I stood up very slowly. “Can everyone please give us the room?” I asked. “Are you sure, Empress Sani?” Illiana whispered. “I am. I’ll be okay.” Slowly everyone filtered out of the room and then it was just me and Akan. “How can I help you Empress?” He asked. “What do you know about magic?” “Many things. There is magic all around us. Hidden behind the walls, dancing through the breeze, under our fingertips.” “But who can wield magic?” I whispered. “Anyone the Gods deem worthy. Why? Have you seen magic?” “Maybe.” “And who was wielding it?” “So how do you know so much about magic, Akan?” I questioned. I could tell he noticed the way I changed the subject, but he smiled and answered me. “I was born into this life. My parents studied the way of magic and its effect on the

