“Do not worry, Becka, there is no trickery here,” Vott replied, before heartily chuckling to himself.
There were smiles all around. Except Quinn, whose stern expression Becka recognized as his default watchful state. Calder had a forced smile that didn’t meet his eyes. Alain brooded, pushing food around his plate, seemingly not at all aware of the small talk. But otherwise everyone else smiled along with Vott’s joke.
“I didn’t imagine there was.”
“I suggested we present them to you as a gift,” Maura said. “I reasoned you might benefit from gloves, which are thin enough to allow you a normal range of function, while also blocking your skin from accidentally coming into direct contact with anything susceptible to your unique abilities. Which might or might not work, as we do not know how your gift works yet. Perhaps it is worth a trial. There is nothing magical about these. Their fine craft is due to skill and not an illusion, as are so many items in this home.”
Becka might have fallen out of her chair, but somehow managed to keep the shock from overwhelming her. This level of consideration...no, scratch that. Any level of consideration wasn’t something she expected from this lot.
“This is a thoughtful and generous gift, Maura. I’m honored to accept this family heirloom from you, Vott.”
He inclined his head. “It seemed fitting in light of today’s events.”
The act of kindness brought a stray tear to her eye. Young Becka had received no such kindness.
“Before our conversation drifts rightfully to memories of Tesse,” Maura began, “I want you to know, Becka, that I am arranging for your recognition ceremony to be held in two days’ time.”
Becka’s heart skipped a beat. Surely this couldn’t be happening? Lagan had promised to talk to Maura about taking things slowly, but no doubt he hadn’t yet had the opportunity.
“Two days?” She tried to wrap her thoughts around the idea and failed.
“Yes. Tesse’s memorial pyre is tomorrow, so the day after will be the soonest as would be proper. I will not have it delayed any longer than necessary.”
Becka downed the rest of her glass of wine in one long gulp. Both Alain and Quinn frowned in unison at her.
An icy chill ran down her back and Becka suddenly lost her appetite. The irony of the situation wasn’t lost on her. If this had happened eight years ago, she would have been elated. Now, when she’d come to revel in her freedom, being welcomed back into the fold was the last thing she wanted.
“You’re saying I’m to be recognized as a guilded member of House Rowan?”
“Of course,” Maura frowned. “I had thought that eventuality would have been clear to you after the testing results. By custom and law, all guilded fae live within the Territories.”
“And all gifted fae are guilded?”
Vott’s irritable expression belied the patience in his voice. “Again, by custom and law, yes. What had you expected would be the consequence of being found gifted?”
“To be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure. I mean, I’m certified ungifted, but now I have a gift? My situation is without precedent, so I didn’t know what the next steps might be. I mean, can you even change that status, once it’s set?” Becka said, aware she was babbling, and yet still reaching for another glass of pinot from a passing server.
Maura gave her the sweetest, most heartfelt smile. “You have missed out on your heritage and birthright for too long. The least House Rowan can do is to make things right.”
“You can invite anyone you would like. If they are not already in attendance, we can send word,” Vott said, his tone indulgent, as if he were doing her a favor.
As if she still had friends within the Territories. The assumption was laughable.
“But, are you sure, after all of this time, that declaring me guilded is the right thing to do? Perhaps it would be better to leave things as they are?”
Conversation stalled around them, and Maura’s eyebrow twitched. “By law, you must now be declared guilded. By custom, we will hold a recognition ceremony for you. This is what House Rowan does.”
Becka looked to Maura and Vott, and a level of understanding dawned on her, lighting up her mind like fireworks. They were so dictated by customs and the law, nothing else played into these decisions. Becka had been sent away after three failed testings. No more, no less. Now, she was being brought back into the fold, she suspected forcibly if necessary, to meet those same customs. Becka had the impression that they both knew this would be a bumpy ride for all involved, but it was a road they were resolved to travel.
“You seem unhappy with this turn of events?” Calder asked, his clipped tone betraying his efforts to remain cordial. “The Duchess does you great honor.”
Calder had read her well, and Becka had no doubt everyone else around the table had intuited the same.
“I am,” Becka replied, pausing as she sought a suitable reply, “very tired from today’s, and this week’s events. Living without the auspices of a guild is something none of you have had to manage. There are things I’m not yet willing to give up.”
Calder snorted. “I would think it an easy transition. You must have yearned for this for years. And now you have everything you could ever want.”
‘I moved on, Calder, and I forged a new space for myself in the city. A new life. Adjusting is going to take some time.” If ever, she didn’t say out loud.
Calder started to speak, but then Maura cleared her throat, and he leaned back in his chair.
“Although I would have hoped to see you more enthusiastic,” Maura replied, “I also understand this turn of events is a monumental change in your life, the second such upheaval at the behest of House Rowan. What happened here today is unprecedented. None of us could have anticipated your testing results, you, no doubt, least of all.”
“This entire week has been a series of unexpected events,” Becka replied. In that moment, she wished more than anything that she could call up Tesse and share all that had happened. But that would never happen again.
