Page 96 of Madness of Her Mages

I reluctantly pulled out of his embrace and held out my arms. “Girls, give Auntie a hug.”

They jumped from their seats, throwing themselves against me. Their hands were probably sticky, and I didn’t care. I was so relieved they were safe and loved.

“Do you have to leave us, Auntie?” Aurora asked as she tugged on my gown.

My heart imploded when Ember blinked up at me with glossy eyes. “We miss you.”

Nikkos stood beside us, holding his hands down to the girls. “Come back to the table.” He gave them a sympathetic look. “Auntie won’t be gone long.”

When they both pouted, looking up at me like baby birds begging for food, something in me snapped.

I knelt down beside them, taking their hands. “How would you like to come with us?”

They gasped.

Aurora flashed a wide grin, revealing her sharp canines. “Can we?”

“Why not?” I stood, frowning down at their clothes. They were already in their night dresses. I motioned to Daminica, who stood just inside the threshold to the dressing room. “Can you find formal dresses for them?”

She shook her head. “Our queen doesn’t allow children at court.”

Drae cleared his throat, glaring at Daminica. “That’s not what my mate asked you.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Daminica said to me before she disappeared back into the wardrobe.

Thank you,I said to Drae through thought, my heart warming with love and appreciation that he was being so supportive while knowing we were probably about to anger my aunt.

“Anything for you, darling,” he said aloud, his eyes reflecting with love and adoration.

I knelt beside my nieces again, taking their hands. “You both must be on your best behavior. Understood?”

They eagerly nodded. “Yes, Auntie.”

Drae smiled down at them as he stepped up beside us. “I’m sure she’ll make an exception for her grandnieces.”

Nikkos disappeared into the wardrobe and quickly dressed. My nieces were perfectly still while the servants laced up their satin dresses, Aurora in a bright blue and Ember in a deep purple, both colors matching their magic. Their tiaras were held on their heads by their braids. Nikkos and Blaze swept the girls into their arms as Drae and I led our family to the throneroom, our heads held high despite the shocked looks and frantic whispers from Malvolia’s servants.

We arrived in the dining room as Malvolia and her court were taking their seats. The first thing I noticed were the many empty chairs. At least half of her court was gone. Malvolia’s coven was all still here, including Lady Veronica decked out in her feathers, and Daminica who sat further down the table while keeping her gaze focused on her plate. The second thing I noticed was that despite last night’s poisoning, Felicity and her mates were there, seated on Lady Veronica’s other side. Though their faces looked a little wan, they appeared otherwise whole while they stared daggers through my chest. The third thing I noticed was Malvolia’s raised brows as she looked at the girls in my mates’ arms. I gritted my teeth and locked eyes with my aunt, waiting for her to throw us out.

Instead, her gaze settled on Ember, a smile cracking her hardened shell. “How are your knuckles, child?”

Ember clung to Nikkos as she blinked at Malvolia like she was a venomous serpent about to strike.

“Answer her, Ember,” I whispered, gently rubbing her arm. “It’s okay, darling.”

“Better,” Ember finally said before resting her head on Nikkos’s chest while sucking her thumb.

“Good.” Malvolia heaved a sigh before turning to me, her brows lowered just a fraction, though her smile had faded. “So I suppose you’re not letting them out of your sight now?”

I held her hard stare, refusing to waver. “I should have never let them out of my sight to begin with.”

She gave me a curt nod. “I admire your dedication to them.”

“I am dedicated toallmy family, Aunt,” I said, my tone softening as I searched her gaze for any signs that the woman who was devoted to my mother and her family was still there somewhere. “Even you.”

She visibly swallowed before looking away. “Bring cushions for my grandnieces’ chairs,” she said to two servants standing as still as statues by the heavy drapes behind us, “so they can reach the table.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” They bowed and hurried away, but not before I caught the looks of shock on their faces.

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