“And so does your heart,” Rose replied, not unkindly. “You wouldn’t be able to hurt him, not when it came down to it.”
“I think maybe I could,” Shoshan retorted, fire bringing color to her cheeks.
“Well, you won’t have to.”
“Remember that the blood geas still binds you. I wouldn’t put it past your father to have an in with Madame Hendricks and command you to obey her or some such.”
“I remember and I have an idea there. Let me do this. I need to. I finally understand why the avatar of a vengeful goddess chose to visit me.” Rose smiled on Adsila with affection. “Speaking of vengeance, I understand Jada has been dealt with. Are you satisfied, Lilythorn?”
“Yes. But…” She hesitated. “Can I ask you a question, Rose?”
“Anything,” Rose answered with sincerity. She reached across to take Thorn’s free hand, briefly joining them in a triangle of solidarity. “We are in this together.”
“I’ll let you two talk and take a moment for myself,” Shoshan said. She extracted her hands and hurried out.
“Is she all right?” Thorn asked, watching their mother go.
Rose gazed after Shoshan, also, a line between her elegant brows. “I hope so. All of this is hard on her, too. We will get through this because we must.” She seemed to shake something off. “Ask your question.”
Thorn wanted to pursue the question, but made herself set it down. “You say you understand why Adsila came to you and now Sebastien has Bunny as his companion. And Moriah came to me, but now she’s gone again. Do you think she’ll be back?”
Rose smiled, then shook her head and tipped her chin toward Adsila. “Any answers, numinous one?” She rolled her eyes. “I rather envy you and Sebastien that your companions actuallytalkto you.”
“I envy you that yoursstaywith you,” Thorn burst out.
“Ah, well. Moriah may be the antimage, but she is also a cat and you know how they are. They walk by themselves and come and go as they please. But yes, I think she’ll be back. You will need help in Soren’s court. I don’t know what the future will bring, but the lions are restless for meat and war looms on the horizon.” She sighed. “You will have love, and happiness from that, but that solves only some problems.”
“Will you… be able to help me?” Thorn asked hesitantly. She shouldn’t ask more of Rose than she’d already given.
“I hope so. I will try. After all, if you and Sebastien have babies, I’ll want to be a doting auntie.”
“But how can you, if only one of us can live?”
“As in the tale of Witch Gornicka,” Rose mused absently.
“Yes. Moriah told me that story.”
“Did she now? How interesting. But I have ideas there too. After I deal with Clotaire, I need to go away for a while.”
“But you’ll come back.”
“I will try.” Rose stood, smoothing her skirts. “And now, I should go. I have to get back to school. You need your graduation certificate, after all.”
Thorn stood also. “I feel really bad, Rose—all of your hard work for nothing. I just get to have the benefits.”
“Not for nothing, Lilythorn,” Rose replied with a warm smile. “Never for nothing. And hard work lies ahead for you. I knowyou’ll be brilliant and make us all proud. Remember to use your power for good.”
“How will I know what good is?”
“You’ll have to muddle through like the rest of us. And Sebastien will help. He has a good heart.”
“Yes.” Thorn felt misty. “He really does. Words are inadequate, but… thank you, Rose. I owe you everything.”
Rose gave her an odd smile. “I owe you more than you know. This isn’t how I thought my life would go, but sometimes opportunity arises from catastrophe.”
“If anyone can be the phoenix rising from the ashes, it’s you,” Thorn said fervently.
“What a lovely image,” Rose murmured. “Goodbye for now. Have a wonderful wedding. I wish I could be there. My wedding gift is menotbeing there, however.” Her dark eyes danced with wicked humor.
