“Come in.”
I sat in the chair before her desk like I’d done only a few months before. So much had changed in the time since. She rifled through a drawer, pulling out a large pouch that jingled.
I furrowed my brow. “I’ve already had my last paycheck.”
She gave me a meaningful look. “After several lively debates, the butler and I made the decision to split the wages for the extra work taken on between you and Anna.”
I raised my brows. “Truly?”
“We divvied up Ella’s intended pay in her absence, so it should be about half of five months’ wages.” She handed over the pouch, my hand bobbing beneath the bonus’s weight.
“Mrs. Calloway—”
She lifted my hand. “It’s the least I could do. Think of it as my contribution to your bright future.” She gave me a warm smile.
“Thank you.”
She nodded, her eyes hardening slightly. “That is all. Now run along, Lyranore.”
“Yes ma’am.” I got to my feet, my mind racing with thoughts about what I could possibly do with so much money…
I sent the pouch hovering above my palm, air rushing beneath the sack that tickled my skin. It rose higher, reminding me of my water pillar on that cold, dark night, anger flashing in my eyes as it towered over me.
The pouch dropped into my hand, my fingers wrapping around it tightly.
And I knewexactlyhow I wanted to spend my newfound wealth.
It didn’t take long to pack my belongings and bid adieu to my friends at the palace. I gave Anna in particular a big hug, wishing her the best and promising to meet her in the city on her days off.
It also didn’t take long for dread to build in my stomach as snow crunched beneath my feet on the way home. I knew the second I stepped through the door, I would have to answer for my absence, my cruelty.
Instead, I was met with an embrace.
Mama’s arms wrapped tightly around me as I stood in the doorway, my bindle still hanging from my hands.
“Why didn’t you come home, baby?” she whispered, her breath tickling my neck.
I lifted my hands to her back, my arms stiff with worry. “I didn’t want to disappoint you and Asha. I didn’t want…” I took a deep breath. “I didn’t want to admit I still wasn’t ready to settle down. Not in this house, not with all these memories.”
She pulled back, her eyes scanning mine. “How could I be disappointed in you? You’re my daughter.”
My eyes prickled. “I’m unmarried, Mama. I’ve no plans for children. And now I have no job.”
She pressed her lips together. “You’re kind. Resourceful. Honest. The details fall away in light of who you are, Lyrie. That ambition, that spark inside of you, mattered more to me and your Papa than circumstance. That sparkshapesyour circumstance.”
I let out a breath. “You were so excited…”
“Because I thought that’s what you wanted. If I’d known youweren’t in love with David, I would have kicked him out of my house.”
I laughed, a tear slipping down my cheek. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”
She reached up, pushing my hair behind my ear. “Be sorry you weren’t honest with yourself, dear. Because lying to yourself is the worst punishment of all.”
I swallowed, nodding.
“Now come inside,” she said. “Come see what I’ve done with your Papa’s room.”
I followed her further into the house, faltering at the sight of Kelara sitting at the kitchen table. She stared at me, her hair long and tangled, her face like stone.
