Page 42 of Queen of the Crimson Throne

My mother snapped back to attention. “Well, why don’t you two have a seat? I’ll have some refreshments sent in.”

Nico and I took seats in the twin chairs in front of her desk while my mother called for a staff member.

“So, what news do you come with from my niece?” In true fashion, my mother cut the pleasantries and went straight to the point.

Nico leaned back in his chair, crossing one leg over the other. “I don’t know if Luciana mentioned it to you, but when we all visited the Mystic Court this past summer we were in search of a book.”

My mother narrowed her eyes in my direction, I did my best to keep my back straight under her gaze.

“No, Luciana didn’t mention that. This is the first she and I have seen one another since the beginning of the year.”

“The information Lennox shared with me was not something I wanted documented in a letter.”

My mother dipped her chin. “Continue, Lord Elsher.” We’d discuss my lack of communication with her later in private I’m sure.

“While they were in the Mystic Court this summer they had no luck finding the book, but we’ve now gained additional information. It is not a book we are looking for, it’s Astria’s journals.”

My mother’s brows rose an inch, but she said nothing.

“So we were directed to you.”

“To me?” My mother placed a hand on her chest. “By who?”

“By Hecate,” I interjected.

“Who spoke to Hecate?”

I opened my mouth to say all of us but stopped myself.

My mother’s gaze narrowed on me. “Nico, would you mind checking on the tea for me? I’d like a moment alone with my daughter.”

“Anything you want to say to me you can say in front of him.”

“Are you sure about that?” I said nothing, meeting my mother’s challenging gaze.

“Fine. Let’s have it out then. Who spoke to Hecate? All of you? You didn’t run into him outside of town did you, Luciana? Did you think I wouldn’t be able to smell the reek of Ichor Magic on you?”

“Mama—”

Her tone sharpened. “I warned you, Luciana. I warned you there are consequences for using such magic. And to transport not only you, but others? How stupid and reckless are you?”

“I should go,” Nico mumbled as he stood.

“No, Luciana wanted you here, so here you shall stay.” He fell back into his chair cautiously, his gaze falling to the floor.

“I’ve been practicing Ichor Magic for years without a hitch, Mama. Lennox needed me so I went. We can discuss your disapproval of my decisions later, now we have more important topics to discuss.”

My mother tapped her long fingernails on the desk.

“Hecate told us Nol and Brahm were looking for these journals and since they are dead we should ask you about them instead. What do you have to say about that mother?”

“Where is Lennox now? Why didn’t you bring her back with you?”

“She had a prior commitment,” I said through gritted teeth. I was having a hard time remembering why I volunteered to have this conversation with my mother without Lennox.

“When can you get her here?”

“What do you mean?”

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