“And abandon the notion that the only reason this happened was to protect him? What a dumb thing to suggest, Alphard.” She shook her head.
“Knowing you, it was probably only about your protection,” shot Alphard.
“You ass—”
“Am I interrupting?”
Both their heads snapped sideways at the new voice. Abraxas stood with his hands in his pockets, looking rather annoyed. It was uncommon to see a scowl on his playful face.
Alphard ran a hand through his hair, turning from Maeve and shaking his head. “For fuck’s sake,” he muttered.
Maeve turned without another word, making her way towards Abraxas. Silently, she passed him. He joined her in step, uncertainty radiating from him. They left Alphard there in the corridor.
“What did you do, Maeve?” he whispered. “I am seeing some strange things in my head, and there’s only one Witch I know who has an obsession with memories.”
“I royally screwed up, I think,” she answered as they swiftly made their way back to the Throne Room. “I need to find Maxius.”
“I was sent to retrieve you both,” said Abraxas. He stopped and yanked her back gently. His eyes scanned hers tensely. “Merlin and Primus,” he hissed. “I cannot shake the feeling that something is about to snap in half.”
And it was. Her spell had been splintering and cracking for weeks now. The tear was so large now that it was becoming more painful to hold it together than it would be to let it spiral out of being.
But Maeve couldn’t bring herself to do it. Not yet. She had to get to Maxius first.
“I know, Brax. I feel it too,” she assured him. “But right now, I need to find Maxius.”
She slid from his tender grip and continued into the main castle.
She felt Maxius arrive as he crossed the protective barriers around Castle Morana, the protective barrier she kept around him solid and unharmed. Thank the gods.
She turned the corner, the grand stairway at her feet, and stalled.
Mal stood at the center of the Entrance Hall, a dazzling smile that held just enough humility to ensure he was beloved by all on his face as he greeted those arriving. His crown of serpents glistened against his dark hair. Zimsy and Maxius stepped through the castle doors.
Maeve gripped tighter on that unraveling Magic swimming through her. Not yet. Just a little more time. She stepped down, gasped as icy Magic gripped her ankle, holding her in place. Mal turned, hissmile dropping as his green eyes locked on her. He looked her up and down, his eyes narrowing slightly in disgust. He shook his head in silent command.
The look sent a shock through her chest. She didn’t fight against the Magic keeping her at the top of the stairs. Not with that look on his face.
Mal looked back towards the castle doors as Maxius stepped towards him. Zimsy released his hand and dropped into a bow before Mal. Maxius bowed, but kept his excited eyes on Mal. Mal dropped into a low kneel, coming face to face with his son. His mouth moved, but Maeve was too far away to hear his words. Maxius’ face changed, a nervousness taking over all of his boyish features. He looked into the Throne Room and then back up at Mal.
In front of so many?he signed.
Mal nodded in response. Then he stood and stepped to the side, letting Zimsy and Maxius pass. The Magic gripping her ankle vanished, and she flew forward at once. He met her at the base of the stairs, his hands tucked behind his back. Her heart swelled when she saw flecks of brown and hazel swimming in his eyes.
Hope settled in her bones. She sighed swiftly at the sight of him.
“You didn’t tell him?” she questioned at once, hoping he could sense her gratitude.
Before she could continue, Mal’s eyes flicked up to the top of the stairs behind her. Alphard and Abraxas stood together, arguing heatedly.
“Something to share?” said Mal, his voice carrying up the stairs.
The two looked down at them. Alphard’s jaw tightened.
Abraxas hurried down the steps to Mal’s side. “Everything is ready for you,” said Abraxas.
Mal didn’t reply. His eyes moved up to Alphard, still at the top of the stairs, and then once more to Maeve. He left them without another word and returned to greeting his guests at the center of the Entrance Hall. Though Maeve noted his smile was gone. Abraxas lingered by Maeve until Mal cut him a sharp look from the corner of his eye, and Abraxas hurried to his side.
Maeve didn’t wait for Alphard to join her. She rushed into the Throne Room, her eyes scanning for Maxius. She spotted him at once in the packed Throne Room. The upper balconies and galleries were full as well. Maxius was signing to Arianna. His hands moved so fast and with such enthusiasm, Arianna appeared to have a hard time keeping up. But she didn’t squash his excitement.
