“I’m surprised Quinn didn’t give you any warning,” Maura said, eyes narrowed.
“Oh, he did. First thing this morning. If you heard me yelling earlier, that would have been why.”
Maura laughed. “Busy day.”
It felt good not only to laugh with her mother, but also that they were seeing eye-to-eye. “Yeah, busy day.”
“Look,” Maura said, leaning forward, an elbow on the table. “You’re bound by law to do civil service; we don’t have a way around it. I can’t complain if you’re surrounded by armed enforcers, especially if the alternative of spending time at other houses is too dangerous right now. If this is where you want to be, then I won’t fight it.”
“Thank you, Maura,” Becka replied, relieved beyond words to have her consent. The last thing she’d wanted was to have a new argument between them.
Maura raised a finger in warning, as if Becka needed a lecture. “You need to be aware this assignment won’t solve your image management problem.”
“Wait, what?” Becka said, feeling like she’d taken a blow to the gut.
“The incident with Hanna goes well beyond House Hawthorne.” Maura stood, pacing the length of the table. “Hawthorne is claiming you’re unfit and a danger to others, and other houses are moving to support them.”
Her anxiety wouldn’t allow her to sit still, so Becka stood and walked back to the open window. She couldn’t blame Hawthorne for being upset over Hanna’s accident, but what would Becka do if they wouldn’t relent on their mission against her?
“Then perhaps after I’ve worked with the enforcers for a while, and they can state I’ve been in control of my gift, that would counter Hawthorne’s claim.”
“Assuming all goes well,” Maura replied. “Yes, that would certainly help.”
“Yeah, assuming.” The tightness in her chest warred with the sinking sensation in her gut. No pressure, Becka, just don’t screw up.
“Additionally,” Maura continued, coming to stand next to her, “you need to use this opportunity to better understand fae society and your place in the world, which being in the high-profile position of consulting to the enforcers should more than adequately provide you. In fact, I would bet you’re in for a rude but necessary awakening.”
“Society?” Becka stammered.
“I don’t blame you at all, but we’re in a delicate position. Outcasts are never brought back into the fold, Becka. You’re the first, and not surprisingly, due to your ordeal you lack a degree of empathy for your own kind. So why would you care about fae culture or society? Why would you care to dress and present yourself according to your station? None of this mattered to you for eight years. But you took on other challenges and, by all accounts, performed admirably before the carpet was pulled out from under your feet.”
“I never knew you were paying attention during my time away,” Becka replied, touched and surprised at Maura’s words. “Thank you for understanding my perspective.”
Maura shook her head. “It doesn’t matter that I understand. You need to understand. For other fae to accept you and take you seriously, you must treat them as peers worthy of respect. Right now, you’re a wild card who may well be a danger to them.”
Becka rubbed her temples. “I’m aware things are in a precarious position, especially with House Hawthorne.”
“I have the feeling serving with the enforcers is just the challenge you need right now.”
“As long as I don’t have another incident with my gift.” Saying the words aloud sent a shiver down Becka’s spine. Just don’t screw up again or it’ll be bad for the entire house!
“I knew you’d understand if I was blunt about your situation.” Maura put out a hand and squeezed her arm gently through her sleeve. “You have my blessing to work with the enforcers.”
Becka stood, gaping, trying to process what was happening at this moment.
Maura turned and walked toward the door, talking as she went. “Oh, I’ll send up the porters to help you pack and I’ll send word to your Aunt Lydia. Of course you’ll return home for holidays and events, but you might as well get started ticking down the years towards your civil service quota.” Maura opened the door and paused. “Safe travels, dear.”
Becka blew out a long breath. “I got what I hoped for,” Becka said to the now-empty room. “And I don’t even know how to feel about it.”
Chapter 32
Denver - Midwest Region
Becka collapsed against her bed, surrounded by suitcases and boxes of things she couldn’t begin to dig her way out of. She closed her eyes and breathed deep, recognizing the smells, the sounds, the feel of home.
Oriani jumped up onto the bed next to her and mewed a plaintive cry. She rolled over and scratched him behind the ears.
“Sorry, little fella. This might be home to me, but it’s got to feel pretty crazy to you.”
But whoa, does it feel good to be back at the townhome! She didn’t have other fae underfoot constantly or listening to everything that came out of her mouth. She’d get some alone time again, too!
There was a soft knock on her bedroom door.
“Come in!” Becka called.
The door swung open, her Aunt Lydia leaning on the door frame.
“How are you doing?”
“I don’t even know how I feel. Did I really just arrive here under the cover of darkness this morning?” Becka glanced out the window. It was already dusk out and she’d been resting in her room all day, luxuriating in the solitude.
“It was more like under the semi-cover of dawn, but yeah. Be glad I didn’t rent out your room while you’ve been gone.”
“Doesn’t this townhome belong to House Alder?”
“Yeah, yeah, it’s a figure of speech. How’s the cat managing?” Oriani pranced to the end of the bed and mewled in Lydia’s general direction. She held out her hand and he head-butted it, displaying no shame in his hunt for attention. “He seems okay.”
“Yeah, he’s just gonna whine for a while, but I didn’t want to leave him at House Rowan. Every time I scratch
