Page 18 of Madness of Her Mages

“Of course.” I paused, watching his expression for any signs of disloyalty. “As soon as I have concrete evidence.”

The tension that had coiled around my spine loosened a fraction when he nodded his agreement.

“My brothers and I are leaving with Shiri and our queen’s army tomorrow.” I closed the distance between us, grasping his shoulder while continuing to stare into his eyes. “Can I depend on you to keep Abyssus safe from all enemies?”

He stiffened beneath my touch, but he held my gaze without faltering. “You know I will.”

Expelling a breath of relief, I released him and stepped back. “If Sol and Bertram return, kill them if you have no other choice, but I’d like them alive to interrogate.”

He visibly swallowed. “Yes, My Lord.”

“If you see the mage Thorin,” I added, “kill him at once, and whatever you do, don’t look into his eyes.”

He looked at me as if he was seeing me for the first time, as what was left of the fog cleared from his eyes. “You really believe this, don’t you?”

Repressing a curse, I clenched my fists by my sides. “I do. And if Flora and Derrick come here, do not kill them. Lock them up in the tower and send for me.”

The color drained from his ruddy cheeks. “They tried to kill our queen.”

“Our queen would want them alive for questioning.” I heaved a frustrated groan. “Whatever you think of me, know this. Queen Malvolia has been like my surrogate mother. For that, I will always be indebted to her and love her like family, but there are dark forces at play here.” I paused, wondering how much I should tell him, but then I realized I had no choice. Our country was about to descend into war. Thousands of Fae were about to fly to our deaths, and we were merely puppets to nefarious demons who were pulling our strings. I blew out a long breath. “Demons have been manipulating Malvolia, and the entire country, for decades.”

“B-but Maiadra—” he sputtered.

“Did not eradicate all demons,” I cut him off. “You’ve gone behind my back already. This is your chance to redeem yourself. Do as I order. Keep Abyssus safe.”

To my surprise, he bowed his head. “Yes, My Lord.”

I flew away feeling more confident in Romulus than before our meeting, though with each flap of my wings I felt less sure of our future. There hadn’t been a white witch born into the Fae realm in over four centuries. Now there were two. Had the elements created Shiri and her sister because they knew we’d need the strength of two white witches to face the evil to come? If so, would my brothers and I be strong enough to protect our mate?

Shiri

“WHY CAN’T WE SLEEPin our nursery?” Ember asked as I tucked her beneath the blankets of Drae’s big bed.

“Because I need to have you near me tonight,” I whispered, kissing each of the girls’ cheeks.

“Why?” Aurora blinked up at me. “Are you afraid Aunt Malvolia will kill us?”

I gave Nikkos a hopeless look as he sat beside me on the bed, his long, wet hair slicked back, his wings still dripping from his bath. He smelled like fresh pine and sage, and it took all my willpower not to lick the stray drops of water from his glistening chest.

These girls are clever,he said to me through thought.

Too clever,I answered. I cleared my throat, brushing Aurora’s hair out of her eyes. “I have many reasons to keep you near.”

“You think the bad demons will come back?” Ember asked.

“Many things can happen,” I answered, trying to be truthful, but also not wanting to frighten them. “Do you understand that we have to leave Abyssus tomorrow?”

Aurora rolled onto her side, snuggling against her sister while folding her hands beneath her cheek. “Mrs. Euphemia said she can’t come with us on our journey.”

“That’s right,” I answered, tucking the blankets around their shoulders. “She’ll be here keeping your nursery ready for when we come back.”

“We’ll miss her,” Ember said, her bottom lip quavering.

“I know you will, darling.” My throat constricted, and I had to will back the tears that threatened. I hated doing this to them after everything they’d already lost, but my mates and I decided it would be best if Mrs. Euphemia waited here in case of emergency and the girls teleported to their nursery. Besides, keeping the girls safe would be hard enough without having to worry about Mrs. Euphemia.

“But you’ll still have your auntie and uncles,” Nikkos said with a smile while leaning over the girls. “I’ll be sure to pack lots of ginger candies.”

“And tarts?” Aurora asked.

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