Page 298 of Of Sins and Sacrifice

We head toward the dining room, and I’m surprised to see the table has already been set up. There is a basket of bread on the table, a tray full of juicy steak that’s having me salivate on the spot and another tray filled with roast potatoes. Although I’m starving, it’s not the food that has my full attention.

It’s the platter of donuts at the end of the table. Just as promised, his mother made donuts from scratch. Though I know they are filled with cherry jam, I’m surprised to see the chocolate drizzled on top of them.

Of course I can’t be a heathen and start with dessert. I must show her my best side, and that means highlighting how good I am for her son, how proper and polite.

Nodding to myself, I straighten my back and try to momentarily forget about the donuts.

“Mother,” Mine says as his mother enters the dining room, carrying a platter with a variety of cheeses.

I slowly turn, plastering a polite smile on my face as I curtsy—perhaps that’s a little overkill, but if it wins me points…?

I might have seen her before in the divining mirror, but seeing her in the flesh is completely different. She’s slightly taller than me and very slender. Dressed in a dark green dress that reaches her ankles, she has a thick belt wrapped around her waist, emphasizing how slight she is.

Her hair is a dark brown like Mine’s, her face small and dainty with huge blue eyes and pouty lips. Yet even more surprising is how young she looks. One would think she’s his sister, not his mother.

“You must be Minnie,” she says with an affable smile on her face. “I am Rità. I am so happy to finally meet you.”

“Hello, Rità,” I greet softly. “It’s good to meet you too. Your son has told me so much about you.” How do I even call him? Lucien? Valerion? I can’t very well call himMinein front of his mother, no?

“He has? That’s news to me.” Her brows go up as she sneaks a glance at Mine.

“Just that I take after you, Mom.” He winks.

“Thank you so much for the food. You didn’t have to bother,” I add a small platitude.

“It was no bother! Valerion told me you helped him escape that wretched place. For that alone I must thank you.”

“It was nothing.” I wave my hand. “He would have handled it without me too. Your son is a great warrior,” I say, a genuine praise. Glancing at Mine, I note a slight blush on his cheeks.

“That he is. I’ve always been proud of his achievements, though I don’t like how often he puts himself in danger. Especially with his health…”

“I’m fine, Mom. I told you there’s nothing to worry about,” he adds in a pointed tone as if there’s something more to the conversation I’m not aware of.

“He’s told me about his illness and so far he hasn’t had another episode.”

“He…has?” His mother blinks in surprise. “You have?” she asks, this time addressing him directly.

He shrugs nonchalantly. “I figured this time she should know.”

I frown. “This time? What does that mean?”

Mine gives me a smile. “Nothing of consequence.”

“Why don’t we sit down and eat?” his mother interjects.

Still a little confused, I follow suit and sit at the table. Mine, ever the perfect gentleman, grabs my plate and fills it with beef and potatoes. He cuts each item into small pieces so it can cool off, forgetting I don’t need any help on that front. Still, his gesture is duly noted and I graze my fingers against his when I accept the plate back.

The urge to dig in is overwhelming, but I temper myself. This isn’t about showing what a starving animal I am. On thecontrary, this is about making a good impressing on his mother and showing her what a polite lady I am.

“Valerion tells me you worked as a nurse in the war?”

“Yes, that is correct.” I grab one small bite of meat and place it in my mouth, then chew slowly, properly…demurely.

“Awful thing, this war. I’m so happy it’s about to end.”

“It is?” That is news to me.

His mother glances quickly at Mine before she clears her throat.

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