Page 40 of Mistress of Hours

“It comes up in fables about the Contrapensae and mythological texts every so often, but I don’t know of any recent historical accounts that mention it,” Orion answered.

“Alright, time magic, then. That’s… something,” Evienne struggled to adjust to the reality that she harbored some sort of rare, deadly magic.

She knew her blood magic was dangerous, but she had rules and other mages to keep her accountable in how she used it. The knowledge of this secret magic she contained and the implications of its power weighed on her heart.

“I have to go give my report to the queens. We can only hope the news of your shifting didn’t make it back to them,” Eviennesaid, pulling the pieces of herself back together. If they were going to get anywhere with their investigation, all needed to appear normal for as long as possible, and that meant giving her report, not lingering here with her lover.

Orion kissed her again. “We’ll figure it out together, alright? Thank you for telling me,” he said, taking her hand and giving it a soft squeeze. She nodded and turned toward the door.

•

Thequeens’ sitting room, which usually felt so warm and familiar, today felt uncanny. Evienne supposed her suspicions about Ichorna’s relationship with their northern neighbors had cast an uneasy light on her usually comfortable existence here.

Evienne didn’t have to wait long before the heavy wooden door swung open, and Léhiona, always the first to their meetings, glided into the room.

Even she, usually so soft and warm, had an air of worry and tension about her today. The attack had clearly shaken her.

“Evi, are you alright?” Léhiona asked, breathless, as she moved swiftly to Evienne’s side at the center of the room.

“Yes, I’m fine. Is all well with you?” She answered, taking her friend’s hand. It trembled slightly, and Evienne glanced down, taking in the sight of Léhiona’s tattooed wedding band and letting the chill of her friend’s hand seep into the warmth of her own.

“I suppose so, yes,” Léhiona answered softly. “Though I worry that all our guests do not feel safe here now.”

Evienne nodded in understanding, giving her friend’s hand a light squeeze.

The door opened again, and the crisp click of Aldith’s heeled shoes sounded through the room as she strode over to them.

“Evienne, I’m glad to see you unharmed,” she said, voice even.

“Thank you, your majesty. I am here to give my report on the attack in Brunoy,” Evienne said, her professional persona taking over.

Aldith nodded, her expression encouraging Evienne to begin her report.

She began recounting the events, focusing on concrete details and providing her assessment of how the guards and Sangviere handled the attack. She left out the part about Orion shifting during battle; she wasn’t sure what the queens’ response would be, and she preferred to avoid provoking their suspicions as long as possible. She said only that Orion had been injured in the attack, but would make a full recovery.

“Do you have any idea how the Gevaud were able to approach without earlier detection?” Aldith asked, always the pragmatist.

“I do not currently have any theories; only that I assume they are becoming more strategic in avoiding detection from our watchpoints,” Evienne offered.

Aldith considered this, her face creasing with worry. “I see. What do you suggest as preventative measures to avoid a repeat attack?”

“Additional temporary lookouts, for the time being,” Evienne answered. “Until we understand their motives for attack, vigilance is our only defense.”

“I am aware that efforts to determine their motive and origin have been, as of yet, unfruitful, but I would like us to redouble our efforts. We need to understand our enemy, and this unexpected attack would suggest they’re not just the mindless brutes we’ve always thought,” Aldith said, pacing her usual route across the center of the room.

“I understand; I will lead the investigation myself,” Evienne answered.

“No, you must remain focused on your current task monitoringthe Beitarans. We’ll have Dominique handle the investigation. Have you managed to learn anything about the Beitarans’ motives for being here?” Aldith asked, her dismissal clear. Evienne chafed at the thought of Dominique taking over where she had been unable to make progress.

“Beyond the Professor’s desire to access our library for his research, I’ve not seen anything that would indicate an ulterior motive,” Evienne said, the lie rolling off her tongue easily in the wake of Aldith’s brusque demand for information and casual mention of Evienne’s former wife.

Aldith considered, and Evienne added, “I will continue to ingratiate myself with them in order to learn more.”

“And do you, Evienne, think me a fool?” Aldith asked, her tone now icy.

“Your majesty?” Evienne cast a glance at Léhiona, who was staring off into space, clearly not engaged with the conversation.

“There were reports of a snow leopard at the confrontation today. Were you planning to mention that, or did you think it unworthy of discussion?”

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