“I will, for there’s no way in hell I’m allowing our girls to go into an uncertain situation,” Cassius shot back.

“They’ll be devasted and we’ve already been separated from them for too long. Especially you and Aelia,” Elena argued.

“Perhaps we can discuss this without an audience,” Cassius suggested.

“Perhaps we can discuss this instead of using Melisse’s treehome for alone time,” Elena replied.

Well, it seemed things had advanced between those two, even if they’d stayed the same.

Something about that made me feel most pleased.

“I have a donation to make,” Mars announced, then demanded, “Release my queen and myself from this summons.”

“But I wish to chat, my husband,” Silence said.

“As you wish,” Mars murmured.

And that made me feel most pleased.

But I had to share, “I can’t chat. They’re packing the horses now and we must be away. I’m so sorry.”

“It was lovely to see you and ascertain you are well, even if for a short time,” Ha-Lah said.

“You as well,” I replied.

“You all as well,” Silence put in. “And when we meet again, I have so much to share. And I look forward to hearing about all of your adventures.”

“I cannot wait,” Elena said.

“Me either,” Ha-Lah agreed.

“Until we meet again,” I bid as farewell.

Silence waved.

Ha-Lah blew a kiss.

And Elena swept her arm in front of herself.

Then they were all gone.

My work was done.

Now it was time to head to the Thicket.

71

The Decision

Prince Cassius

The Queen’s Palace

THE ENCHANTMENTS

Some hours after that odd conversation with the destined others, and a long argument with his woman about the girls, Cassius was summoned.

Now he stood on the scrollwork rugs amongst the woven furniture of Ophelia’s receiving room, staring unseeing at the carved panels that adorned her walls.

There was an embargo on any Nadirii goods in Airen. In fact, it was illegal even to own them and the penalties were severe if caught trying to smuggle them in from Wodell, Firenze or Go’Doan.

However, he had seen their artwork in his travels, and found it distinctive and attractive, but being amongst it these past days, he was glad that embargo would soon come to an end and that Nadirii beauty would be easily had throughout his land.

“Cassius,” Ophelia said.

He turned, watched her walk down the stairs and did it keeping in check the impulse to move to assist her.

He dipped his head. “Your Grace.”

She came to a stop at the foot of the stairs, most likely to rest, but appearing to do so in order to emphasize what she said next.

“You sleep by my daughter’s side. You and your daughter break bread with she and hers. It is most unexpected, but it is also indisputable. You are my son. I believe it is time to call me Ophelia.”