Dead Magic Read Online Free

was going crazy, Elsie knew this voice; had known it all her life. From the moment she was born, magic had been a part of her, growing with her, sharpening as she'd learn to use the Talent inherent to her race. But until recently, it hadn't manifested itself in such a clear, undeniable way.
    Her.
    Looking up, Elsie watched Leona escort Ambassador Taven and a mousy-looking woman into the gardens. Since she knew Magic wasn't trying to point out Leona, Elsie focused on the other woman.
    Cropped dark-brown hair with tints of red that warmed under the sun curled in disarray around the woman's head. She looked stylish without appearing to fuss over it, which meant there were more important things on her agenda. Dove-gray eyes flicked over the gardens, widening as though she were startled and impressed. There was a bird-like quality to the woman, gentle and small curves in her oval face, a slightly pointed chin, and a mouth that looked a smidgen small, but when taken with the rest of her face was proportioned just right.
    As they neared the gondola where the table had been arranged, Elsie relaxed in her lattice chair and surveyed the woman openly. She was, after all, the House Witch of Delgora and did not have to apologize for taking an interest in an uninvited guest.
    Whoever had dressed the poor thing should have been shot. The caramel-colored skirt didn't complement her hair and the cream lacing almost exactly matched her skin. Something red would have looked better.
    "You've got that displeased look again."
    Elsie smiled just as Dorian's hand squeezed her shoulder. She'd known he was coming but hadn't heard his approach. With a fluid movement he bent to kiss her cheek before settling in the chair beside her. For a moment, Elsie allowed herself to bask in the feel of her husband's presence. Reaching out, she took hold of his hand and felt the purr of his magic through his skin. He smiled back at her before turning his attention to the approaching emissary.
    "Montgomery Taven." His mouth twitched down and she sensed his annoyance. "No doubt bringing more recriminations from my stepmother."
    "He could be here on your father's business." Elsie squeezed his hand in what she hoped was reassurance.
    "Father would have come on his own."
    They quieted as Leona presented their guests, gesturing first to Montgomery, who gave them a perfect bow in greeting. His copper buttons gleamed in the sunlight and Elsie calculated that his beautiful coat was going to have him sweating before the tea was served. As nice as he looked, the thickly embroidered material wasn't practical for the Delgora tropics.
    No, Elsie thought. Poor Taven is better suited for the high woodlands of Orzebet House. Situated on the furthest northern border of Magnellum, Orzebet lands had some of the longest winters around.
    "You look splendid, Ambassador Taven," Elsie said. "Those buttons are quite clever."
    "You flatter me, Lady Delgora." Montgomery's cheeks flushed, either from heat or pleasure, and he bowed again.
    With deliberate movements, Elsie turned to regard the woman beside him. Up close, there was an undeniable shine to her, something unnatural that seemed to warm out through her skin. Elsie met her gaze directly and held it, seeing the anxiousness in her but nothing that could explain the strange glow.
    She's Fated .
    Startled, Elsie reflexively tightened her grip on Dorian's hand. She'd never known an Untalented to be Fated before. The Fates normally delved into the lives of the Witch-Born, leaving the Untalented to their own devices. Dorian squeezed her hand back, helping her to focus on propriety again.
    "And who is this?" Dorian nodded to the woman in question.
    "Ah, I do beg forgiveness. This is Miss Valeda Quinlan of the Tormey Regular . She has been a delightful distraction in the waiting hall." Montgomery emphasized the word "waiting", letting them know he was peeved about how long they'd left him.
    Elsie ignored the implied accusation.
    "The Tormey