Page 27 of To Fight and To Fold

A smile tugged at her lips just at the sight of her mom. It’d been… months, really.

“You don’t write, you just drop in?” she asked, in that shrill voice that beckoned a homesick ache in her chest.

Aaryn did write, actually, though it wasn’t much more than hope you’re well when she sent her money.

“Surprise,” Aaryn tried.

“Well, come on in. I’ll put on tea.”

The taste of that acrid tea from earlier still coated her palate, so she agreed eagerly, and stepped inside.

The place was well decorated, with comfy chairs around a hearth, a small kitchen, and doors that led to the bedroom. Practically lavish.

“How’re things in the depths of Evergale?” her mother asked.

Aaryn was glad she was distracted with the kettle instead of studying her face. She decided to be honest. “Not great,” she answered.

“What? Why?” Gladys spun on her heel. “Is everything alright?”

Tears welled in Aaryn’s eyes, and her voice came out shaky. “Starspark's gone.”

“What?” she gasped, stepping forward, the kettle forgotten.

She dashed her tears away before they escaped down her cheeks and nodded. “A guard I was close with. She blew a hole in the castle wall and flew with him off into the night!”

“There was an attack on the castle?” she asked, eyes wide. “How am I just now hearing about this?”

Aaryn didn't even get a chance to answer.

“So what does this mean for you? Is that why you’re here? Have they removed you from the castle?” She jerked her head toward the window as if to see if Aaryn had brought any bags on her horse.

“No, no, Mama, slow down. Nothing like that. I was out for a ride and felt like seeing you, is all.”

She released a sigh, and sank down into one of the chairs by the hearth. “Blessed Hoard, you scared me!”

Knowing her mother would never finish making the tea, Aaryn crossed the room to fill the kettle and place it, then searched for the honey.

“Are they giving you another job at the castle then? To earn your keep?”

Aaryn paused. “Not yet. I don’t know what’s next. Just today I was interviewed by an investigator who’s looking into it all.”

“Wow, an investigator. Fancy castle business, that. Did you have anything to add to their investigation?”

“Not really,” Aaryn said. “Some gossip. They asked me about the guard that did it, but I’m beginning to suspect everything was a lie.”

“A guard? Is this—no, Aaryn,” her mother gasped. “This surely isn’t the same guard you told me about a few months ago, is it? What’s the name—Theo?”

“Thea,” she corrected.

“Oh, Aaryn,” she hissed. “What did you do?”

Aaryn snapped her head up. “Me?”

“Yes! How could you jeopardize our lives like this?” Her steps were quick as she crossed the room, bumping Aaryn out of the way. Aaryn studied her mother, trying to make sense of the accusation in her tone.

“What did I do?” she echoed.

“Obviously, you befriended a traitor to the crown! And gave them access to your dragon. What were you thinking?”