“I’m not sure I like this plan,” Henry said.
“Aura would never intentionally steer us towards danger. We have to follow her instructions. Are you prepared to do that Henry?” Paul asked.
“Do I have a choice?”
“You always have a choice; it just might not be the right choice,” Paul said.
“I should return and tell Arthur our news. I’ll let you know how the meeting goes.” Henry said his goodbyes, before vanishing.
“Are you sure we can still trust him?” Joseph asked.
“He has a great deal to lose if we can’t,” Adam said.
Martin could see the children hoisting snowballs at each other. Myra and Mahlyssa were having as much fun as the little ones. “They don’t appear to have any worries,” Martin laughed.
“Perhaps, that’s because we do most of the worrying for them.” Paul patted his friend on the shoulder and the Guild returned to the valley.
Richard stopped to buy flowers before he returned to Desiree’s home. He had every intention of lavishing her with gifts, after hearing news of her pregnancy.
Meredith was not as pleased. “If anyone finds out she’s pregnant with your child, they will banish her forever.”
“I doubt they will find out.”
“Look at her Richard. It’s obvious she’s pregnant. I don’t know why I didn’t notice before. How can she testify in front of the Commission like this?”
“Desiree can wear a loose fitting dress that will hide her condition.When are you leaving for Utopia?”
“I was planning to leave this afternoon. Are you coming with me?”
“If they grant your request, I’ll be there for the hearing, but I’m afraid I have other business to take care of first.”
“Will you be staying here tonight?” Desiree asked.
“My business shouldn’t take too long. Perhaps we can have dinner when I return,” he said.
“Excellent. I’ll make sure the chef prepares your favorite foods.”
“I have to go, but I should be back within the hour.”
“What about Natalie? Is she safe?” Meredith asked.
“Natalie will be at the Academy with Yvonne and Yvette Devereaux.”
“Are you sure that’s wise? Joshua and Will are planning to stay there.”
“I doubt they will be there long with all the wedding preparations.”
“How can you speak to me of this Richard? The thought of Joshua marrying that girl is almost unbearable.”
“They aren’t married yet Mother. We’ll see if they survive long enough to walk down the aisle,” Richard grinned.
“Don’t be a fool. That girl will protect him with angelfire. You will need an army to take her down.”
“Perhaps that’s exactly what I’ll have,” Richard smirked.
Meredith probed further. “Have you been in contact with Lucifer?”
“Lucifer rarely comes to this place, but he does have some faithful followers, whom I am well acquainted with.I’ve told you repeatedly not to worry. Perhaps one day, you’ll listen to me.”
Richard kissed Desiree goodbye and left for London.He would advise the Cavanaugh’s they would be going to Aeden within the week.
Chapter 38
After they finished lunch, Phillipe told the girls it was time to return to the Academy. Even though they weren’t happy about it, the girls obeyed their father and followed him to his car. “We’re driving?” Monica asked.
“We don’t want to draw any attention to ourselves. It will only take an hour to get there. Besides, I enjoy driving every so often,” Phillipe said.
“I would suggest you get rid of that sour expression on your face,” Yvette said to Monica.
“My sister is right. If you want to be accepted, you need to be a little friendlier,” Yvonne said.
“I’ll do my best,” Monica said sarcastically.
The girls remained silent for the rest of the trip. Yvonne and Yvette already disliked their cousin. They hoped her stay at the Academy would be a short one.
Aura suspected Rita already knew about her plan, judging from the way she kept looking at her. She needed to warn her not to expose Natalie, even if she recognized her. “We need to be patient if we’re going to bring Richard down too,” she said silently to her.
Patience was not one of Rita’s virtues, but knowing Richard killed Will’s parents, gave her a reason to follow her sister’s instructions. If anyone deserved to die, it was him. Though Rita was in no way as powerful as Aura was with the sight, her visions were becoming stronger by the day too.
After an hour, the little ones decided they had enough of playing in the snow.
“Come on Lana, we having ice cream,” Mia said.
“Didn’t you already have ice cream with lunch?” Aidan asked.
“Yeah, but I hungry ice cream again. Playing hard work Aidan.”
Aura shook her head. “There’s an ice cream parlor not far from here.When we’ve finished we can come back so I can speak with Andromeda.”
Mia then yelled for the other kids. “Come on, we going ice cream.”
Aidan stared at the two year old. “Ice cream and chocolate milk; she certainly isn’t picky is she?”
“No, but you don’t want to see her if we forget the chocolate syrup,” Aura said, before walking away.
Aura watched as Shannon was enjoying a conversation with Mahlyssa and Myra. She knew Claudia would try to take her back, to appease Richard. She almost felt sorry for Colin.If it hadn’t been for his wife, he never would have lost his daughter in the first place.
Aura wondered if Colin knew how much danger he was in. Claudia’s alliance with Richard would almost certainly backfire; especially when they came for Shannon. Aura would never allow her to take the child. She was an angelblood now. She was family and she was one of her little ones.
