“Where’s Asha?”
“Celebrating her mother’s birthday. You’re stuck with me today.”
I raise a smile that I’m not feeling. “You don’t have to shadow me everywhere.”
“I’m sorry, but ever since you took off, your grandmother wants someone at your side at all times.”
How inconvenient.With a sigh, I knuckle Agrippina’s door. It’s Ceres who draws it open. She greets me with a cautious nod. For some reason, I’d forgotten she’d stayed in Shabbe.
Agrippina and Justus both glance up from where they lounge in the small sitting area beside the window that gives onto the garden. Like Enzo’s, her apartment overlooks this wing’s private garden.
I start toward them but pause when I hear Abrax shuffle in behind me. I plant a fist on my hip. “Will you be following me to the privy, too?”
His jaw blazes. “No.”
Going to be difficult to plot anything behind your grandmother’s back if he hangs around, no? Maybe ask Enzo to create a distraction?
Good idea. Enzo, I need you to create a distraction that’ll lead Abrax out of Agrippina’s chambers.
I’m with your grandmother, distracting her. Tell the Blue One to pull her weight.
I might have smiled at his reply if I weren’t so anxious.He’s busy with the Queen.
Of course he is. Probably giving her yet another orgasm.
I blanch, then blurt out, “What?”
You didn’t know? Why do you think she pays him so many visits?
You’re having sexual relations with my grandmother?I ask Enzo.
Not that it’s any of your business, but yes.
Except itismy business! He’s my Serpent and she’s my grandmother. I grimace at the thought of them laying together in the nude.How long has this been going on?
AfterI kissed you. And it wasn’t premeditated. It just…happened. She doesn’t want you knowing, so please pretend like you’re unaware.
My jaw trembles from how hard I clench it. I’ve no right to feel angry but I do. I feel duped. I feel like I should’ve been told.Don’t hide things from me, Enzo.
Concentrate on finding Meriam, will you?
I want to ask him if he likes her or if he took her into his bed out of spite. Unless Taytah is the one who preyed on him? I give my head a little shake and am about to ask Agrippina to distract Abrax when Ceres says, “Abrax, can I speak to you outside? I have a”—her gaze slides to Justus who just twirls his spoon inside his cup of tea—“pressing request.”
My guard starts to protest but Ceres takes his arm and leads him out. The second the door’s shut, I ask Agrippina whether she told her mother anything.
Agrippina shakes her head.She must’ve guessed Pappa wasn’t just visiting for shits and giggles.
Frowning at her odd expression, I settle down beside Justus and murmur, “Any ideas of how to locate what I need, General?”
He glances down at the magical brand on his hand before eyeing the closed door. “What do you want with…it?”
“Answers.” He seems so unconvinced that I ask my fellow shifter,What did you tell him?
That you wanted to meet your mother but your grandmother wouldn’t hear of it.
You didn’t mention the Mahananda, did you?
No.
