Her eyes shot to mine, and mine dropped to the floor.
“A female cetani has died. She is wrapped around the eggs, and I believe they are not eating to protect her body.”
“But how did she die?”
“I could not see for sure.”
“But the other cetani are sick. It is not just that they refuse to leave the fallen mother, they can barely move. Asha’s movements today were the most we have seen from any of them.”
“I don’t have any more answers, Umari. I wish I did.”
“But this means someone has attacked the cetani. Even if it does not explain the illness, the second egg was a deliberate attack. Could you see who the sword might belong to?”
“The hilt was plain. No markings.”
“Someone will die for this,” she seethed, turning to leave.
“Umari,” I ordered, stopping her. “The reason I came here today was to see if you had something to do with the death of a guard at the castle. Was it you or your dracs?”
She only shook her head and walked out into the storm.
Chapter 8
ARA
“So, I’m locked in a castle for two days and you just now decide to pop in for a visit?” I raised my eyebrows at her. I knew better. Aibell always had an agenda. I crossed my arms over my chest and stared her down. To my dismay, she only mirrored my stance and didn’t answer. No surprise there, old hag.
“The world does not revolve around you, child.”
I scoffed and checked the mental shields she had taught me to use. “I never said it did. I didn’t ask for your help. I didn’t ask you to come here.”
“I’ve come all the same.”
“Obviously,” I mumbled. “So, are you here to help me or to take tea?”
“Oh, yes please. Tea would be lovely.” She smiled and tucked her cloak over her arm.
I made an exaggerated examination of the room. “Looks like we are fresh out of tea this side of the prison door.”
“I see the only thing that has grown since we were last together is your mouth.”
“No, my mouth is the same, but my balls are bigger.”
She pursed her lips. “Tell me child, have you found more comfort in the prince’s shirts or his sheets?”
I rolled my eyes. “I’ll answer that if you answer something for me.” I crossed the room and sat at the table near the door.
She followed me and pulled out every chair until she found the one she liked. She sat, placed her hands on the table and waited for me to ask. She knew this was coming.
“Exactly how long have you known I have magic?”
“Since the moment of your birth,” she said dully, as if I should have asked a more interesting question.
“Then why can’t I use it?” I slumped back in my chair.
“Only rushing the river ends well.”
“I opened the book, Aibell.” My voice softened as I looked toward the table. I began to run my fingernail along a scratch in the wood. Anything to avoid those eyes.