Maura inclined her head. “Although I insist on holding the recognition ceremony in two days, we can discuss the natural course of what follows after as we navigate into these new waters together.”
Becka nodded. “Thank you, Duchess Maura.”
Becoming a guilded member of House Rowan wasn’t something she wanted anymore, but at least Maura sounded flexible on the ‘what next’ portion. She also understood that no of them, herself included, could defy human laws without untenable consequences.
It would have to do, for now. How much of her life would she have to sacrifice because of her null gift?
“Certainly, my dear. Oh, Enforcer Quinn?” Maura said.
“Yes, Duchess?” he replied, his gaze wary.
“I have reached out to Chief Elowen and informed her your services are no longer needed and that you’ll be returning tomorrow. The house guards and the wolf shifters provide us with more than enough protection for our House, of which Becka is now once again a member of.”
Becka’s chest constricted. How could Maura send him away now, when they’d just learned about the shadow-dweller connection? Quinn had pulled rank on Rowan before, staying because Becka was technically not a member of the House.
Now she was. She looked back and forth between Maura and Quinn. Was there anything she could say to keep him here?
If he left now, how would she ever see him again? Quinn had become her friend, confidant, and so much more. The memory of his lips against the sensitive skin of her neck flashed through her mind. No, she most certainly could not use their budding affection to sway Maura to let him stay.
“With all due respect, Duchess, I do not feel they know enough about the case to fully manage potential threats,” Quinn replied.
“Well then,” she smiled, “Bring them up to speed before you leave.”
Chapter 25
“If you don’t mind,” Astrid said, standing, “I have something to announce.”
&n
bsp; “Go ahead,” Maura said, gesturing for her to continue.
“First, I would like to apologize to Lady Becka for getting off on the wrong foot during our previous encounters.”
Becka couldn’t believe her pointy ears, but she reined in her irritation, convinced remain diplomatic would server her interested better. “Why apologize? You were acting in what you thought were the best interests of house and guild.”
“As you say,” Astrid replied. “I was, understandably, working under incorrect assumptions when we reconnected upon your arrival. I would like for us to be able to work together, so I am hoping you can look past my initial reactions to your abilities.”
“This seems like a strategic move on your part.”
Astrid’s ever so slight grin touched her eyes first and lips second. “I am unquestionably loyal to House Rowan. Where before you were an outsider, now your position has changed. And it would benefit our relationship to adjust accordingly.”
“I forgive you for the misunderstandings and your claims I was working against House Rowan. It’s an unusual situation. Definitely not something anyone could have imagined might happen. I do think you were acting in the best interest of our house.”
Maura and Vott gave approving nods, as did a number of her siblings; Calder was an exception.
Astrid smiled and sat back down at the table. “I appreciate your understanding.”
“What are you proposing?”
Astrid straightened in the chair. “I am the preeminent instructor of Illusionist arts here at the House of Mirrors.”
“I’m no Illusionist.”
“No, you certainly are not. You are…”
“I am a Null,” Becka replied.
Astrid raised a brow but she didn’t argue the point. “Yes, a Null, whatever all that entails. But there are no teachers for your craft.”
“I’m the first so it’s all new territory. There’s no formal guild for me to learn from.” Becka made a mental note to review folklore and fae custom for new emergences of magic, particularly any similar to her own. Perhaps hers wasn’t the first emergence of the Null. Perhaps it had only been forgotten due to lack of use or understanding?
“Despite not knowing Null magic, I am confident I can aid your journey.”
Becka remembered her first encounter with Astrid upon her return. Her fire. Her anger. “I do appreciate your conviction.”
“As head trainer for the House of Mirrors, I know how to evaluate a candidate's strengths and weaknesses. How to aid their focus. I have developed methods of intensifying will and accordingly, power and abilities.”
Becka met her gaze unflinchingly. Astrid’s eager interest was palpable.
“I can help you to understand and explore your powers,” Astrid replied. “Help you test out the limitations and range. Perhaps, in time, help you control them.”
No doubt Astrid had a level of prestige on the line. What were the bragging rights to training a new lineage, Becka wondered? However, she wasn’t likely to get a better offer, especially from one who was so motivated to make her house look good. If it didn’t work out or Astrid’s intensity got to be too much for her, would Becka be allowed to seek out someone else?
“I’m sure you have a great deal to offer as a trainer,” Becka replied. “But what if it’s not a good match?”
Astrid frowned, cocking her head a little to the side. “If that unlikely event were to occur, I could recommend another for you to work with.”
“I recognize your proposal is a generous one, but I need some time to consider.”
Astrid’s smile faltered. “I doubt you will get a better offer.”
“I’m not doubting your skills.” Becka held up her hands. “This has been a trying week and I can’t say I’ve digested yet what today’s news means for me.”
All of a sudden Astrid’s features softened. “Oh, of course, it has. I admit it is a tad gauche of me to offer while we are still under funerary observance for your sister. But please understand, I am concerned for the safety of you and those around you.”
“Safety?” A sinking sensation suddenly weighed down her gut.
