“As I’m sure Astrid has told you, accidents happen, even to those with profoundly powerful gifts. I agree with Astrid; you need not blame yourself. Take responsibility, definitely, but do not torture yourself.”
Becka nodded but held her tongue.
“Unfortunately, harming one of House Hawthorne’s places us in a very delicate position.” Maura paced, lost in thought and no doubt strategizing their next move.
“I would never hurt Hanna,” Becka spurt out. “She’s been so kind to me.”
Maura looked at her thoughtfully. “I would not imagine you capable, daughter. You may be my most stubborn child, but you are much too altruistic to harm another without great cause. And yet, Hawthorne may stringently disagree with my perspective. We must handle this with all due caution.”
Becka nodded again. “What would you have me do?” The irony that it had taken this tragedy to bring her into step with her mother brought a heated flush to her cheeks.
“Whatever you do, do not engage with the Hawthornes directly. I will set up a meeting with them and drive the conversation of reparations. We will, of course, offer generous compensation, but I need a few hours to think on it and I need to speak with Elder Langdon on expectations of what House Willow will be able to offer. Until then, keep your head down. Let me handle the next move with them.”
Becka nodded in quick agreement. She had no need to seek out the Hawthornes’ accusing glares.
“There are promises we made in the contract,” Astrid suggested. “Offers of requested trade goods from our territory. I could arrange to have an advance shipment prepared?”
“See to it. It is a wise move before we begin negotiations,” Maura replied.
“Not to distract from the seriousness of the situation, but Becka’s performance today with Elder Langdon means we can move forward with identifying a vocation for her.”
“Vocation?” Becka asked, shocked that Astrid would be thinking of house profit at a time like this. “Shouldn’t we be concerned about my ability to control my powers, lest I cause another horrifying, life-ruining failure?”
“Do not be dramatic, Becka,” Maura replied. “It was an accident, after all, and life will go on for both you and Hanna. Life will also go on for Elder Langdon, because of your work today. Think of the others you can aid. Besides, now you will be even more careful, likely to a fault.”
Becka was speechless. Perhaps her mother was right, perhaps she should just focus on the next person she could help. But her heart still ached for the pain she’d brought to Hanna on this ill-fated day.
“We have not come up with a title yet, but how does something like Magic Remover sound?” Astrid asked them both.
Becka stared in shock. How could she flip her emotions around like that? “That title makes me sound like a cleaning tool.”
“I’m open to other suggestions,” Astrid replied.
“So, what, you will send me out to remove all the flubbed spells, conjurings, and curses? Sounds… like a lot of travel.” On second thought, it was an opportunity to learn and see the world. Which could be amazing. Her interest was piqued.
Thinking back on Hanna’s tears and anger, guilt weighed heavy in Becka’s gut. How could she be thinking of such things after what had happened today?
“It sounds,” Astrid leaned in close, “like a lucrative opportunity for our house. You think keeping rich humans looking like they’re in their twenties is… exciting?” She barked out a laugh. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve virtually lifted and tucked the same saggy jowls. But never mind. Besides, I won’t be sending you out.”
Becka frowned. “You won’t?”
“No, of course not. Duchess Maura will.” She winked at her.
Becka shook her head at Astrid’s callousness. When she was duchess, she’d do better. Assuming she one day held her mother’s position.
“What if I can come up with an alternative?” Becka asked.
“Something besides removing curses?” Astrid shrugged. “As long as it’s something more lucrative, I would love to hear your ideas.”
Becka shook her head. Astrid’s idea didn’t sound bad, especially the travel element. But Becka still wanted to choose her future for herself, as much as she could.
“Enough, you two,” Maura said. “Off you go, Becka. Astrid and I have damage control to do.”
Chapter 18
Becka had almost reached her room when Calder strode into view with Alvilda wrapped in a diaphanous forest-green silk dress, possessively clinging to his sleeve. Becka forced a smile, maintaining it even when Calder stopped in the middle of the hallway, blocking her passage with the politics of custom.
“Fair eve, Calder. Lady Alvilda.”
“Fair eve, Becka,” he replied.
Alvilda inclined her head. “Lady Becka.”
Calder shrugged off Alvilda’s arm and took a half step closer to Becka, and in response Luce moved in closer, mirroring Calder’s distance to Becka. Calder didn’t appear to notice Luce’s reaction.
“I heard there was an altercation with House Hawthorne?”
Becka’s heart sank into her stomach. “I see news of the accident has traveled unusually fast.”
“So it’s true?” His frown was mirrored on Alvilda’s features.
“Unfortunately, yes. Hanna was injured, but Elder Langdon of House Willow has claimed fault for the accident.” However, Becka would always feel responsible. How could she not?
“That is quite unfortunate. Mother has endeavored for years to gain an alliance with House Hawthorne, who, as you likely know, can be powerfully temperamental.”
Becka considered pointing out that fire elementalists couldn’t be expected to be anything but temperamental, but it didn’t seem appropriate at the time.
“Both Rowan and Willow will make reparations,” she replied, but it sounded hollow, even to her ears.
“Pride cannot be bought,” Alvilda said, concern etching her features.
Alvilda’s words caused Becka to pause. “I trust Maura can smooth things over, or at least buy forgiveness.”
Calder frowned at Alvilda, who shrugged in response. “Are you on your way to dinner?” he asked Becka.
“No, I’m wiped out,” Becka replied. “Besides, I spoke with Maura and she advised I keep my head down.”
He shook his head. “That is too bad. It would be an opportunity to publicly apologize to House Hawthorne.
