After we had settled into our rooms, Clarissa insisted on checking my mana. She had me sit quietly, hands palm-up on my knees, while she placed her fingers on my wrists.
Her eyes closed, and in a few seconds, water mana swirled faintly around her hands, glowing pale blue.
After a long moment, she opened her eyes. "You have mana. But it's very small. Undeveloped." She smiled. "And thankfully, it wasn't depleted. The necklace didn't affect you."
I sagged with relief. "Thank god."
"We'll need to discover what type you have. And train it. But for now.…." Clarissa's eyes sparkled with mischief. "So. You and the Duke."
"Ugh?" I tried for innocent, but failed miserably.
Clarissa laughed. "I am not blind, Your Highness. I saw the way you two looked at each other. And besides, gossip travels quickly. I know he called on you this morning."
I turned my face away, cheeks burning. "Clarissa..."