Richard arrived in London before eight o’clock in the evening. He found Claudia sitting in the living room. Colin was in his workshop.
“Have you decided to send us to Aeden now?” she asked Richard.
“Soon,” he said. “I need to take care of a few things first and then I’ll let you know. It shouldn’t be more than a day or two. Have you spoken to your husband?”
“I mentioned it. He’ll be ready when the time comes.”
“And if he’s not?”
“Then I’ll be making the trip alone; if you catch my meaning.”
Richard knew exactly what she meant. He wouldn’t interfere. He needed to surround himself with those who would be loyal, not just now, but in the future. If Colin wasn’t one of them, he would be disposable.
“Would you like some refreshments?” Claudia asked.
“No, I have plans for dinner. I wanted to remind you of our agreement. I trust the book is in safe keeping?”
“It’s perfectly safe,” Claudia replied.
“Good, I would hate to destroy something so valuable.”
“That won’t be necessary. I’ll be available when you return.”
“Well, until we meet again.” He stared at Claudia before he left. “It won’t be in your best interest to betray me.”
“I understand,” Claudia said. “Enjoy your dinner.”
“Oh, I intend to,” he said, as he walked out the door.
“Was that Richard?” Colin asked.
“Yes, he wanted to be sure we would help him when the time is right.”
“I think it’s a bad idea to go against Mahlyssa. She’s still a powerful Enchantor.”
“With the book in our possession, we will be just as powerful.”
“I doubt Mahlyssa needs the book. I’m sure her father taught her everything and then some.”
“Mahlyssa stopped using the dark arts years ago.She may not even remember the ancient spells.”
“Has the book been helpful?”
“There are some things I’m unfamiliar with, but I can interpret most of Marcus’s writings.”
“If you challeng
e Mahlyssa, it will not go well for you.”
“If we challenge her; have you forgotten we are in this together?”
“I want no parts of this Claudia.I’ve told you that repeatedly.”
“If you betray me now, Richard will not be forgiving,” Claudia reminded him.
“And if you try to take Shannon, Mahlyssa will not be forgiving.”
“Richard is more powerful than Mahlyssa.”
“If that were true, why did he require her help?”
“Just because he doesn’t know all the dark spells, doesn’t mean he is powerless. Have you forgotten he is a descendant of Lucifer?”
“All the more reason we should avoid him,” Colin said with disdain.
“Don’t you want to see your daughter again?”
“I told you, she is no longer our daughter. She belongs to Mahlyssa now.”
“She is my daughter!” Claudia hissed. “I have a right to her.”
“You never wanted her Claudia, ever. The angelbloods won’t take your side in this. Richard may have some power, but have you forgotten why he came to us in the first place? One of them marked his daughter with angelfire. I doubt Richard is in possession of a weapon that could compare to that.”
“Damn the Angelbloods! I will bring our daughter home.I’m doing this for you Colin.”
“Perhaps you’re doing this to preserve a place with Richard. He’s more dangerous than you know. We have everything we need. You yourself said we could have another child. We should forget this nonsense and move on with our lives.”
“It’s too late,” Claudia fumed. “I have the book and if we betray him, there will be severe consequences; possibly death.”
“Death might be a welcome peace,” Colin said, as he walked away.
Chapter 39
Phillipe arrived at the Academy and walked up the front steps with the girls in tow. Yvonne and Yvette hurried inside ahead of their father and cousin. Phillipe couldn’t help noticing how nervous Monica was.
“You have nothing to worry about. The resemblance to our own Monica is remarkable. I’ll do the introductions and then I’ll leave you to get acquainted with the other residents.”
As they entered the foyer, Phillipe was greeted by Andromeda. He called ahead to announce his visit. “Andromeda it’s good to see you again. I trust you’re adapting to having my daughter’s reside here. I know they can be a handful,” he laughed.
“Welcome Phillipe and this is your niece
Monica?”
“Yes, as I’ve told you her parents felt she
needed additional training in light of the recent deaths
in Utopia. I’m afraid she’s lived a rather sheltered life
and the exposure will do her good.”
“I’m sure she won’t have any trouble fitting in
with the other residents.”
“The house seems quiet, have your visitors
left?”
“They should be returning any time now. Will
you be staying to meet them?”
“I have other business to take care of; perhaps
another time. I’m sure you won’t have any problems while you’re here,” he said to Monica, almost as a
warning.
“Where are your things?” Andromeda asked, as
she looked at the single bag Monica held in her hands. “I didn’t bring much. Yvonne and Yvette
promised they would take me shopping.”
“Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve. Are you sure
you want to be out and about with all those mortals?” “I’ve lived around mortals my whole life. I
doubt I’ll feel uncomfortable.”
“I’ve readied a room for you next to your
cousins.I hope you’ll find it comfortable.”
“I’m sure it will be lovely,” Monica said. “I’ll leave you to get settled then. The girls
know how to reach me if there are any problems.”
Phillipe gave Monica a quick hug and hurried out the
door.
“Let’s get you settled in,” Andromeda grabbed
Monica’s bag.
