A familiar pain twinged in her own breast. “I know I mentioned before—my sister, Alise, has manifested as a wizard. Papa is training her to take over House Elal. That inheritance will be hers.”
“How do you bear it?” he whispered. “Giving all of that up.”
“I bear it because I have no choice,” she replied crisply. “It’s that or collapse under the weight of disappointed hopes, and you should know me well enough by now that I’m not someone who gives up without a fight.” She tugged out of his arms.
“I’m sorry, Nic. I didn’t mean to—”
“You didn’t.” She’d cut off his words perhaps too abruptly, but she didn’t want to hear his pity for all she’d thought she’d be and have and never would. “I’d rather focus on this brilliant success, Gabriel,” she said more kindly. “Let’s see the rest of the manse.”
“I thought you said you’re worn out?”
“Magically, not physically.” She held out a hand to him in invitation, in apology. “I’d rather explore the rest of House Phel with you, while we have it all to ourselves.”