Book 1: Chapter 49 - Showdown [Part 1]
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Let parents bequeath to their children not riches, but the spirit of reverence.
- Plato.
Never before in her life had Seraphina felt such dread. She stood before her mother’s boudoir door, shoulders hunched as if trying to make herself small. The moment of weakness was brief. Straightening her back with a determined set to her jaw, she knocked sharply on the ornate door.
“Mother, I was told you wished to see me,” she announced with forced composure.
“Come in,” came Anaselena’s flat, measured voice.
Fighting down a surge of reluctance, Seraphina opened the door and stepped inside. Her mother sat at a mirrored vanity, brushing out her long golden hair. She wore a dark purple gown—simple yet elegant all at the same time, its cut of an undeniably of fine make. The silence stretched between them while Seraphina crossed the room to stand behind her mother. As a precaution—and a show of respect—she dipped into a small curtsy.
“Normally, one would think you’d greet your parents without delay as a simple mark of respect,” Anaselena remarked smoothly, still brushing her hair. “I trust your journey was pleasant?”
“As pleasant as could be, Mother,” Seraphina replied, meeting her mother’s gaze in the mirror.
“Are you hiding something from me, Sera?” her mother asked. “Is that why you took so long to come to me? You have always been so easy to read when you’ve done something wrong—though you’d never admit it.”
“I am hiding nothing!” Seraphina snapped, louder and fiercer than intended. Even she was taken aback by her own vehemence.
Anaselena paused, setting the ornate brush down with a decisive click. Her eyes narrowed as she regarded her daughter’s reflection.
“You will not take that tone with me. You will tell me everything—now.” There was no mistaking the command in her voice.
Seraphina’s anger flared. “Can’t you see it yourself, Mother? Isn’t that what your Sight is for?” she shot back. The words spilled out unbidden, fueled by a well of emotion that felt strangely… not completely her own. She did not understand why she was being so combative.
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Before she could draw another breath, Anaselena was on her with startling speed. In one swift movement, she had Seraphina in a chokehold and lifted her clear off the floor.
image [https://i.imgur.com/z91kOhc.jpeg]
“Such disrespect, my daughter,” Anaselena hissed, her tone icy. “I see I have been negligent in your discipline.”
Seraphina could scarcely believe her mother’s raw Strength. She kicked and clawed in desperation, but Anaselena stood firm, weathering blows that might have felled a troll. Suddenly, from the folds of Seraphina’s dress, a small creature launched itself at Anaselena with a hiss—Cornelia, the serpent Seraphina had been hiding. Its fangs dripped with venom as it struck through the air, only to be caught by Anaselena’s free hand around its slender neck.
“A new pet, Seraphina? What did I tell you about keeping creatures like this?” her mother said with disapproval. “I should—”
She broke off, noticing Seraphina’s frantic, pleading expression. With a frustrated sigh, she flung the serpent onto the bed. Cornelia landed in a stunned heap, rattled but still alive.
“You forget,” Anaselena scoffed bitterly, “that everything you have is because of me. Your blessed life… your privileged position… your looks… Even that Strength you’ve been so proud of recently.”
Seraphina, still gasping for air, stared at her mother in shock.
“You truly believed all these years that your Strength came from your father?” Anaselena let out a humorless laugh. “You owe everything to me. Everything.”
The fight drained from Seraphina. There was no denying she was hopelessly outmatched. She forced herself to suppress her defiance and adopt an air of contrition. Slowly, Anaselena lowered her daughter, releasing the chokehold. Then, cupping Seraphina’s cheeks in her hands, she squeezed until her lips puckered slightly.
“Good… It is fortunate that I love you so,” Anaselena said wistfully, her gaze drifting across her daughter’s features. “And that you’ve grown into such a lovely young woman. You are my only daughter. Do you understand? That is why I do all of this. All of this is for you.”
Seraphina nodded, her mind reeling. A sinking realization dawned on her—that her mother might not be entirely sane. Perhaps it was inevitable; Anaselena did not live fully in the present.
“Now then,” Anaselena continued softly, though her eyes were cold like shards of glacial ice. “Be a good girl and tell me why you behaved so rudely toward King Elidion.”
Seraphina knew that despite her mother’s terrifying power, she herself was also the Duchess’ greatest vulnerability. Perhaps a new tactic was needed. So she threw herself into Anaselena’s arms, nestling against her mother’s generous bosom. Somehow, inexplicably, she found a measure of comfort there.
“The King… he threatened… threatened to keep me prisoner,” she whispered, tears pricking her eyes as she gazed up at her mother.
Anaselena’s expression hardened. A cold fury flickered behind her gaze. “Tell me everything, daughter,” she commanded in a voice as sharp as any blade. “Leave nothing out.”