Page 83 of Madness of Her Mages

“I’ve probably said too much already,” she said as she checked the pins in my hair once more. She gave my shoulder a light squeeze. “Just don’t trust her, Your Highness.”

“Thank you. I won’t.” We locked gazes as I rose from my chair, and I saw an intelligence far beyond her years in the depths of her green eyes. I also got a strange feeling deep in the marrow of my bones that both Lady Veronica and Daminica were playing a game of deception, and my aunt was probably unaware. Whether their deception was for their own good, or the good of Delfi, I had yet to determine.

BLAZE, DRAE, AND Ishared a look before Blaze knocked on Felicity’s bedchamber door.

Drae squeezed my hand, speaking to me through thought.Are you ready for this?

I doubt I’ll ever be ready.I blew out a shaky breath.You?

He flashed a predatory grin.Oh, yes. I can’t wait to watch the bastards drink poison.

I couldn’t help but laugh.

Don’t worry,he said with a wink.We’ll make it fun.

I doubt that.I didn’t think I’d ever find enjoyment in these games we were forced to play in my aunt’s court.

The fact that Drae was looking forward to it meant he was used to court politics. I didn’t know how he could stand living like this, always having to watch your back for blades. Was I asking too much to want a simple, quiet life with my family at Abyssus? One thing was certain, I didn’t want to inherit the Delfian throne, and I wouldn’t wish such a life on Ember or Aurora, either.

After waiting for several tense moments, we were welcomed inside by a servant. I was annoyed by the wait, realizing it was probably another mind game played by my cousin.

The room was very posh with lots of soft rugs, colorful vases with flowery plants, and pretty tapestries hanging from the walls. And, of course, like all rooms here, the ceilings were impossibly high. Like us, they also had a swinging bed hanging from rafters crisscrossing the ceiling. The servant ushered us toward the open double doors that led toward the outside. A cool ocean breeze billowed my long, flowing dress and robes as we stepped onto the veranda where there were several more potted plants in all shapes and sizes. As I looked out at the night sky dotted with patchy clouds revealing a dusting of bright stars, I wondered if Tari was nearby enjoying the same beautiful night. Was she safe? Or was she demon touched?

The fire mages still practiced their war games, though they’d thankfully moved to the other side of the castle, their shouts echoing behind us, their flames looking like starbursts against the night sky.

Knowing I needed to be alert in this den of vipers instead of worrying over things beyond my control, I shook my head to clear it of disturbing thoughts and focused on the view below. We were only a few stories up, for I could see a colorful garden not far below us lit by flickering lanterns. The air smelled of the sea, and the monster waves crashing against the seawall were much louder here, though the sound was oddly soothing. I was instantly jealous of their beautiful bedroom suite, a bit of paradise among the madness.

“Ahh, there you are.” Felicity walked up a set of stone steps that adjoined the outskirts of the balcony and waved us down. “Come and sit a spell.”

Drae, Blaze, and I followed her down the stairs into a private, fenced garden with several twinkling lanterns hanging from a lattice and vine ceiling and a circular fire pit surrounded by cozy, wide sofas. Felicity’s mates leaned back on the sofas, their russet wings draped across the cushions. Behind the sofas was a long buffet table set with individual cakes, fruit, bread, and cheese, and of course, a large decanter of wine.

Drae eyed the food suspiciously before sitting on the sofa opposite Steffan and Geoffrey, his face a mask of stone.Don’t eat or drink anything,he projected to us.

Believe me,I answered,I won’t.

“Thank you for inviting us.” I pretended as if nothing was amiss as I stood beside the fire to chase away the chill while Blaze joined me. I glanced behind us. Drae was casually talking to Felicity’s mates. I turned back to my cousin, forcing a smile. “You have lovely rooms.”

“Don’t we?” Felicity flashed a triumphant grin. “My cousin spoils me so.”

“She does,” I agreed, forcing a smile.

Felicity heaved a dramatic sigh. “She’s so kind to me despite my mother’s transgressions.”

“Your mother was her first cousin?” I asked.

Felicity poured herself a goblet of wine while not offering us a drink. “She was.”

“And Malvolia’s father and your grandfather were brothers?” I knew it had already been somewhat explained, but I didn’t know what else to talk about.

“They were, and since the throne is passed down on your maternal line”—she gave me a side-eyed glare while joining Blaze and me beside the fire—“I’m sure you’ve already deduced I have no claim to the throne.”

“I haven’t given it much thought,” I answered honestly. Why would I care when I had no intention of living in Thebes or becoming queen for that matter? All I cared about was returning to Abyssus. Felicity, however, clearly had other aspirations. “If you don’t mind me asking, what happened between your mother and Malvolia?”

“My mother betrayed Malvolia by backingyourmother.” She glared at me as if her mother’s betrayal was somehow my fault.

“And she was killed for that?” I asked.

“Turned to ash,” Felicity said with a sneer, “and rightfully so.”

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