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“Um, because you wanted me to learn a skill, and I’m terrible at playing the piano?”
She chuckled. “No, dear. It is because in your creations, the magic within would come to life. I have kept them all hidden in the attic above our living quarters. The scenes you paint? Once dried and settled, they play out as though they were happening in real life. I thought that perhaps this would draw out the magic, and that would be it. I realize now it was a fool’s errand. And your father knew it as well. He’d chastise me for what he assumed was holding back your innate gifts.” She inhaled deeply, and I gasped. I’d never cared for painting, not in the slightest, but she had kept them all. I had no wish to view them now, either. They’d only bring on more heartbreak, and memories of my father.
“That was not the case, however,” the duchess continued, “I felt I was protecting you. It is why I insisted on you being married. With a good man, you would have even more security in our circles. But I was wrong. And for that, I am deeply sorry.”
“Oh, Mother. Please do not apologize. I’ll do as you ask. As Father asked, all right? I’ll locate this Silverthorne and learn to control my abilities. But please allow us to say our final goodbyes to Father before he is laid to rest.”
“Of course, my darling girl. I am so proud of you.” She smiled through tears. “You have taken this news far better than I would have imagined.”
“Mother, it is because I have been raised by you.” I kissed her cheek. “You have given me everything I have ever needed and more. I now know what Father was speaking of when he mentioned my destiny. Thank you for telling me.”
She cast her gaze downward. “I am sorry it has taken me so long.”
I still had another question to be answered. “Could you please tell me about Father now? How he died?”
The duchess abruptly lifted her gaze to meet mine. “Ainsley, this must remain between us, as you now know the secret I have harbored all these years.”
“Of course, Mother.”
“Remember when I said your safety may be an issue? It is…because your father was poisoned. And I am certain it has everything to do with the evil man who’s been searching for your birth parents these many years. It was a warning. That is why you must go.”
