Page 92 of Madness of Her Mages

“Why?” I looked down at Ember, gasping when I saw blood stains on her dress. “What happened?”

Mrs. Euphemia knelt beside us, cupping Ember’s tear-stained cheek. “Show your aunt your hands.”

Bile projected into my throat when Ember held her hands out to me. Her knuckles were covered in blood!

Mrs. Euphemia glared at Miss Grethel. “The girls told me their new nursemaid did this.”

Miss Grethel turned up her chin, the splotches on her pale face turning crimson. “She refused to practice her letters, though I gave her many chances.”

I jumped to my feet, my fists clenched by my sides. “You split open her fingers!”

“The queen told me to be strict with them.” Her lip quavered as she refused to look me in the eyes. “Knuckle whipping is a standard method of discipline in many Ravini households.”

“Not this one!” Drae hollered, his eyes swirling with flame.

“M-my apologies.” Trembling like a leaf in a windstorm, Miss Grethel shrank away from him.

I blew out a shaky breath while fighting the urge to punch the bitch in the face. She had to get away from me before my siren forced her to jump off the balcony. “Get out of my sight before I lose my temper. Now!” my siren commanded, reverberating off the walls.

She picked up her skirts and ran, howling like a mongrel with her tail between her legs.

“Oh, baby.” I held Ember close while wiping the tears from her eyes. “I’m so sorry.” I looked up at Nikkos through watery eyes. “Please help her.”

“Come here, sprite.” Nikkos flashed a fatherly smile while sweeping Ember into his arms. “Let’s get you fixed up,” he said as he set her on the table.

Aurora rested against her sister’s knees while Nikkos cleaned her wounds. “Can we get ginger candy again, Uncle Nikkos?” she asked while batting her eyes at him.

“Of course.” He flashed a tight smile while wrapping his hands around Ember’s knuckles. “After I heal your sister.”

I removed the embroidered napkin from my pocket that I’d taken from the buffet in Malvolia’s chamber and unwrapped it, revealing four little raspberry-filled cakes.

“Girls, look what I brought you.”

Aurora squealed in delight and Ember flashed a watery smile. Elements, I didn’t think I’d ever forgive myself for leaving her with that monster. I set the cakes on a tray and then rang for tea.

“You girls can eat them after Ember is healed,” I said, my words coming out strained. I turned from them, wiping more tears from my eyes while smiling at Mrs. Euphemia. “I don’t know how I can ever thank you.”

She bridged the distance between us, grasping my elbows in a motherly gesture. “You don’t need to thank me for doing my duty.”

And then she surprised me with a hug, pulling me close against her bosom. It took all my willpower not to fall apart in her arms. She smelled of lavender, mint, and honey, reminding me too much of my mother. How many times had my mother hugged me in this same way whenever I was upset? Even though she thought I’d one day turn evil. It was then I realized that despite her flaws, I missed my mother. I missed my father, too. I missed his tender smiles and warm hugs. What would they have said to me for leaving Ember with a cruel nursemaid? Then again, they wanted to send us with a demon mind spinner.

After we finally pulled apart, Mrs. Euphemia handed me a lace handkerchief from her pocket. “For your eyes,” she whispered.

“Thank you,” I said, dabbing my eyes. “And not just for this.” I held up the handkerchief.

She gave me a knowing wink while holding my hand. “Are we in the palace?” she asked, her jaw dropping as she looked around the nursery, her gaze settling on the double doors that led to the balcony, the crashing of the waves against the seawall echoing outside.

“We are,” Drae answered.

“Oh, elements.” She clasped a hand to her chest, looking ready to pass out.

“Would you like a tour, Mrs. Euphemia?” Drae asked.

“I would love it.” She released my hand and frowned. “But I’m afraid my aunt has taken a turn for the worst.”

“Have you summoned a green witch?” I asked her.

She shook her head. “She’s of an age where no magic will help. Crispin and I are taking turns keeping vigil by her bedside.”

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