Page 78 of Consequences (Wicked Empire 3)

“Me either,” she responded.

“So I guess we can just walk and see where the road takes us?” I said.

She nodded her agreement, and I started down the block, knowing the guards were behind me and feeling safe for it.

Safe, but still a jumbled mix of emotions because she was here.

We walked a couple of blocks, and when I saw what looked to be a green space, I nodded toward it.

“How about we take a break there?” I said.

My mother nodded.

She hadn’t said anything since we’d started to walk, and I was grateful for that.

I appreciated not having to try to make small talk, not with all that was weighing on me.

I sat on the bench, and she sat next to me. Then I shifted slightly, studying her face.

My heart clenched as I saw the similarities between us, realized yet again that I was having experiences I never thought I would.

My mother was here.

She was alive.

There was another human being in this world that I could see myself in.

I’d be able to look at her, see myself, or at least pieces of me. Just as I would my daughter.

The emotion of that, the beauty and the terror of it, they both almost took my breath away.

And reminded me of something that I desperately needed to speak to her about.

“Who’s my father?” I asked.

For the first time since I had met her, she seemed surprised.

She blinked then frowned. “Raphael James.”

I glared at her. “After all this, I’d think we’re past the lies, don’t you?”

“Why? What are you talking about?” She blinked, her face twisted in confusion.

I stood from the bench, suddenly feeling enraged.

“Look, if there’s going to be any chance—”

I cut off, trying to take a moment to regain control of my emotions.

She had stood too, and looked at me with that same tense, confused expression.

I took a deep breath then sat back down, knowing that the guards would probably intervene soon if they thought something was happening.

“Look…”

I started then shook my head. “I don’t even know what to call you.”

“What you call me isn’t important. What’s important is whatever has gotten you so upset,” she said.

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