Page 28 of Three Scorched Kingdoms

“I slept well,” I say and immediately wince at the fact that I just referenced an image of me sleeping with her son. “And, ah, my maid gave us a tour. I hope that’s all right.”

“I should have given you one personally myself. Forgive me. I’ve been dealing with the fallout of the canceled wedding all morning.”

“I understand. That must have entailed a lot of preparation.”

“More than usual.” Her expression sours. “I never did like that Esma,” she grumbles. She covers her mouth. “Whoops. I shouldn’t have said that.”

I laugh and hold up my hand. “Don’t worry about it. She seemed rather… persistent.”

“More than you know.” She sighs, and I get the sense there’s more to the story.

“We’re full,” Ned announces.

Dorthea surveys their plates and smiles approvingly. “You did wonderfully. Tomorrow, we’ll try a few other vegetables.”

The gnomes exchange a wary look, but they don’t argue. Apparently, the sugarsnaps were better than they expected.

“Can we explore?” Fred asks.

“Don’t wander too far, okay?” Dorthea asks, although it’s not really a question, more a command.

The gnomes hastily agree and bound out the door with Kitty hot on their heels.

Dorthea smiles after them then motions for me to join her at the table.

“You definitely have a way with them,” I say as I take Fred’s empty seat. “I could never get them to eat anything except junk food.”

“It’s nice to have someone to fuss over again,” she says. A shadow passes over her expression, and she adds, “I worry at them being dragged into a war they didn’t sign up for.”

“We’ll handle the orcs,” I assure her, placing my hand on top of hers in a gesture that feels unfamiliar and yet comfortable. Dorthea is easy to be with.

She squeezes my hand. “I’m sorry if I drove Aries away.”

I straighten. “Of course you didn’t. Why would you think that?”

“After he disappeared, we all worried the orcs had somehow captured him. But when their armies began attacking us rather than using him as some kind of sacrifice for their coup, I realized they hadn’t been involved. I worried…” She trails off, releasing my hand and dropping both of hers into her lap. She stares down at them as if embarrassed. Or scared. “I worried I’d been too overbearing with my insistence that he entertain all thosewomen while searching for his mate. The law is archaic, but it exists for a reason. I hated to think I drove him away.”

“You definitely did no such thing,” I say firmly.

“I never lost hope that he was alive, you know. I could sense it. I’m not sure how, but I just knew.”

“A mother’s intuition,” I say.

“Maybe. But it felt like more than that. The magic of my throne perhaps. What little is left of it. Either way, I’m glad he’s home now. And that he’s found you.”

“Me too,” I tell her.

I’m amazed that she sensed Aries through the portal. Outside magic shouldn’t be able to pierce the library. Or that’s what Hoc always said. Maybe Constantine’s takeover changed more than I realized.

Worry gnaws at me over what other changes have happened in our absence.

“The kingdom needs you, Paige.” Dorthea’s words pull me out of my dark thoughts.

I frown, not sure I’m convinced she’s right. “I get the impression not everyone will agree with you.”

“You’re different, and some people fear what they don’t understand. But you have a good heart. Not to mention your powerful magic. A mage. The orcs will never expect that.” She lowers her voice, adding, “Neither will the council.”

I don’t bother to tell her I’m not sure any of us should expect that. Or that even the word “council” triggers unease in me after what happened with Oliver and Tawny.

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