The Spark of a Feudling by Wendy Knight

expansive gardens and a charming courtyard. “No, they are not rare, but most do not fight. It is believed that women are not as powerful as men and will die in battle.”
    â€œBut you fight.”
    She nodded.
    He slid off his horse, handing it to a stable boy. William barely glanced at him, but Ada’s chest contracted. That boy, at her home, would be Christian. Was he worried about her? Did he miss her? She had barely thought about him in her race to find the battle that seemed to be tugging at the flames in her blood, but now she felt like the world was much too dark. The urge to return home was nearly unbearable, but she had to eat first, or she would never make it. For as long as she could remember, she had never missed a meal, let alone two. Her stomach, and the rest of her, was not appreciative.
    Blinking, she realized William was offering his hand to help her down. She felt that ever annoying flush creep up her neck, and quickly slid into his arms. “Thank you,” she said, moving away, confused at the way her body responded. She should not have this reaction to anyone but Christian. Christian was the boy she loved, not this strange man who found life far too amusing.
    Inside, she reluctantly handed her cloak to the butler at the door. Her gown was muddy, torn, and burned, not exactly fitting in a fine manor that housed no magical people. William smirked, just a bit, before leading her into the first room on their left.
    A woman who bore a remarkable resemblance to William sat in the parlor. “Mother, this is Miss Aleshire. I have offered her a meal in exchange for helping with our highwaymen problem. And our rabbit problem.”
    William’s mother rose. She was tall, at least as tall as Governess Buttercroft. She had William’s same light brown hair and eyes. “Adlington? And how are you related to the Duke of Adlington?”
    Ada glanced away from the rose-colored mahogany furniture and the deep burgundy carpets. Fresh flowers stood in vases on nearly every flat surface and the smell was heavenly. She swallowed, trying again to focus on the woman before her. “He is my father.”
    The woman froze in place, eyes widening. “Do you carry his gift then? Are you a sorcerer as well?”
    Ada thought about letting her flames loose, at least a bit. But the woman looked positively frightened, and Ada didn’t want to singe the expensive-looking carpets or the beautiful furniture. “Sorceress. Yes. But you have no cause to fear. I’m highly trained and have even been taught how to behave in polite society.”
    William burst out laughing. His mother shot him a sharp look before turning back to Ada. “Forgive me, my dear. We have not had the best experiences with the Edren sorcerers.” She held out a pale hand.
    â€œThere is nothing to forgive. I’m sorry that you feel that way, but I shall do my best to change your opinion.” Ada took her hand and curtsied.
    â€œHarriet! Set a place at the table for Miss Aleshire,” she called to the servant lurking in the doorway. Ada glanced at her over her shoulder. The girl glared fiercely before she realized they were all looking at her.
    What have I done to her to deserve a look like that? Ada tried not to feel wounded, but she disliked being disliked without ever even being introduced. And then she caught sight of the look the girl gave William, and she understood. She wished she could pull her aside and explain that she wasn’t a threat in the slightest. “I’m just passing through,” she murmured aloud without meaning to.
    â€œExcuse me?” William asked, tipping his head toward her.
    She blinked, feeling completely daft. “I… nothing.”
    â€œPlease. Sit.” Lady Charnock swept a hand across the room.
    William sat across from her. Somehow she could not think of him as Mr. Langley. Maybe having someone watch you blow up a bunny put you on more familiar