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From the corner of her eye she could tell June, too, watched Edel. Jessie got the sense Edel had not been as keen to come visit.
“Should I call for tea?” Jessie asked, more to break up the sudden tension.
“That won’t be necessary,” Edel replied. “We won’t be staying long. We merely wished to find you well.” She paused, her spine straightening in such a way that made her seem taller, even while seated. “And I would like to express my deepest gratitude for what you did for my son.”
“Oh, of course! I’m just glad I was able to help.”
“Indeed. What a fortuitous happenstance.”
Jessie didn’t like Edel’s tone. “It sounds like you don’t think it was fortuitous at all.”
Edel lifted a delicate brow.
“Look, I get it. You’re all suspicious of me. And I even understand why. You were just attacked by witches. They killed Orik’s parents and held him captive—”
“He told you about that?” Astonishment melted Edel’s rigid facade. “About his captivity?”
Jessie replied with a grievous nod.
“He speaks of it to no one. Not since he first came to us. I was beginning to wonder if he’d blocked it out completely. I’d hoped he had. Even when he’d begun his vengeful campaign, I believed he did not truly recall all that had been done to him, only that he sought to avenge his parents.”
“I think he recalls everything,” she replied sorrowfully.
Edel shook her head, her expression shifting to one of pure misery. “That he should have feelings for a witch is too tragic to be borne.”
A cacophony of sharp emotions bombarded Jessie’s senses: indignation that Edel would feel that way; flabbergasted that she so comfortably and openly insulted her like that; elation that it was obvious to others that Orik had feelings for her; worry that Orik might feel the same way as his adoptive mother. She felt like she’d been punched in the gut.
She let out a calming breath. “Well, this was fun, but I’m sure you have more important things to do than chat with a lowly witch.”
Edel blinked at her, as though just now realizing that she’d spoken her thoughts aloud. “My apologies. I meant no offense.”
Jessie leaned forward and spoke slowly and deliberately. “Offense taken.”
Once more that delicate, regal brow arched, and they simply stared at each other, neither willing to be the first to look away, the tension building to a thick, soapy bubble that encapsulated the room. The lights flickered. Jessie sensed the guards grow nervous and watched them step forward. Edel held up her palm, halting them instantly. “He did say you were brazen.”
For an instant, Jessie thought she spotted a spark of respect in Edel’s eyes.
Then June cleared her throat. “Well, I think it’s wonderful,” she chirped, popping the bubble and drawing both their gazes. “First off, Jessie’s not arealwitch, is she? I mean, yes, you are, apparently, but you’re also not. You’re an earthling, raised with similar values as me. You’d never hurt anyone to amass power, right?”
Jessie crossed her arms. “Not currently on my agenda.”
“And after that display in the throne room, I’ll bet you wouldn’t even need to. It was pretty impressive. Edel thought so, too.”
Edel examined her nails.
“Second, Orik is one tough nut to crack. He also harbors more animosity toward witches than most, and I believe he is lonely and has been for a long time, so if you’ve gotten under his skin, again, impressive. I think you’re just what he needs.”
Jessie dropped her arms by her side, surprised by June’s speech, but she wasn’t finished.
“Third, and most important, having you on our side could help with diplomacy during future encounters with witches, hostile or otherwise. Once they see we have accepted one of them in our midst and protected her like our own, they may change their views and think twice about attacking. Edel, you once told me we needed to make peace with the witches. To lay a foundation and build bridges. Jessie could be one pretty nifty bridge.”
Edel stared at June for several long moments, looking stunned. Jessie silently commended June for standing up for her so ardently in front of Edel, though she was a little startled to hear June thought Orik was lonely. He was head of the guard, close with the royals, and wicked in bed. She found it difficult to imagine women didn’t throw themselves at him left and right.
“Very wise assessment, dearling, as always. You have given me much to consider.” With that, Edel stood, apparently ready to leave and expecting June to join her, which she did. As they said their goodbyes, Jessie marveled at June’s ability to completely defuse a tense situation. She may have even alleviated Edel’s reservations about Jessie. At the door, Edel met her gaze with an expression that held nothing but gratitude for what she had done for Orik.
Jessie considered June’s words, more determined than ever to master this mysterious power of hers. She would be useful to Orik and the rest of the kingdom. She would earn their acceptance and a place here.
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