Page 97 of Madness of Her Mages

I stood with my back rigid, ignoring the gaping and startled faces of Malvolia’s court, some of them bordering on hostile as they looked from the children to me. The servants returned momentarily, placing thick cushions on the chairs for the girls. I sat at the circular table next to my aunt. Blaze placed Aurora on the chair beside me and Nikkos placed Ember next to Aurora before sitting on her other side. The girls had stoic looks on their faces, and I knew they were trying their hardest to appear like proper young ladies. I repressed the urge to laugh, as even with the cushions, their heads barely cleared the table. Drae took the seat opposite me, to Malvolia’s right, and Lady Veronica offered Blaze her seat before moving to the vacant seat next to her. I wasn’t bothered that Blaze was sitting beside Lady Veronica, so long as she kept her hands to herself. I breathed a sigh of relief, my gaze sweeping over my family. This was how it should have been all along. Now all we needed were my parents and Tari and her mates to join us. I prayed someday the mind spinner’s weave would wear off and my dream would become a reality.

“As you can see, there is plenty of seating.” Malvolia frowned while motioning toward the many empty seats surrounding us. “It seems half my court has fled to the country after hearing of your sister’s destructive powers.” She took a long gulp of wine before slamming her goblet on the table. She scowled at her remaining courtiers. “I give the rest of them a week before they’re gone, too.”

“We would never leave you, Your Majesty,” Felicity said with an exaggerated pout.

“Thank you, Felicity.” Malvolia tipped her wine goblet toward her. “Your bravery and loyalty will one day be rewarded.”

“You humble us, Cousin.” Felicity had a triumphant gleam in her eyes as she glared at me before she held up her goblet, tipping it toward Malvolia. “But we don’t do it for rewards.”

Lying bitch,I seethed, my thought directed toward my mates.I should expose her now.

Wait,Drae said, shadows darkening his features as he gave me a hard stare.I have a feeling she’ll expose herself soon enough.

“How are you feeling, Cousin?” Malvolia asked Felicity.

“Much better.” Felicity settled a hand on her midsection. “Thank you for sending Daminica. She brewed us a healing potion that has settled our guts.”

Her mates mumbled their thanks while giving my mates and me looks that promised retribution.

I inwardly laughed.Bring it on.

I would’ve told Daminica not to heal them, but the green witch was following my aunt’s orders, and I didn’t want her getting in trouble over my grudge.

“Good.” Malvolia’s smile appeared plastered to her face as she bent her head toward me. “I have decided to postpone your coming out party until after the war, Shirina. It makes no sense with only half my court present.”

“I never expected a party, Aunt,” I answered.

“You may never get one,” she said wryly before downing more wine, “depending on how this war plays out.”

Malvolia tapped her goblet, and a servant refilled it.

“Auntie?”

I smiled down at Aurora as she tugged on my sleeve. “Yes, Aurora?”

“Why is everyone looking at us?” she loudly whispered while leering at the lords and ladies seated around us.

“They’re not accustomed to children at court,” Malvolia answered for me. “I would make introductions,” she said to Aurora with a wink, “but I don’t think you’ll remember everyone’s names. Ember and Aurora, this is what’s left of my court, my lords and ladies in waiting.” She motioned toward them with her goblet, spilling wine down the side of her hand. “Court, these are my grandnieces, Ember and Aurora.”

“Everyone looks like Bethamys,” Ember said while gaping at the courtiers’ painted faces.

Malvolia arched a brow. “Bethamys?”

I hid a smile behind my hand. “Her porcelain dolls.”

Lady Veronica let out a boisterous burst of laughter. “How delightful you are.” She winked at my nieces. “You’re cute enough to eat.”

Ember blinked at her before saying, “Abigail and Sorel say they love you and they’re proud of you.”

A chill snaked up my spine as I cast a worried look from Nikkos and down to my niece who sat beside him, swinging her legs beneath her as if she hadn’t a care in the world.Oh, no.Why did I have a feeling Abigail and Sorel were two of her ‘friends?’

“Oh,” Lady Veronica said on a rasp, clutching her throat.

“Abigail and Sorel?” Malvolia drawled before finishing off her wine. “Weren’t those the names of your parents?”

Lady Veronica looked from Ember to Malvolia, her eyes glossing over. “Y-yes, Your Majesty.”

“If I remember correctly,” Malvolia continued speaking of Lady Veronica’s dead parents with all the indifference of discussing the weather, “they were killed by my sister and her mates when they sided with me.”

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