Meryn looked around for something, then smiling, grabbed the small pot of jam and set it next to her plate. “I don’t really care about all the particulars. It just meant more family for me.” She poured half the jam onto her plate and mixed it with the clotted cream Cord made, creating a purplish mixture. Picking up her scone, she dunked it and began eating.
Aiden stared. “Meryn, can I try a bite?” he asked, licking his lips.
“Only because you bought me brownies,” she said, holding one up for her mate.
He took a bite and nodded approvingly. “Perfect.”
Brennus sighed, looking down at his plate of scones. “She always figures out the quickest way to eat those.” He then reached for the jam.
Cord brought out two bowls of soup and set them before the boys. “I felt maybe a vegetable soup would be a good way to ease them into western foods. This should also leave them enough room for dinner later.”
Ame reached for his spoon and took a bite. His expression changed to one of pure joy. “I do not know most of the seasonings, but I can tell they were chosen because they blended together well.”
Cord nodded. “When you visit, we’ll start with the spice cabinet.”
Ame was practically vibrating in his chair with excitement. Yuki was smiling softly at his brother’s happiness.
There was a knock at the door before a pale Portia hurried in. She immediately looked to Kendrick.
Without saying a word, he cast a soundproofing spell.
The queen looked up, concerned. “Portia?”
“Your Majesty, please excuse the interruption, but I have Karl Brugmansia and Andrei Jessamine demanding to see Lady Zoe. I would have taken them to your audience room, but they are making claims I thought best to be discussed in private.”
Zoe couldn’t help her reaction. Her body began shaking so bad the plate in front of her began to clank on the table.
The queen looked at Zoe. “Prepare yourself.” Turning to Portia, she simply nodded.
With a pinched expression, Portia went to the door and escorted the two men inside.
Zoe’s stomach flipped and clenched. She tried exhaling through her nose slowly, but it wasn’t working to calm her nerves. Under the table, a small, cool hand took hers. When she looked down, Ame was watching her with a serene expression.
Closing her eyes, she took another deep breath and allowed the coolness from his touch to soothe her frayed nerves. When she opened her eyes, everything seemed a bit more solid. She smiled her thanks. Ame just gave a short nod. Then both boys turned as one to stare at the newcomers.
Karl Brugmansia, one of the elders on the Witches’ Council, strode forward with Andrei on his heels.
“Your Majesty, thank you for agreeing to see us on such short notice,” Karl said pleasantly, bowing when he was close enough to stand before the queen.
The queen sat ramrod straight with one of the haughtiest expressions she had ever seen on the woman’s face since arriving. “For your sake, I hope whatever it is you are about to say is worth intruding on my private time with my family.”
Karl’s eyes shot in her direction before he smiled ingratiatingly at the queen. “There seems to have been a mix-up in assignments. In looking at your request for the Fire Temple Head, it is clear that you were asking for an experienced fire witch. Zoe Appleblossom, though acting as the Temple Head, has only just come of age. She is maintaining that position with the full support of the Witches’ Council. With your permission, I’d like to escort Lady Zoe home and provide two of our highest-scoring fire witches to Éire Danu to assist you in providing routine maintenance on the city’s light system.”
The queen simply raised a golden brow. “Were you unaware that only an Appleblossom can service the city’s lights?”
Karl gave a little laugh. “I’m sure that the proprietary nature of the spells has been exaggerated by little Zoe. Any fire witch can strengthen the spells on the lights.”
“Are you calling Lady Zoe a liar?” Brennus asked, in an almost amused tone of voice.
Karl backpedaled. “Of course not, but she is young and has much to learn. She may have simply wanted to extend her stay when making the claim that only Appleblossoms can provide service.”
“And why would she be desperate enough to lie to me in order to stay longer?” the queen asked.
Karl hesitated as if sensing a trap. “Young people like to travel,” he answered simply.
The queen sighed as if bored and waved her hand at him. “I’m afraid I cannot grant your request. It has come to my attention very recently that Lady Zoe is my son’s godsdaughter. I wish for her to stay so that I can get to know her better.”
Karl smiled. “Forgive me, Your Majesty. I had heard that our esteemed Unit Commander was claiming to be herathair.”