Page 89 of Madness of Her Mages

Aurora tugged on my skirt, whispering loudly. “We want to play.”

“I know you do, but reading is a very important skill.” I cupped her cheek while looking into her eyes. “Not all Ravini children get the privilege of learning to read.” I remembered the struggles our own mother had trying to teach my sister and me how to read with just a few tattered old books.

“We all have jobs to do here.” Nikkos knelt in front of them, his tone much softer than Drae’s. “Your job is to go with your nursemaid and learn your letters while your auntie does her job keeping us safe.”

Drae frowned down at them. “She can’t do her job unless you do yours.”

Ember poked her head from beneath the folds of my cloak. “I can help you find the demons, Auntie.”

“Absolutely not.” I stiffened at the thought of exposing them to more demons after how traumatized they were during the battle with Bertram and Sol. “I’m sorry, but you must go with your nursemaid today.”

Aurora went boneless, her arms hanging in front of her like limp noodles. “But we miss you.”

“Girls,” Drae scolded. “I’m disappointed in your behavior. You’re both being selfish.”

Ember sniffled and Aurora wiped her watery eyes with her sleeves. “We’re sorry, Uncle Drae,” they said in unison.

My heart ached and twisted, and I fought the urge to capitulate and let the girls come with us or leave them with Nikkos again.

“It’s alright, girls,” I said, leaning down and opening my arms to them. “I know these changes are hard, but I have a very important job to do. Please go with your nursemaid,” I begged, my voice cracking with emotion. Oh, how much I hated us being put in this situation. I loathed Thorin for creating this war with his mind tricks. I resented Malvolia for succumbing to his curse instead of fighting for my mother’s love. Mostly, I loathed myself for letting the girls down, and in a sense, letting their mother down, too. I swore to Tari I’d take care of them, love them as my own. Now I was handing them off to someone else.

“Yes, Auntie,” they both said, their sad faces twisting that dull blade in my chest.

“We’re going to be late if we don’t leave now,” Drae warned.

“I can escort the girls and Miss Grethel and meet you outside,” Nikkos said to us. “That way Shiri’s not late.”

I didn’t know why, but my heart pounded like an uneven drum at the thought of leaving the girls now, but I knew he was right. I kissed my nieces’ foreheads, my lips lingering overly long. “I will see you tonight after supper.” I stood, giving their nursemaid a stony look. “No somnus, Miss Grethel. I wish my nieces to be awake when I tuck them in bed.”

She bowed her head. “Yes, Your Highness.”

“And Miss Grethel,” I added.

Her face was a mask of serenity. “Yes?”

“My Cousin Felicity and her mates are not allowed in the nursery or anywhere near the girls,” I added, infusing a little bit of siren into my tone to ensure she would follow orders.

“Oh?” she asked, a curious gleam in her eyes. “Why?”

“The why isn’t important,” I snapped. “If they come to the nursery, you must alert the guards and send for us.” I gave her a long, hard look. “Understood?”

Her features pinched, but then she submissively bowed her head. “Yes, Your Highness.”

“As a matter of fact,” I added for good measure, just to be safe, “nobody is allowed near the girls except my mates and me.”

Was I imagining it, or did I see a flicker of annoyance in her eyes? “Of course.” She offered a tight smile, then held her hands down to the girls. “Come, children.”

Something in the sourness in her tone gave me pause.

When they didn’t move from my side, Nikkos cut in. “I’ve got them,” he said with a friendly smile while holding his arms out to the girls. They went to him, and he hoisted them both up against his solid chest, nestling them in his wings.

“Thank you,” I mouthed to him, so grateful I had such a kind mate.

He responded with a lopsided grin and a spark in his eyes that promised I’d make it up to him later.

I wonder if I’m making a mistake,I projected to Drae as Nikkos carried them out the door, taking my heart with him.I don’t like her.

He took my hand in his, leading us toward the door.You had reservations about Mrs. Euphemia, too.

---