“No, but I imagine it’s the reason they’re soft enough to melt on the tongue instead of crumbling like regret.” His booming laugh filled the space again, and everyone working around us turned and smiled. Moira blushed and leaned against the opposite side of the counter, appearing ready to swoon.
By the time the cakes had cooled, I’d reminded myself why I was making them. Erisandra’s sharp gaze was haunting me already, and I hoped what I’d bring to tea might sweeten her mood, even slightly.
I hadn’t decided if I’d quiz her about her game in the hall the day before or seeing her enter the woods. Had she led me to the mirror?
Loaded with a plate of the small, golden cakes, and with Moira left behind to make final arrangements for the tea, I took the stairs to my suite to prepare for the queen mother's arrival, my guard swarming around me.
Calista, Moira, and I had finished setting things up when my door swept open and Erisandra strode inside—without knocking or having her arrival announced.
She peered around with her lips pinching and stopped on the rug in front of the unlit fireplace.
“I still don’t understand why we’re having teahere.” She did her best to look down her nose at me, a feat when you considered she was barely taller than me. “Why not one of the many, much more lovely, parlors?”
“I thought you’d feel at home here.” Ah, there I went, getting in my first dig. I really wasn’t good at this queen stuff, though I vowed to keep trying.
She sniffed but didn’t counter. Perhaps she was saving it for when I let down my guard.
Not happening,Mother.
Two of her ladies remained near the door while the other two minced their way across the room and slid out one of the chairs at the pretty table my ladies and I had spent considerable time arranging. We’d even picked flowers and placed them in a vase. And the tablecloth had come from the closet housing the castle’s best linens.
I could almost taste the tension between Erisandra and me as she lowered herself onto the seat at the table, her skirts pooling around her.
I settled opposite her, saying nothing, waiting for her to make her next move.
She studied the room like she owned it, pointing at and remarking about one object or another. Finally, she tilted her headin that haughty way only she seemed to have mastered, and squinted at me seated across from her at the table.
The rest of her ladies moved to linger with the others near the door, their whispers hissing through the room. Moira and Calista stood on the opposite side of the door, every bit as stiff as Erisandra's staff.
I'd never been one for tiptoeing around people, but with Erisandra, it seemed like the only way to move forward. Bluntness would only sharpen her claws. My approach needed finesse.
“Thank you for joining me,” I said, the statement polite enough.
She sniffed, leaning back in her chair. “I imagined my absence might be interpreted poorly.”
Biting back several replies, I poured tea instead, the clink of porcelain filling the silence. “It means a lot to have you here.”
“Of course it does.” She gave me an oily smile.
Instead of growling, I made my lips curl up on the corners. “I'd love to hear more about you.”
“Why?”
“Because you're Merrick's mother. I adore my husband, and I'd like to adore—” I couldn't make myself say I wanted to adoreher. Although, if she was kind or made even a small amount of effort, I might find a way to like her. “Perhaps you'd rather discuss the history of Evergorne Court.”
Her sharp gaze darted to meet mine before it slid away. “History is a luxury few value,” she said coolly. “You might be one of the exceptions, given your lack of upbringing in such matters.”
Lack of upbringing? My chin lifted, a touch of defiance slipping into my voice. “You’ve seen a lot at this court. I was hoping you might share some of this knowledge with me.”
Her fingers lingered on her teacup, caressing the fine handle. “The past is a cruel beast, Reyla. Few who embrace it come away unharmed.”
“Then you must have been gouged a few times yourself,” I said lightly, watching her closely.
The faintest twitch at the corner of her mouth could’ve been a crack in her armor, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared. “It’s a queen’s duty to endure such things.”
Her defenses were up; a direct assault would only strengthen them. “I find Merrick incredibly capable. And strong. He must’ve had remarkable role models to become the king he is today.”
Erisandra’s lips tightened, the teacup rattling as she returned it to its saucer. “Merrick adapted. He had to, being crowned at such a young age.” Her spine loosened a barely discernible amount. “He had me guiding him all these years, of course. I'm sure you can see my influence in him even today.”
