If he was hoping for a reaction, he was going to be disappointed. However, she suspected she’d have to endure similar comments in the future if she didn’t put a stop to it right now.

“My private relationship is none of your business,” she said.

He crossed his arms. “Oh, I think it is.”

“Why is that?”

He held up his index finger. “First, you chose the worst person. No, falling in love with the Water Prince would have been worse.” Another finger shot up. “Second, we really can’t trust your judgment even if you say you read his soul. How do we know you didn’t just see what you wanted to see?”

She mimicked him. “First, who is this we? Are you sure it isn’t just you? You’ve been fighting me about everything. Is it because you’re jealous of Rendor?”

He scoffed. “Hardly.”

It wasn’t because Jayden cared for her. He had made his opinion of her pretty clear, especially when he had called her a selfish sun-kissed. “Second, if you don’t trust my judgment, you’re welcome to leave and to take the others who are also concerned about my personal life with you.” When he didn’t reply, she continued, “I’ll say it again, my personal life is none of the Invisible Sword’s business.”

“Then why did you assign Rendor to get us water when I repeatedly offered to take care of it?”

Son of a sand demon, he was jealous. “He had a better idea and he’s a natural leader. I’m taking advantage of his skills, just like I do with Mojag or Ximen. And with you.”

“Me?”

“Yes. I need to learn everything I can about my magic.”

“Is that all you need me for?”

“Oh, for sand’s sake, Jayden. No. You’re vital to this organization for your connections with the vagrants, your knowledge of the hidden areas of Zirdai, your magical powers. Do I need to continue?”

“Well…”

She huffed. “I’m not stroking your ego anymore. Let’s stop wasting time arguing and get to work. All right?”

“A truce?”

“I’d like nothing better.”

“All right.” He shook her hand.

She practiced working with the sand. Lots and lots of practice before full darkness. After third meal, she returned to her room. Soon after, Jayden brought her a bucket of sand.

“This is for—”

“Practice,” she finished.

He grinned evilly. “Yup.” At least Jayden had given her a distraction. She doubted she’d get much sleep.

And she was right. Shyla used up her energy to work with the sand. After that, she tried to rest. But despite the fatigue flowing through her body, every time she closed her eyes, Rendor’s angry image rose. The pain in his voice echoed.