Page 70 of This Midsummer Heart
I have the feeling I’ll be yowling before the end of this no matter what. Leaping down from the wall, I take two strides and shake off my cat form, growing into my full height as a fete. For a moment, my whiskers linger, making my nose twitch.
“My lady,” I say, offering her a bow as I smooth the alarm from my features with a glamour. “Youarestill my lady, aren’t you?”
She crosses her arms, waiting for me to rise.
“Perhaps you shouldn’t bow to me anymore.” A chillingly wicked and veryfaesmile crosses her lips. “I’ve had much time to think while I recovered, and I’ve decided, as punishment for your treachery, that I shall name you acting head of the House of Fetes.”
Now I am standing straight as a board, eyes round. “I think I misheard.”
“You didn’t.”
“No, I’m sure of it.”
She narrows her eyes. “Be less sure.”
And to that, I throw up my hands. “I do not deserve this punishment!”
Her fingers tap against her forearm as she regards me, arms still folded across her chest. “I’ve always liked you, Robin. I trusted you. It’s why I sent you to serve Auberon and to be my eyes and ears in his House. But all of that is past now. Both my injuries and my second honeymoon in Nadie have given me a fresh perspective.”
Her melodic voice takes on a sharper tone. “I cannot oversee the day-to-day operations of the House of Fetes and study this new way of magic as I need to. The other fetes are relying on us. I’ve thought it over again and again, and this is the only choice that makes sense. And sinceyouwere so eager to take a leader’s mantle—“
“Months of wrangling fetes and elves has cured me of that, I assure you.” I raise my hands in a helpless gesture. “I never meant to take over. I only wanted to force a reckoning between the two of you. And there has been one—I can see it. The reforged bond shines brightly around the two of you, even amidst Lord Auberon’s new darkness.
“Lady Titaine, you must not leave the House of Fetes to me. You are needed. It’s you who inspires loyalty and brings the fetes together. It’s how I trusted you would find your way here—you have friends in every land. Regrettably, I have not the temperament to do as you do.”
“If you spent less time tricking others and were straightforward, you might.”
I grimace. “Regrettably, I do not have that temperament, either.”
“Then I’m afraid you must develop it. Half-measures will not do for either of us now. I will return to my studies of magic and try to restore the runeboats. You will guide the House of Fetes. If not for Auberon’s convincing, I would leave that House entirely and cleave to my new role here.” Her voice softens. “One day, Robin, I will return to the House of Fetes. But that cannot be today, and I fear the next few years will be long for you.”
“My lady—”
“That is my final word on the matter. It’s time for you to make amends, Robin. Auberon and I have already made ours, and will continue to do so as king and queen of this House.”
I bow deeply to her, even as my insides rebel against everything that has been said. She is still my lady of the sun. And now she is a queen. Again.
And I am an acting Houselord.
Fate can be cruel sometimes.
“Don’t look so downtrodden!” Titaine exclaims, closing the space between us. Golden-brown eyes glistening, she takes me by the shoulders, forcing me to stand stall. “One day you’ll see that I’ve repaid your trickery with a gift.”
“Impossible.” I try to soften my frown. “Alas, my lady, it seems I have much business to attend to, as do you. We must part. Give me your hand if we be friends, and I will clasp it and wish you luck, though I shall need it all for myself if I am to make these amends you speak of.”
“You’ll be fine, Robin,” Titaine says, taking and squeezing both my hands between hers.
“And will you be?” I ask her.
She offers me a smile so genuine and dazzling, her magical, golden glow returns for just a moment. “I am fine. Better than that, I am happy.”
“And still you will force me to be acting Houselord?”
“And still I shall.” She gives my hands one final squeeze. “There is much work to do now if we are to save the rest of the fetes. Vervaine will help you in your part of it. And the midsummer night revel is coming again, now that we are in the south wolding. Plan it well, as Auberon and I will be in attendance. It will be the House of Fetes’ first official midsummer night. You’d best make it memorable.”
I nod, trying to commit every word to memory. But I cannot help it; I’m growing maudlin, a lump forming in my throat.
“The House of Fetes is yours forever, my lady,” I say, “and I am still your servant.”
