Despite Ethim’s title as leader of the Sarqua clan, his people didn’t bow or lower themselves to him, according to Jonas. They showed their respect and obeyed his orders but nothing more. Their contradictions fascinated me.
I found it hard to believe a king would have servants who spoke their minds so openly, without fear of retribution.
Then Mera’s words penetrated, and I took a good, hard look at the serving woman. Mera had long black hair, amber eyes, and the curves of a centerfold. What the hell kind of discourse had she and Cadmus shared, exactly?
“I agree with Mera.” Mom took a sip from her glass goblet. “Cadmus felt right.”
Ethim glared. “Why the hell were you feeling him at all?” Jealousy, from my father?
“Now, Ethim. You know you’re the only man for me. I just wish you’d be home more often.”
I stared in shock at my mother’s smile of sincerity. Who the hell is this woman impersonating my mother?
“We’ve had this discussion, Mandy. Considering this is the last year I agreed to, I’d say you’re finally right where you belong.” Ethim looked smug, and I studied my parents.
Using the senses that seemed to be growing stronger the longer I stayed in Foreia, I noted the joining bonds of Dark energy from my father holding tightly to my mother. And my mother’s odd, purple signature bands of energy invited and latched onto Ethim eagerly.
“You two are confusing,” I muttered, trying not to stare at the power of desire unfurling between them. “I thought you had this love-hate thing going on, but it looks more like lust-hate. And frankly, that’s way more than I wanted to know.”
“Oh.” My mom blushed. “Ethim, I think it’s time we explained a few things.”
He scowled. “We? Oh no. All this animosity and misunderstanding occurred because of a promise you forced me to make. You fix it.” Without looking at me, he snapped and pointed at Mera, who remained hovering in the background. “And not one word from you.”
With a sniff, Mera set the fruit tray by my side and left the room.
I ate a strawberry, surprised to find myself famished. “As much as I want to know what you two are talking about, I’d like to see Cadmus safe and sound first.”
Jonas entered the dining area, putting to rest my other worry.
“Jonas.” I left my seat and rushed to him. After a careful inspection, I gave him a huge hug. “I’m so glad you’re alright.”
“Yeah, well, it’ll take more than a jealous Storm Lord to bring me low. Don’t worry, Remir’s bringing him in. Apparently, he’s concluded his meeting.”
Who the hell is Remir? Jonas’ next words to me stopped me cold.
“You disappeared with Cadmus for quite a while, Ellie. What were you two doing all that time? And don’t think we’re not going to talk about it.”
Did we have to discuss this in front of my parents?
Jonas snorted. “Ethim should know —”
“— when to butt out of his daughter’s love life,” my mother interrupted. “Now, Jonas, you’re right in the middle of our messy family history that I’m supposed to explain.” Her face lit up. “Unless you’d rather?”
Jonas looked like he’d swallowed a lemon. “Hell, no. But don’t let me stop you from telling your daughter what an idiot you’ve been.” At her glare, he shrugged. “Okay, a beautiful idiot with a big heart, but an idiot nonetheless.”
I could only stare in amazement at evidence of some huge falling-out I’d never known existed. Oh, sure, my parents had an odd relationship, but I’d always attributed their problems to their different lifestyles, mostly due to my father’s issues.
There was more?
“Much more,” my mother admitted.
I blinked. “Did you just… Did you read my mind?”
“Yes, dear. It runs in the family. Sorry, but you’re thinking loudly.”
I hurried to shield my thoughts but nodded to encourage her to continue.
“It all began after I married your father several years ago.”