“Being unaware and untrained as you are, you have managed to damage the funerary shroud and break the Unbreakable. Much of this house has magic woven into its very walls. There are those who rely on magic for health and quality of life issues.”
Back in the cities magic had been an uncommon thing. Few admitted using magic or magical tools except for some wealthy humans who had the money to afford the financial and the prestige to manage social costs. The stigma of the risk of normalizing magic, and thus the fae, endured decades beyond the Great War.
Here amongst the fae, magic was so commonplace. Becka had noticed things, but not thought anything of it. Sure, she’d assumed some of the elaborate clothing was illusory and that the amazing food served daily was grown with nature blessings and spiced with a smidge of enchanted flair. But Becka hadn’t failed to notice the simulacrum hand used by an Elder at the feast, no doubt created for them after the Great War due to battle injuries. Even the living paintings hung from the walls and the statues in the gardens were touched by enchantments. Astrid was right, Becka was surrounded by a web of magic made vulnerable due to her newfound powers.
“I have to admit, I hadn’t even considered that. At least not yet.” She’d broken the Unbreakable just last night. What with the testing only hours ago, there hadn’t been time to process what related consequences might exist.
Astrid hesitated for a moment before she continued. “I do not intend to pressure you, but I want to make sure you understand the gravity of your situation. I consider this the most important work I can do for the House at this time. Therefore, I will be clearing my schedule to name you my primary pupil.”
Calder slammed his hand down on the table and rose to his feet. Becka jerked at the noise, and then leaned away from him.
“I am your primary pupil!” he said, his voice so loud and deep it carried across the room.
Astrid regarded Calder with a chilly glare. “Yes, you have been. However, the emergence of Becka’s gift demands swift attention. Surely you agree?”
His face flush with anger, he snapped back. “I do not. She’s not even a proper Rowan, nor is she an illusionist.”
Maura held up a hand. “Perhaps you need a moment to regain your composure, son?”
Calder looked back and forth between Maura and Astrid, but neither woman backed down. He looked down at Becka sitting next to him, and whispered, “I am your better in every way,” before storming out of the hall.
“You’ll have to pardon Calder, Becka. He feels deeply,” Maura said.
“You’re not wrong,” Becka replied under her breath, trying to shake off Calder’s cutting comment. She then turned to Astrid. “How about we discuss this more tomorrow?”
Becka was not just considering Astrid’s offer, but further, it sounded like a good idea to learn how to control her magic so she didn’t accidentally break something else.
“Why don’t we shift the conversation to discussing Tesse?” Vott asked, and his words were met with solemn and grateful nods. “Let us discuss Tesse’s favorite childhood games. Who would like to start?”
Ingrid shared a story of Tesse building hidden forts in plain sight out amidst the aspen groves where her sisters would go and hold secret tea parties. Although quite new to her abilities as an illusionist, Tesse’s skill and power had mostly made up for her youth and inexperience.
Becka was grateful for the shift in conversation. She remembered the invisible play fort fondly. But now, listening to everyone’s stories, she got an idea.
“If you don’t mind,” Becka said, standing up, “I’m going to retire a bit early.”
No one argued, and soon she and Quinn were headed back to Tesse’s room. A pair of shifter guards followed them down the hall, but the fae guards weren’t present. Perhaps they were only assigned to track her when she left the building?
�
�Are you ready to retire for the night?” Quinn asked.
“Not at all,” Becka replied. “The story about how Tesse hid our play fort in plain sight gave me an idea. I need to see Tesse again, right now.”
“While we’re walking,” Quinn began, “there is a connection I have been wondering about. It is an idea I have been mulling on after the testing marked you as gifted. I do not want to worry you, but I would like your thoughts.”
She side-eyed him. “With that kind of lead-in, how can I be anything other than concerned?” He sighed. “Please, go on,” she added.
He hesitated, and then Becka gestured for him to get on with it.
“We do not know why the killer targeted Tesse. She was widely regarded as the most powerful illusionist in generations, so could it have been the intensity of her power that drew them.”
“You think her gift was what drew them?”
“It’s possible. We’ve kept an eye on you, and by extension, your family. Now today we find out you are a powerful Null. Also, you are the first one of your kind.”
Becka’s heart skipped a beat. “What are you implying?”
“If we have a killer who is looking for unique or strong magical powers; you now fit that bill.”
As Quinn spoke the words it struck a chord within Becka, ringing true. “I think you’re onto something. I’ve had this anxiety eating at me since the testers declared me gifted, but I couldn’t quite name the cause. Me being gifted makes me more like my twin. The implication is scary.” Oddly, naming her fear lessened the constriction it claimed around her chest.
“The murder could have been an act of simple opportunity. Or an attack against House Rowan. However, the use of those symbols has me convinced it’s something with an active magical component.”
“Of which, I appear to have plenty. Even if it doesn’t look or feel like anything I’d call magic.”
“Plus, there is that unknown individual who keeps demanding a meeting with you. Perhaps it’s because of your magic?”
She stopped and turned toward him. “But we just today found out about my magic. How would they have known?”
Twinned Shadow (The Shadow Series Book 1) Page 17