Agatha was the first to come out of Circe’s room.

‘I don’t think Circe is having breakfast; Ursula called her in for a meeting,’ Agatha explained, sitting down at the table.

Circe whizzed past, with a phone pressed to her ear, running toward the door, half putting on her blazer while simultaneously grabbing a slice of toast.

‘Can’t stay. Emergency. Sorry.’ She was about to run out but turned on her heels and pressed a kiss on Agatha’s cheek.

Kellan pouted, staring up at Bethan.

‘A kiss for me,’ he drawled.

Her eyes fell to him. ‘I haven’t brushed my teeth yet.’

‘You’re dirty talk has me on my knees in yearning.’

The three girls rolled their eyes at him and bust into a fit of laughter. It almost made her forget.

Bethan’s eyes flicked to Agatha, who did not make eye contact with anyone at the table. She silently bit into her mushrooms and lettuce or played with the pot plant using her magic.

She knew deep down that Agatha liked Kellan; she would laugh at his jokes and would feed Lupo while he was gone. But she loved her brother, and it made sense that she was upset.

She needed Agatha to know her truth if her relationship with Kellan would continue.

Elnora shot up from the table. ‘I have to go now; I will see you two in a few hours. Don’t be late; my father hates lateness.’

‘Of course,’ Kellan muttered. ‘Wouldn’t miss it for the world.’

Kell was less than subtle about hiding his current disdain for Elnora.

When the door shut behind her. He turned his head from the door, and his eyes landed on Agatha, who seemed to be more than visibly upset.

‘Thank you for taking care of Lupo while I was gone.’

Agatha’s eyes lit up. ‘It was no problem. He was very well behaved.’

He smiled at her. He collected his and Elnora’s plates and moved into the kitchen to clean them.

A phone rang from his pocket. He ignored the call.

‘Who was it?’ Bethan asked with curiosity.

Kellan shrugged. ‘My mother.’

‘Should you really be sending your queen to voicemail?’

‘Maybe she’s not my queen for much longer,’ he murmured.

Bethan’s brows knitted together.

‘I will tell you later.’ He walked toward and kissed her.

When he pulled away, she noticed his face scrunch up. ‘Maybe you should brush your teeth.’

Bethan nudged his shoulder.

‘I’m going to change,’ he said.

Bethan nodded and watched him leave, whistling for Lupo to follow. Her gaze returned to Agatha.

‘We should talk,’ she told her friend. Agatha lifted her soft chin.

‘I think so too.’

Bethan’s back straightened. ‘I need to be honest with you about Tharin.’

Agatha’s breath hitched, but she seemed to listen intently.