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WHEN WE were comfortably seated, servers came by with an assortment of ices, yogurts, gelatos and tall glasses of water. I selected a tart key-lime frozen yogurt while Ray and Ivory opted for a rich-looking chocolate hazelnut gelato. Had Valcas been there with us, I was certain that he would go for the deep raspberry-colored ice labeled “Laramile berry sorbetto.”
Sable sat by observing, eating nothing as we enjoyed our treats. I sat there wondering where Valcas had gone and whether he knew that the first stop on our agenda would involve a visit with his mother. Not that I necessarily felt like he needed to be there right next to me during every moment of our mission. But who goes off on a random side errand when they’re supposed to be protecting someone they’d dragged into a strange new world?
I shook my head and looked up to find Sable, with pursed lips and shining eyes, watching me. She was the picture of expectation and bemusement, except that she was also glaring at me as if I’d offended her.
“I’m sorry, did you say something?” I winced, embarrassed.
“You seemed to be deep in thought, even in the midst of company, and so naturally I was wondering what you were thinking about.” She clasped her hands together and grinned. It wasn’t a pleasant grin. Was she messing with me?
I stared at her, unsure how to respond.
“There was something in particular that interested me about the expression you were making just now,” she mused. “Your eyes glowed as if you were considering something or someone dear, but the rest of your features frowned in distress. Tell me, Calla, are you going to be able to endure this journey? Do you worry about those whom you love as much as you worry about yourself?”
I crumbled under Sable’s question. My throat felt dry. She’d spoken to me as if she’d known me forever. But I didn’t have any reason to trust her. Her questions were too personal, even though I also had no reason to mistrust her.
I looked over at Ivory, hoping she’d jump in and talk about something else to break the ice. She sat there shoveling in more chocolate gelato. Her furrowed brow and narrowed eyes signaled to me that she was listening intently, but the gelato effectively muted our human television.
My cheeks burned as I mulled over my situation. I didn’t want to answer Sable, and why should I? I’d just met her—in a world called Aboreal—after being sent on a penance mission to find my father, who was likely dead.
My lips puckered as I stared levelly at Sable. The embarrassment had worn off; I was outraged. Perhaps I should tell her exactly what I thought of her darling son. Just as I was about to open my mouth to speak, Valcas walked into the room carrying a small bowl of Laramile berry sorbetto.
“Seriously, Mother,” he said as he planted himself in a chair next to mine. “Can’t you begin our visit with normal, polite conversation? Why not start by asking Calla whether her mother is in good health?”
Ivory chuckled and stuffed her mouth with another spoonful of gelato.
Sable smiled, resigned and stoic, but she didn’t answer Valcas’ questions or pose those he’d suggested.
“How long have you been here listening to all this?” I asked under my breath as he sampled a spoonful of the burgundy ice.
“Long enough to realize that you would need to be protected from more than the Uproar,” he whispered, grinning.
After a second bite, Valcas turned his attention back to Sable. “This is very good, Mother, but we need to start training right away. I’ll escort our group to the training grounds. We leave here tonight.”
Valcas looked to Ivory for confirmation.
“Yes, thank you, Mrs. Hall. We should go.”
Sable rose from her seat.
“Perhaps we’ll meet again, Calla. In the meantime, consider the questions that I have asked you. Your situation has also placed one of my loved ones in grave danger.”
Without waiting for an answer, she turned from us and walked away. With a flick and a swish, she gathered her trailing robes and pulled them with her through the door.
Ray and I sat there, wide-eyed. It was no secret that Valcas had already risked his life for me. She can resent me all she wants, I thought, but I never asked for this.
I glanced at Valcas. His jaw was set tight as he stared at the door where his mother had left the room.
Ivory stood up and smacked her lips. “Well, that was refreshing. Come on, Momma’s Boy. Let’s get out of here.”
I rolled my eyes. It was about time she tried to lighten the mood. Another look at Valcas told me that she hadn’t succeeded.