Page 18 of Acedia

“You know very well I had no control over that, you little rascal. Come here, let me look at you.”

I winced as she grabbed my horn the moment I leaned down, turning my head this way then that.

“You’ve not been feeding enough, Damen. You look peaky.”

“You’re one to talk.” Even before the human realm ban and the reliance on the energy stores for all Shades to feed, Orabelle had been loathe to use them. Like many older Shades, she found it an indignity to feed that way when she’d once been young and strong and able to fend for herself.

Allerick was frustrated by her stubbornness, but I understood. Without meaning to, sometimes the way help was offered was insulting rather than empowering.

“I’m not long for this world. I can do what I like,” Orabelle sighed dramatically, even though she’d probably outlive all of us. “When are you going to settle down and give me grandchildren?”

“Settle down? I was thinking I’d leave a string of assorted infants in my wake the way my father did. Surprise myself whenever a new one pops up—like a gift to my future self. Oh look, a new progeny! That sort of thing.”

Orabelle cackled quietly to herself. “You’re too sweet for that, Damen. You don’t have your father’s philandering streak.”

“More’s the pity,” I sighed, though we both knew I wasn’t serious. My father had left a trail of chaos wherever he walked. I had no desire to emulate any of his behaviors.

I took a seat opposite her, pouring us both tea in silence. I felt a little out of sorts, though I couldn’t think why. Perhaps it was just because everyone else was off doing important things today while I sat and had a cup of tea with my mother figure, ignoring all of the very real problems that seemed to be unfolding around me.

But what could I do? I wasn’t qualified to be of use anyway.

“Are you happy, Damen?” Orabelle asked shrewdly.

If I could be honest with anyone, it was Orabelle. Or rather, if there was anyone I couldn’t lie to, it was Orabelle.

“Allerick said I shouldn’t get complacent as he has no heir yet and I may still inherit the throne someday,” I said, opting to share just one of the things that was bothering me.

“And you don’t want it?” Orabelle guessed.

“No one wants that,” I laughed. “The realm would fall to pieces if I was in charge.”

She sighed heavily, leaning back in her seat. “We both know that’s not true. You just diminish your skills and talents before anyone else has the chance to. Everyone knows how capable you are, Damen. Even you.”

I valued my life so I didn’t argue with Orabelle, but I didn’t agree. If I was in charge of the realm, every day would be a celebration and no one would have to work. Maybe Ishouldbe in charge, everyone would be far less stressed.

“Spend the day with me,” Orabelle demanded gently. “I wish to walk in the gardens—you may accompany me.”

“Gladly. Though I’ll have to leave at some point—Soren has gone to collect a new Hunter. I’m to greet her on arrival.”

“Another one?” she grumbled.

I laughed. “Don’t try that with me. I’ve seen for myself how fond you are of all of the ex-Hunters who’ve come here. Ophelia may have even replacedmein your affections—I’ll try my best not to hold it against her.”

“I would beverycross if you held it against her,” Orabelle sniffed, not contradicting my claim. Lucky that I couldn’t begrudge my sister anything. “Perhaps this Hunter will be the one to win your affections,” she added, perking up considerably.

“Perhaps,” I agreed without much enthusiasm. If history was anything to go by, she’d be intimidated by the title, then not take me seriously as a romantic prospect when I tried my best to move past it. However, it was nothing to get upset about.

Maybe I could even introduce her to Ruvyn if I thought the two of them would be compatible? That was a very good notion. I wasn’t entirely useless—I had good ideas.

Mind made up, I helped Orabelle to her feet and we made our way slowly downstairs to take a turn around the gardens.

At least if today’s meeting was horribly awkward, it would be over quickly. I would divest myself of my duties immediately, nudge the new ex-Hunter in Ruvyn’s direction if she was suitable, and resume my life of leisure.

Chapter 6

“We don’t have long,” Lucas muttered. I winced as he tugged my head a little harder under the faucet in the motel bathroom to rinse the dye out. “I don’t even know if this is going to help. You won’t have blinding blonde hair anymore, but the dog is still kind of a giveaway. Are you sure you won’t leave her behind?”

“Absolutely not,” I replied, my voice muffled by the basin.

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