And although Loren had been his usual wonderful after it,his king had then summoned him, and I hadn’t seen him since.
He’d sent a note, as was his way, even if things had gonesouth, he wouldn’t neglect me.
No, he’d say it straight to my face.
The note shared that the king had something he needed Lorento assist with, and he had to do that.But he assured me he’d be there thatmorning at nine with his father to collect me and Mom (and Aunt Mary, who haddecreed she was coming with) to go to the magistrate’s court where KingNoctornowould be hearing, and deciding, Dad-not-Dad’scase.
It was the first night in precisely thirteen days I’d sleptin my bed at Mom’s house, alone.
With the way he treated me, loving and romantic andattentive, I couldn’t believe Loren left me alone the day before…well, what wasgoing to happen today.
So…
Yup.
I was petrified.
“You don’t need to worry,” Idina said.
I came into the room and looked at her through the mirror,seeing her hand on my shoulder, and having been so deep in my thoughts, Ihadn’t felt her touch.
“You must live your life.”She gave me a small smile.“Andyou’ll be away with your new husband soon.”
What was she—?
“And your mother must live hers as well,” she went on.“Iknow you both make it so one of you is in the house with her at all times.Butshe is used to us too, and she cares for us.We will be here for Lady Maxine.”
Oh.
She was speaking of something Mom and I did, indeed, do forMaxie.
“I’ll take her to the park with her paints and easel.She’llbe lost in her pictures.She won’t know you’re gone,” she shared.
I felt tears sting my eyes.
“You’re…you’re incredibly lovely, Idina.So much so, I’msorry I haven’t mentioned it until now.”
“One doesn’t have to say such things amongst family,” shesaid shyly.
I lifted my hand to hers at my shoulder, covering it toshare my agreement (about the family part, that was), and we heard a knock onthe door.
I tensed.
Loren was here.
It was time to go.
Gods.
“Come in!”I called as Idina and I broke the contact of ourhands and turned toward the door.
It opened, and in came Maxine.
Right, I had to get myself together.Maxine could not senseme freaking out.It might make her freak out.
I had to be calm.
I smiled brightly at her.“Hello, my beautiful sister.”
