Page 28 of Mistress of Hours

“Does it have anything to do with your special assignment for the celebration? The delegation from Beitar?” Hestia gave Evienne a knowing look.

“Yes. The Professor, Orion, told me of their true purpose here. He suspects Ichorna has something to do with the waning of Beitar’s magic, and he’s here to seek answers in our library or wherever else the trail may lead. He’s asked for my help in seeking those answers.”

“And you are unsure of sharing this information with Queen Aldith as she ordered,” Hestia says slowly, immediately putting the pieces together as Evienne assumed she would.

“Yes,” Evienne nodded.

“You suspect his theory may not be wholly unfounded,” Hestia added.

“I have questions that I fear will go unanswered if I immediately take this information to Aldith, yes. And…I find I do not want to tell her for other, more personal reasons as well.” Evienne held her mentor’s knowing gaze.“If we have played a role in Beitar’s decline and we do not realize it, that is one thing; but I cannot imagine the implications if what he suspects is trueandsomeone here knows what we are doing.” Evienne closed her eyes and ran her hands through her already tousled hair.

“That is quite a choice to make.” Hestia nodded and leaned back in her armchair. “I suppose, then, you must consider what your values are. Is your loyalty to Queen Aldith greater than your hunger for the truth?”

Hestia paused as Evienne sighed and stared into the fire. She had expected Hestia to take this information in stride to a certain degree, but this total lack of surprise was a bit unexpected. Hestia had always seemed to justknowthings, though.

“That isn’t all that sits upon your heart, is it Dove?”

“No.” Evienne smiled slightly at her mentor’s ability to read her so easily. “Orion and I…” She felt a blush creeping up her neck. “Well, we’ve become quite close—physically— since he arrived.” Evienne took a deep breath.“Last night something happened between us that Orion said he has only heard of in Beitar’s folklore—something that requires Tuanadair magic that hasn’t been seen in decades. Because of what happened, he believes we are something called Còmhanam—some type of soulmates.” Evienne started massaging her temples.

“I see…and this was surprising because he assumed he was without his magic?” Hestia asked, her head tilted to the side in thought.

“Well, yes, heiswithout his magic. All of Beitar has now completely lost their connection to their magic except their King. No one of his generation has ever even shifted.” Evienne suddenly wondered at the implications of her mentor’s question. “Do…youthink he has his magic?”

“I think, logically, if he believes there is a chance the Tuanadair’s magic is being suppressed by Ichorna; is there not also a possibility that it would become un-suppressed once he was outside Beitar’s borders?” Hestia’s brown eyes now felt piercing somehow as she looked at Evienne.

“I suppose…I suppose that could be possible.” Evienne’s mind was spinning. “It may well be the only rational explanation to what happened between us last night. But Còmhanam, Hestia? Is that a real thing?”

“I have heard the tales. I suspect there is truth to them, as there almost always is with folklore.” Hestia’s lip quirked up at the side. “Dove, if I have taught you anything, I hope it is the importance of curiosity and a love of the truth. Ask the questions others have yet to ask, pull on loose threads, seek out answers. Questions beget answers, and answers bring clarity. Clarity fosters balance.” Hestia reached out to take Evienne’s hand in hers. “Balance is what makes our magic powerful and keeps our world as it is meant to be.”

“I have not forgotten your lessons, dear teacher.” Evienne smiled at the older woman. “I just needed to hear from someone I trust that following this path—that many will call treason—is not lunacy.”

“No, clever one, I do not believe so. Treacherous, certainly; especially if any of your suspicions prove true. But I do not thinkit is unwise to pursue this course in the service of balance. Blind loyalty is something to be avoided,” Hestia said.

“And you think I am his Còmhanam? I don’t even fully understand what all that could mean,” Evienne said, her voice weary.

“I think it is possible. I am not sure what this man has to gain from lying to the most dangerous woman in what he believes may be an enemy court. Explore the logical possibilities and keep an open mind, Dove.” Hestia patted Evienne’s hand in a familiar gesture.“Now, let’s eat something. It’s too early to stage a coup, so let’s start with some pastries, yes?”

•

Backat the palace, Evienne found Cecelia in her study, carefully wielding her physical magic to repair a page of an ancient tome. Evienne had come straight from Hestia’s townhouse and felt more settled now, but she needed to talk to her best friend.

“Evi, good morning!” Cecelia brightened as she looked up from her book. “It’s not our usual day, what a treat!”

Evienne smiled and plopped down on the couch.

“Cece, we need to talk. I…” She paused, not quite knowing where to start. She didn’t want to tell Cecelia everything Orion had shared with her without his permission. She decided to stick to the mate part.

“Have you read anything about the Tuanadair’s mate bonds?” She asked, glancing up at Cecelia.

“The Còmhanam bond? Sure, I’ve seen it in a few of their folk tales.”

“It’s real,” Evienne said plainly.

Cecelia stared at her with her mouth hanging open.

“It’s real, and I know because I have one, apparently.”

“You can’t be serious. Evi, it’s too early in the morning for you to joke with me like that,” Cecelia said with a slight frown.

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