The Wizards of Venus Book One: Magic Touch Read Free Page A

things straight.
    Mica and Colin watched him leave.
    “Would you like to lay odds on them actually making it to the altar?" Colin joked.
    “They’ll make it. They’re chosens."
    "If they don’t kill each other first. My oldest daughter is merely a younger version of her mother and your boy has enough of you in him that I don’t doubt they’ll have a wild ride to the altar.
    * * * *
     
    Rand found Gracie beside the fountain in the royal gardens. She was sitting on the ledge, gazing down at the gold coins scattered across the bottom of the fountain. If anything she’s only become more willful since my Gathering. Despite her temper, it does nothing to distract from how she affects me. If I had a durlac for every time I’ve had to stop myself from claiming her, I would have enough to bring our country out of deficit. His loins tightened at the picture she made, her generous curves covered in a light purple poet’s shirt with dark leggings. She’d twisted her long red hair up into a twist but as usual tendrils had escaped to caress her neck. And she’s mine. “Ours!”
    He nearly grinned at Ruzac’s reminder. Sometime during the first year after his sentient power awoke, he’d broken down and gave his power a name, tired of talking to nameless being.
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    When Gracie heard him approach, she glanced up but remained sitting, looking down into the swirling water.
    “You know, I used to come here with my father and toss coins in and make the craziest wishes. Some of them would come true and some wouldn’t. But at eight, I was still innocent enough to expect that they would.” Her voice was wistful.
    "I did the same thing. My favorite thing to wish for was us being together for the rest of our lives. You’re my best friend, and even while I was studying for my placement test, you were never far away. As close as we are why don’t you want to marry me?" He sat down next to her on the ledge.
    “The only reason I was close at hand is because I was interning under my dad. The only thing I’ve ever wanted is to one day be an Advisor. When this farce gets out, the board of Elders will never take my application seriously.”
    "So your objection to marrying me is because you’re afraid it will affect your wizardry exam?”
    She nodded.
    “I don’t believe it. There’s more than just a thwarted career goal here. Try again.”
    “We’ve been friends for years, it just won’t work.”
    “That in itself will do nothing more than make our marriage stronger.” He tried to keep his patience. “How can we make this work if you won’t tell me the truth, Gracie?
    You’ve never lied to me in the past.”
    “I’m not lying!” Her eyes narrowed in anger.
    “Then explain it to me.”
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    “I don't know if I can explain it. It just doesn’t feel right. We’ve been friends for so long, making the jump to a full partnership and marriage seems nearly impossible.”
    “More excuses, Rand? Just claim her and be done with it!”
    “Shut up, Ruzac.”
    He strived for patience. “You wanted a partnership with me as my Advisor. Think of this as another kind of partnership. I've had enough excuses; what are you hiding from me, Gracie?
    “I resent I’ve no say in this marriage. Your father and mine, in their infinite wisdom, decided this was the best thing for both of us. While we’re socially and magically compatible, there are two living, breathing people in this. We both have needs, wants and desires.”
    “So you’re concerned about what our relationship will be once we take off our crowns. There’s no need for it. I’ll be more than happy to take care of any of your needs.
    I want you to be happy with me.” Reaching out, he took her hand and edged her closer until there was no marble separating them. In a move which didn’t surprise him, she pulled her hand free and stood up.
    “This is a serious issue, Rand. The primary duty of a royal couple is to produce an heir and I won’t throw myself at a man