Page 56 of Madness of Her Mages

“Not yet,” I answered, squeezing her hand tighter.

My aunt stood in the center of the room, her dark robes swirling around her feet. Her gown was a lace skirt that opened in the front, revealing tight black leggings that were normally worn by men. Her feet were clad in leather ankle-high boots with smart little heels. Though her attire was more feminine than her leather riding pants, I couldn’t help but admire her for ignoring decorum as I frowned down at my frilly gown and useless slippers.

“Ahh. There you are.” She beckoned us forward, nodding toward a young woman with pale, plump, freckled cheeks and light auburn hair who didn’t look much older than me. She wore a plain gray dress with a white, frilly smock. “Shirina, I’d like you to meet Nurse Grethel. She is to be the girls’ new nursemaid.”

I inwardly cursed. I wanted to pick the nursemaid. How did Malvolia know I’d like Nurse Grethel, or did she care? Ember broke away from me, following her sister toward the dolls at the other end of the room. I gave Nikkos a side-eyed glare for letting Aurora go.

He flashed a crooked grin.I couldn’t hold on.His laughter echoed in my skull.

It’s not funny,I snapped.

“I’ll go keep the girls company.” He flashed a tight smile, and I regretted that I’d upset him.

“Nice to meet you, Your Highness.”

I scowled down at Nurse Grethel who had crossed the distance between us, giving me a low curtsy. She was at least a head shorter than me with slightly tapered ears, indicating she was more human than Fae. Judging by her fair complexion, she was most likely Sidhe Fae. I knew it was wrong, for she had never done anything to personally offend me, but I already didn’t trust her.

My lips twisted into a scowl. “Nurse Grethel, what experience do you have with children?”

“I was a nursemaid for Lord and Lady Silas for a year.” She turned up her chin, a look of pride flashing in her eyes. “Lord and Lady Amelius for two years, and Lord and Lady Cassia for another year.”

Four years? She was proud of that? “That’s your only experience?” I blurted, not bothering to hide my derision.

Her cheeks colored. “Well, yes.”

“Ravini Fae don’t breed as often as the lesser Fae, Shirina. You know this,” Malvolia scolded as if I was a child. “Children are a rarity, as are nursemaids.” There was a warning look in her eyes, as if I had no choice but to accept her choice of nursemaid.

I still wasn’t satisfied. “What are your methods of discipline?” I asked Nurse Grethel.

She folded her hands in front of her, her features schooled into a passive expression, though I thought I saw a flash of defiance in her eyes. “I find it’s best to redirect children when they have bad behavior.”

That’s good, right?Nikkos asked through thought.

I caught his eye as he sat at a low table with the girls, his wings draped on the floor behind him while they looked at a picture book.

Yes, it is good,I answered.Thank you, darling, and I’m sorry I snapped earlier.

You have nothing to be sorry for,he answered, flashing a tender smile.You carry a lot on your shoulders.

I nodded, my throat tightening with emotion, then I turned back to the nursemaid, who was staring at me with an expectant look in her eyes. “Why did you only work for each family a short time?”

“I am the palace nursemaid.” She cast my aunt a quick glance before looking back at me. “Most families don’t remain at court for long.”

“Babies are cute for a time,” Malvolia said haughtily, “but once they start walking, I ask their parents to remove them from the castle.”

“Really?” Remove them? I didn’t like how Malvolia sounded as if she was disposing of vermin. This also meant Nurse Grethel only had experience with infants, not rambunctious girls who were well out of nappies. “Even though Ravini children are rare?”

Malvolia let out a burst of laughter. “My court is no place for children.”

No, it wasn’t. I thought back on that display at supper, especially Lady Veronica and her feathers. Honestly, her court wasn’t fit for anyone. “And yet your grandnieces are here.”

“Well, yes.” Malvolia gave me a sly look. “I make an exception for family, so long as they remain out of the way.” She gave the nursemaid a stern look. “It will be Nurse Grethel’s job to ensure they don’t become a nuisance.”

“A nuisance?” I blurted, anger boiling my blood.

Malvolia rolled her eyes. “You’ve seen my court. Surely you don’t want the girls exposed tothat.”

“No. Of course not. But what about potential threats to the girls?”

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