humble.

The former king, Prince Sebastian is a mystery to her. She can’t tell if he trusts Don the wizard or if there is some kind of spell on him. It’s a fifty fifty. Perhaps the Royal is just very trusting.

Witches can’t spell people to do things. Technically wizards can’t either. But wizards can suggest things. Then it depends on the will of the person.

Nova’s never seen a wizard able to do that. Or at least she doesn’t think so.

This ability makes Don even more dangerous.

“Maybe he is like a sheep in wolf’s fur,” Haze says, giving him the benefit of the doubt.

Her sister’s kindness has no bounds. It’s something Nova loves about Haze.

But Nova hasn’t survived this far by giving everyone the benefit of the doubt.

While Nova doesn’t judge Don for being a wizard, they know he is the one who spelled the dragon. You don’t do that for fun.

He had a reason, and Nova needs to know why.

OoOoO

“You think Don is the wizard,” Ward says, sidling up to her. It isn’t a question. That’s good, he is being observant.

It is scary sometimes how well he can read her.

“Yes.” He doesn’t need the verbal confirmation, but she gives it anyway. “He has been Prince Sebastian’s advisor for some time,” he informs her. It’s not accusatory or even questioning. Which she appreciates. She hates accusing tones.

Because she isn’t accusing him.

She knows he’s the wizard.

It’s his intentions that are unclear.

She won’t raise a war against him over that. Yet. But it is something she will be watching him over.

In the Wild Thicket, you survive by following your instincts. While it is different here in the castle, she knows that her gut has rarely failed her.

“Did you know he had a wizard advisor?” Haze asks.

“Yes and no,” Ward answers, unhelpfully.

Nova rolls her eyes. He notices that and smiles at her reaction.

If only his smile was less charming and didn’t cause that warm energy to wash over her.

“Don’t be cryptic,” she mutters. He chuckles but goes on to clarify, “There were rumors that he was a wizard, but he never confirmed them. It was speculation. Until now.”

“Great. Would’ve been nice information,” she grumbles under her breath. He brushes his shoulder with his.

Right. Not the time to be sarcastic.

“I honestly thought you knew. People aren’t exactly quiet around here,” Ward defends.

Well Ward is right about something.

Castle people talk a lot. About nothing. It doesn’t make sense but it’s ingrained in most of these people.

She hates gossipers.

Her ears perk up at a familiar set of footsteps. Rhymthic and organized. Not a step out of place.

“How do you want to proceed?” Faira asks.

Ward and Haze’s eyes widen. Nova smirks at their unawareness. They both definitely lightened up on their senses in the ballroom setting.

You can’t do that. Not if you want to survive.

“How long have you been eavesdropping?” Haze directs towards Faira.

Faira shrugs, “The whole conversation.” At least she’s honest. Nova can respect that.

Nova’s almost impressed. Almost.

What? Faira still needs to do a lot to redeem herself with how she treated Haze in the beginning.

“The only ones who know about the wizard spelling the dragon is us here and Aziza,” Haze lays out for their little circle.

“Ok, so we do we talk to the King and Queen?” Faira brings up. Nova doesn’t blame her for the suggestion. Ward probably wouldn’t done the same if she hadn’t. But it isn’t the right move. Not yet.

Haze says that she made progress with the queen. It’s too recent and not enough for this situation.

It needs to be enough to convince them.

“Don is a close advisor. Even if they trust you guys, they’ll know the information comes from us. We need some kind of definitive proof that he has bad intentions,” Nova explains. She sees the nods coming from Haze, Ward, and surprisingly Faira.

She has a bad taste in her mouth. Something about Don worries her. She just needs to prove it.