“You are family.”
“I am not.”
“You are.”
“Not.”
“Are.”
She could see Talaith preparing herself to get good and frothy when Annwyl rode up. She easily jumped down from that mammoth stallion Morfyd knew would look wonderful on a spit with a little bit of seasoning and walked over to the two women. She dropped to her knees and on to her back, her arms flung wide.
“I feel strange today.”
Talaith shook her head and went back to gathering the roots while muttering under her breath, “That is simply too easy.”
Morfyd worked hard not to laugh and, instead said, “Perhaps you’re under the weather, my queen.”
“No. I don’t feel sick. And don’t call me that anymore.”
“It’s probably the full moon. It’s the time of dragons tonight, but it still affects us all.”
“Is that why you two witches are out here? Doing your evil work?”
“You seem to appreciate my evil work when it helps your army.”
“That’s because as a monarch, I can be that ridiculous.”
“Good to know, my liege.”
Talaith put more roots in a basket she had beside her and showed Morfyd what she had. Morfyd indicated two more and Talaith went back to digging.
“So, am I leaving?” Talaith asked softly.
Annwyl frowned. “I don’t know. Are you?”
“I’m asking you. Fearghus seemed determined that I go.”
“Don’t worry about Fearghus. I reasoned with him and we came to an understanding that satisfied us both.”
Morfyd glanced at her oldest brother’s mate and queen of the land. “You forgot to put your bindings back on after having your dirty, disgusting way with my brother.”
Annwyl’s hands immediately went to her chainmail-covered, but unbound br**sts. “Shit.”
“No, no, Annwyl. Truly.” Talaith reached over and patted Annwyl’s shoulder. “I do appreciate the sacrifices you’ve made for me.”
Annwyl threw one forearm over her eyes, ignoring Morfyd’s laugh. “Sarcastic cow.”
* * *
Talaith relaxed back in the tub, the water steaming around her. By the time she and Morfyd finished gathering all the supplies, she was a little sore and covered in dirt and sweat. Yet nothing a hot bath couldn’t cure.
She wished she could go with Morfyd tonight and do some spellcasting, but it had been much too long. Although Arzhela had returned her powers to her, Talaith’s skills were still extremely weak. Get on the wrong side of one of Morfyd’s spells and she could end up someplace she’d rather not be with no way home. Or open a doorway she could not close. No. She’d wait. Actually, Morfyd had given her a few books to get her started and promised she’d train her in those basics she’d most likely forgotten.
When Talaith finally thought long and hard about it, she realized she wanted to be the witch she was born to be. She wanted to heal the sick, protect the weak, destroy those who would bring pain and destruction to those who were unable to defend themselves. What she definitely didn’t want to do anymore…kill for a goddess. Her days as an assassin were over now. She no longer wanted that in her life and she wouldn’t have Izzy subjected to it.
To be quite honest, she had enough scares watching Izzy watch Annwyl. That wasn’t merely admiration or awe she witnessed in her daughter’s eyes. That was envy. And, to Talaith’s horror, it had nothing to do with Annwyl being queen. No, her daughter watched her while she trained with her men or rode that giant of a horse.
Talaith had a sinking feeling her daughter’s ambitions had nothing to do with court life or catching the eye of the cutest knight.
Sighing, Talaith slipped farther into the tub, not surprised when a few minutes later her daughter knocked and walked in.
“Is it all right if I have dinner in my room tonight?”
Talaith looked up and couldn’t help smiling at how beautiful her daughter was. And how lucky Talaith was. Not only to have finally gotten to meet her after all these years, but that her daughter survived with her wits and heart intact. Unlike Talaith, there was no bitterness in Izzy. No callous distrust of everyone. A glowing, happy girl who loved life but didn’t fear death.
How did I get so lucky?
“Of course you can. Is everything all right?”
“Aye. Just don’t feel like smiling and being polite tonight.”
She knew exactly how the girl felt, but if Talaith didn’t go, she knew Briec would think it was because of him. Of course, he’d be right.
“I understand. Feel free to eat in your room. You know, Izzy, you don’t actually have to ask me that. I’m sure you can decide where you’d like to eat without my help.”
Izzy shrugged. “I know.” She rubbed her hands against her leggings. “It’s just…”
“It’s just what?” she prompted when Izzy stopped.
“I don’t know what I should and shouldn’t be asking you. I mean, this is all a bit new to me.”
Talaith held her hand out and her daughter took it gratefully, crouching beside the tub and holding Talaith’s hand close to her heart.
“I have no idea what I’m doing either, love. So we’ll figure it out together. You and me. Does that sound about right to you?”
“Aye. Except….”
“Except what?”
“What about Briec?”