“Thank you,” Monica said.
“We’re here to help you. Darkness is all
around us, but I’m sure you’ll be safe,” she said with a
smile.
“I’m certain of it.”
After they finished their ice cream Aura informed the group they needed to return again to the Academy. Before they entered the front door, Aura pulled Mahlyssa aside. “You may see something familiar once we get inside. I need you to keep silent until we leave.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Promise me you won’t say anything while we’re in the house. People’s lives could be in danger, including your daughter’s,” Aura insisted.
“I won’t say anything, but I wish I knew what you were talking about.”
“I’m afraid you’ll have to trust me.”
By the time they made their presence known, Andromeda already had Monica settled in to one of the rooms near Yvonne and Yvette. Rita and Jessica weren’t thrilled with having to spend the night with them, but they knew Aura wasn’t going to let them back out of it. There was a reason they would be staying. If nothing else, they could keep the residents safe.
Andromeda called for the girls to come downstairs so she could introduce Monica to her friends from Aeden. “This is Monica, the Devereaux’s cousin from Connecticut. She will be staying with us for a while.”
After they introduced themselves, Aura asked to speak privately with Andromeda in the library.
They entered the room and Andromeda closed the door. She turned to face Aura. “What’s this about?”
“The next couple of days are going to be hectic to say the least. I want you to keep an eye on Monica for us.”
“Why does she need someone to watch her?”
“Because she’s not who she says she is. It’s imperative she doesn’t know you’re watching her. As long as she thinks her disguise is hiding her, no one will be in any danger.”
“Who is she?”
“I can’t tell you, but trust me she’s dangerous.”
“Should I allow her to stay here? What about Matthew?”
“Rita and Jessica will be staying here. Will and Joshua can take them shopping to get some last minute items for Jasmines wedding. My sister’s shield will protect you and the others.”
“Do you think Yvonne and Yvette know who she is?”
“I’m not sure. Their father is close to Richard Fairbourne, but I doubt Phillipe involves either of those girls in politics. Perhaps he feels it’s safer to keep them in the dark,” Aura said.
“What does Richard have to do with this?”
“I can’t tell you now. I don’t mean to change the subject, but are you planning to attend Tristan and Jasmine’s wedding?”
“I intended to. Should I tell them I changed my mind?”
“On the contrary; you need to attend. You’ll need a dress to wear, so that will give me an excuse to meet with you again. Say nothing to no one. There is something else I need to tell you.”
Andromeda feared the worst.“What is it? Has something happened to Caspian?”
Aura motioned for her to whisper.“Caspian is fine, but Richard and Meredith are planning to ask the Commission to have him declared legally dead.”
As Andromeda looked like she was about to scream, Aura quickly placed her hand over her mouth. “You need to be quiet. Do you understand?”
Andromeda nodded; tears streaming down her face. “Is he alright? Is Caspian dead?”
“He’s fine, but we intend to allow them to make their petition to the Commission. We are hoping to force Richard’s hand. I wanted you to know because you two share a special bond. I assure you he is completely safe.”
“I’ll do whatever I must.”
Aura removed her hand from Andromeda’s mouth. “Just act normal. I don’t want to giv
e them any excuses not to appear. You’ll have all your questions answered soon, I promise. I need you to collect yourself before we return to the others. Are you ready?” she whispered.
“I’m ready,” Andromeda replied.
They both returned to the living room, where the others were talking excitedly about the upcoming weddings.“Yvette and I thought we might have a party to celebrate your engagement,” Yvonne said. “How does Friday sound?”
“We already have plans for Friday,” Aura said.
“Well how about tomorrow. It’s New Year’s Eve. It would be a perfect reason to have a party,” Yvette said.
“That’s no good either. We have another wedding to attend tomorrow.”
“Is it anyone we know?” Yvonne asked.
“I don’t think so.” Aura could sense Yvonne and Yvette were upset, but she could have cared less. She knew that Rita and Jessica would kill her if she invited the sisters to Tristan and Jasmines wedding. “Perhaps you can have a party in the spring?” Aura said. “I’m sure the boys might have some free time then.”
“I suppose we should find something to wear to the wedding,” Yvonne said.
“Actually they already have the guest list. Since the wedding is only a week from now, we won’t have time to make any changes. It’s only for family. I’m sorry to disappoint you,” Aura said.
“Well aren’t we family too?”
“No we’re not,” Joshua said bluntly. “Like Aura said, the guest list is already finished. Besides, you don’t even know Tristan or Jasmine.”
“I see,” Yvonne fumed. “Well I guess we know who our friends are don’t we?”
“I’m sure there will be other weddings. Rita and Jessica have decided they want a small affair too. We just had a bad experience at the last wedding and you know how history likes to repeat itself,” Aura smiled.
Monica had remained silent during the entire discussion, but Aura was convinced she was thinking about Rusty and Renatta’s wedding with Jayden and Jeziel. She sent Rita a silent message informing her of the plan to take the little ones home.
Fall from Grace (Book 2: An Angelblood Novel) Page 27