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I found a new pair of pajamas from the massive closet since the pair I had on last night was in pieces on the floor. Alec pulled on the clothes he’d worn last night, then the two of us emerged from the room to the onslaught of waiting shifters.
It wasn’t just my friends in the hallway. In addition to them and my guards, there were several shifters in the blue uniforms I’d seen on kitchen staff last night, and a handful of shifters who looked like they belonged in a human conference room. They were wearing suits and shiny shoes and all of them had their hair meticulously combed back with far too much product.
I wrinkled my nose. Who were all these people and why were they waiting outside my bedroom? I suddenly wished I did have something more formal to wear than borrowed flannel pajamas.
“Your father’s council insisted on meeting with you this morning,” Spencer said, unable to keep the contempt out of his tone.
That explained the stuffy looking shifters in suits. “And the others?”
“Your house staff. They run this place and will attend to your needs while you’re here,” Spencer said.
“It’s lovely to meet you all, but you really don’t need to be here,” I said.
“It’s vital that we get started right away, your highness,” One of the members of the council said.
I glared at him, then returned my gaze to the staff I had been speaking to. “Please know that if any of you are here against your will, my friend is working to break the blood magic. As soon as it’s gone, I’ll let you know.”
They all looked at me with wide eyes and open mouths.
“Nobody should ever be trapped someplace they don’t want to be," I added. “It won’t hurt my feelings, I swear.”
“I’m not sure that’s the best thing for your safety,” another council member said.
I turned to look at the group of males who were probably used to getting their way. “I will meet with you soon. But not until I’ve had breakfast and some time to speak alone with my friends first.”
The man who had spoken up cleared his throat, then bowed his head. “As you wish, your highness. We will wait in the great hall for you until you are ready.”
The group didn’t look pleased as they walked away, leaving me with my friends, guards, and a handful of staff. I returned my attention to them. “For real, though. I keep my promises.”
“Told you Claire was telling the truth,” an older woman with white hair said to her companions. She looked at me. “If there’s nothing more for us, we’ll get back to work.”
I nodded. “Find me if you need anything.”
She smiled, then herded the group away from me.
Now that the extra people were gone, I looked at who remained. The guards weren’t going anywhere, so this was probably about as close to private as I was going to get. Besides, I couldn’t wait to ask this question any longer. “Where’s my mom? How’s she doing?”
“I’m not sure,” Spencer said.
“What do you mean? I thought you were going to her last night?” I asked.
“I did, and she was in bad shape. She didn’t even know who I was.” He shook his head.
My chest tightened. “Where is she now?”
“Star’s been with her all night,” Malcom said. “She said she figured you’d understand if she tried to help her first then dealt with the rest of the blood magic.”
I felt a little guilty after what I’d just told the house staff, but I wanted my mom to be okay. I wasn’t sure I’d ever seen her the way she should be. I had no idea how long she’s been using that toxin to self-medicate.
“I’d like to see her,” I said.
Spencer nodded. “I’ll take you to her.”
“We’ll see to finding some breakfast,” Kyle suggested.
“Yeah, we’ll be wherever the food is when you’re ready to find us,” Sheila said.
“Do you want company?” Alec asked.
