Alaetha was known for being a no-nonsense straight shooter. It was one thing to hear the same feedback from Maura week after week. But from an aunt she hadn’t seen in forever? It was an unexpected level of emotional impact. This time she felt it viscerally and Becka had to force herself to breathe deeply.
As biting as Alaetha’s comments were, they weren’t cruel. If this was truly her reputation, she’d rather know. “I’ve attended council meetings. And I just came here from winning an einvigi at a tea party.”
“An einvigi, how lovely!” Alaetha replied, a harsh bite in her voice. “And all it took was you and your father’s poisoning to make you finally step up?”
No one could dish out guilt like an elder from the House of Whispers.
Becka was too embarrassed to respond with the truth, which was that Maura had demanded she step up. “I have sworn to make an effort.”
Alaetha shook her head. “I’m sure Vott will find that comforting. I too look forward to seeing the fruits of your esteemed labors. You would do well to heed my warning. If they visit more pain upon House Rowan, it will be because of you.”
Alaetha’s words hit literal home for Becka. As much as she hated to hear it, Becka knew she’d needed to hear Alaetha’s perspective.
“Speaking of duty,” Becka jumped up, eager for any excuse to exit this conversation, “I forgot; I have a curse to cure. Perhaps we can discuss this further at a later date?”
Alaetha shooed her off like a fly. “Do not let me stop you from being of use to your house.”
“Elder Alaetha,” Becka replied, dipping her chin low before she spun and sped off.
Flummoxed and heavy-hearted from Alaetha’s rebuke, Becka breathed a heavy sigh. “I didn’t even get to find out how Vott is doing.”
“Do you want to go ask?” Lorelai replied.
“No, I would have heard from Illan if there had been a change. Besides, I don’t want to be late for Berak and Saana.”
Chapter 15
They had added a few chairs to Berak’s testing chambers, which was convenient because Becka had Hanna and her entourage of guards. At least the fae guards remained outside the door.
“Fair day, Lady Becka,” Berak said, taking in the group. “I didn’t know you were bringing an audience.”
Hanna, Shamus, and Lorelai stood behind her.
“I didn’t know either, Berak.” This is getting ridiculous! “Good to see you too, Saana.”
The wizened old lady’s face wrinkled with a broad smile. Next to her sat an elder in a chair. His creased expression and downturned mouth made him look like he had a constant case of heartburn. He must be the one with the curse? His robes ran to the floor, and his frizzy hair was long and unkempt.
“It’s no worry, dear,” said Saana. “Although I would recommend they remain in the viewing chamber, just in case something… unexpected happens.”
Becka looked to her guards, who were an immediate no for whatever reason. Hanna fanned herself and shot her a smile.
“We’ll leave you to it,” Lorelai said. “Luce and Saige are handing off with us.” She and Shamus were going off shift, and the other two walked in the door.
“Thanks, Lorelai.”
Lorelai inclined her head, and then she and Shamus showed themselves out. Berak shut the door behind them.
“You’re staying too?” she asked Hanna.
“I don’t see any point in leaving when they’re staying.” Hanna motioned to the shifters. “I’ll be safe with them. Besides, I’m here to support you. To work my magic, I need to learn all about you, your daily challenges, and what drives you. Only then can I heal the rift between you and your betrothed.”
Becka smiled back at Hanna, grateful for her support. “Thank you. Hopefully you’ll get to see something special.”
Hanna took a seat with great flourish, arranging her skirts in the shape of a perfect sunburst pattern on the floor in front of her. Becka shook her head, not even understanding how such a thing was possible, but perhaps it was trained into all fire elementalists at an early age.
Becka placed her bag next to the central pedestal. “So, what’s the plan?”
Saana gestured to the fae in the chair. “Becka, meet Elder Langdon of House Willow.”
“It’s good to meet you, Elder,” she said. His unkempt appearance made more sense now, as she’d heard House Willow preferred to live a more rustic life closer to the land.
“Well, let’s wait and see on that count,” he replied. “But I’ve made it here, so let’s get on with it.”
Becka found his direct manner refreshing and wondered if it was on par for his house or just his personal taste. “Don’t sound so optimistic.”
“No worries, youngster,” he snapped back. “I’ve had people trying to cure me for decades. You’re not the first, and you won’t be the last.”
Becka grabbed a chair and pulled it across from Langdon and sat in it, her knees mere inches from his.
“What’s the nature of his curse?” she asked Berak and Saana.
“Why are you asking them?” the elder spat out. “You would think if they understood it, then they would have been able to cure it by now, right?”
Neither Berak nor Saana said anything, and Berak took a step backwards. Becka bit back a laugh. After all she’d faced, this bitter old man wasn’t about to scare her. “My apologies, Elder. This is all new to me. Please tell me about your curse.”
He guffawed. “See, how hard is it to give a little respect? Yes, young lady, I will explain my curse. See, it started back when I was a lad.”
Becka was appalled. “Who would curse a child?”
“My older sibling, Radford, who I followed everywhere. He couldn’t get free of me. So much so, he used his newfound abilities to prevent me from following him around.”
“You’re from House Willow, so your powers are
