“Was that a yes, you do like me, or did you have a sudden seizure?” Ash asked.
“A bit of both,” I said sheepishly.
He laughed. I never realized how much I loved the sound.
“I do like you,” I said. “It’s just...there’s a whole world waiting for me out there. Queen Cordelia’s offer is as good as any.”
“Don’t fret,” Ash said with a smile. “I only wanted an answer, and you gave it. Thank you.”
And he kissed me again.
37
Ifiddled with Ash’sribbon on my wrist as I waited outside Papa’s room. Lydia was making a big ruckus down the hall, telling Genevieve that wearing the slightest hint of white before her wedding was bad-mannered and presumptuous. My stepmother never pointed out the slightest flaw in Genevieve, but I supposed that having her daughter’s engagement party at the palace would have such an effect on her nerves.
Papa opened the door, clean shaved and impeccably dressed. His eyes brightened when he saw me. “Ah, you look beautiful, my flower. Is that your Mama’s gown?”
I nodded and spun around. “Aunt Lana gave it to me,” I said, lifting the purple skirts. The hem was adorned with golden embroidery.
“Our invitation still stands, you know,” Papa said. “She’s as much an aunt to Genevieve as to you.”
“You know Lana,” I said with a shrug. Even after her reconciliation with Papa, she was hesitant to accept our invitations for tea, dinner, or anything, really. Cedric and Genevieve’s engagement party was no different.
“Nonsense! She must come. Besides, you still have to tell her about your trip,” he said with a small smile.
The other night, I told Papa about Queen Cordelia’s offer. We were in his study as usual, the setting sun turning the sky a dusky purple.
“After all these years, my flower, I am glad you’ve occupied your time with something useful,” Papa had said. “Your Mama would be proud.” He heaved a sigh. “I only wish you didn’t have to find out about her on your own.”
I recalled Papa’s absence and sparse letters. I felt so lost then, despite Theodora and Rowena’s efforts. But I had since found solace in my apprenticeship with Lana and discovering what it meant to be a witch myself. If Papa had been there, he would’ve tried to protect me from it all. Perhaps I would’ve wanted his protection back then, but that was no longer true.
I took Papa’s hand. “Don’t be sorry. I had Theodora, Rowena, and Lana to guide me. And Mama,” I said, touching my crystal. It emitted a warm glow.
The wetness in his eyes reflected the purple light of my pendant. “But of course.”
Today, Papa was smiling. “Well, what are you waiting for?” he said.
