“I wanted to save the man I loved,” he admitted. “But Archimedes didn’t survive the journey. Still, I pleaded with Nimue. She told me she couldn’t bring back what I had lost, but she could instead give me something to live for. A purpose. I had thought that purpose was to instruct your father.” The old man hesitated before adding, “Until recently.”

“What changed your mind?” Emry asked curiously.

“You did,” said Master Ambrosius. “Arthur pulled the sword from the stone long after your father could help him. Perhaps, if he had done so as a boy, things would have been different. But history runs how it must, not how we will it.” The wizard sighed. “I have lived a long life, and seen many whom I cared about die. But there is still hope to be found in this world. And I believe it rests with Arthur. And with you.”

“No pressure,” Emry joked. She smiled gratefully at the old wizard, who was looking at her as though he saw her truly, and was proud to have her as his apprentice. Not her brother—her. She wanted to hug him. To thank him for teaching her, even though she wasn’t the pupil he’d expected. And for keeping her secret. And for so many other things.

But before she could, Master Ambrosius clapped his hands together and said, “Now I think I’d better start you on potions. They can be quite useful in an emergency.”

“What constitutes an emergency?” she asked curiously.

“With you?” replied the old wizard. “I’d say every day that ends in the letter ‘y.’ ”

CHAPTER 21

Emry hurried down the castle corridor after supper, feeling Gawain’s eyes on her.

The prince’s handsome cousin slouched next to an antique suit of armor, wearing yet another ridiculous coat, this one embroidered with silver serpents. His brown skin glowed richly in the candlelight, the shadows illuminating the chiseled hollows of his cheekbones. His sketchbook was tucked under one arm, and he was soliciting volunteers for private portrait sessions in his chambers, so he might better study the female form.

Emry rolled her eyes. A surprising number of court ladies were vying for the honor, though she didn’t spot Lady Elaine amongst them. Gawain tipped his chin in Emry’s direction, and she nodded back.

She’d sensed Gawain watching her during supper that evening, and had often felt the pressure of his gaze even before she’d left for Avalon. Well, he had seen her chase off two bandits with flying bricks and a wall of fire, she reminded herself. But still. There was something probing about the way he watched her, as if he was looking for something.