Page 86 of Song of Her Siren

Mother’s lips twisted into a familiar snarl. “We weren’t given a choice.”

“How is Father Derrick?” Tari asked.

“Still sleeping,” Marius answered.

Tari chewed her lip, her shoulders falling. “His demon is waiting for the right moment.”

Mother paled. “To do what?”

“I don’t know.”

Mother turned on me, impatience in her gaze. “When will you get that demon out of him?”

I was grateful there wasn’t the usual virulence behind her words, though I feared she was simply a snake waiting for the right moment to strike. “Believe me, Mother, I’m trying.”

“I know you are, Shiri.” Her shoulders fell as she glanced from Marius to me. “I’m so worried about him. I’m sorry for taking it out on you.”

Ahh. So Marius was making her play nice. “It’s okay.” Bitter laughter erupted from my throat. “I’m used to it.”

Mother’s jaw dropped, and she made sputtering noises until Aurora interrupted, tugging on Tari’s skirts. “My shoes are too tight.”

“I’m sorry, dearest.” Tari knelt in front of Aurora, frowning while examining Aurora’s shiny leather shoes. “We’ll take them off after the funeral.”

Aurora went boneless against her mother, her mouth hanging in a pout. “But it hurts to walk.”

Ember patted her sister’s back while sucking on her thumb.

“Do you want Yaya to carry you?” Mother asked while smiling down at Aurora.

Aurora scowled up at her grandmother as if she was a flatulating troll. “No.”

“Come on, darling.” Mother held her hands down to Aurora, her smile appearing frozen in place. “I won’t bite.”

Scratching the back of her head, Aurora looked from her grandmother to Ember. “But you usually carry Em.”

My heart broke for Aurora, for I knew exactly how she felt, though I had hoped that she’d been too young to notice Yaya had always favored Ember.

Mother’s smile faltered. “I want to carryyou.”

Aurora tilted her head, squinting at her grandmother. “Why?”

Mother blew out a long breath, and I knew she was growing frustrated with Aurora. “Because you’re my grandbaby.”

Aurora frowned, pressing into her mother’s legs. “I’m not a baby.”

“Darling,” Mother pleaded, opening her arms wide, “Yaya would love to hold you.”

Aurora vehemently shook her head. “I want Mama to hold me.”

Mother gave Tari a murderous look when she stood, hoisting Aurora onto her hip.

Before she could protest, a servant loudly cleared her throat while opening the door to the adjoining courtyard. “Your Highnesses, the queen will receive you now.”

“Come on,” I said, taking Ember in my arms when she tugged on my skirts.

Marius placed a hand on Mother’s lower back, whispering loudly in her ear. “Let’s get this over with, so we can return to Derrick.”

Pain flashed in her eyes, and for a moment, I felt sorry for her. I also mourned the relationship we’d never had, the hugs and kindness she’d never given me. It was too late to relive my childhood. Not that I’d want to. All I cared about now was my future, hopefully with my three mates.

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