Page 153 of Vicious Knight

I finish my piece and they applaud.

“That was beautiful,” Levgen says.

“Absolutely beautiful.” Mom agrees with tears glistening in her eyes. “I don’t know what I did to get such a talented daughter.”

“Oh, Mom, thank you. It’s not finished yet.”

“But it sounded like something from heaven.” She moves toward me and hugs me, then plants a kiss on my forehead.

“How about I get us some chocolate cake before we head to bed?” Levgen suggests, smiling proudly at both of us. “It’s been a long day.”

“Sure thing.” Mom lets out a light chuckle.

She seems more at ease today. I don’t want to think it’s because Thorne didn’t come by. She’s still wary of him, which is understandable, but at least she hasn’t tried to stop me from seeing him. I wouldn’t stop, but it gives me hope that she’ll warm up to him someday.

Levgen leaves us and Mom sits on the stool next to me.

She’s barely left my side since we’ve been staying here.

Today she took me shopping and when we got back Levgen took us sailing on the river. I was feeling a lot better, so they wanted to make the most of the time they had with me. It was nice but there were moments when I just wanted to lie down.

“How are you feeling?” Mom asks.

“I’m still the same as five minutes ago when you asked.” I giggle.

“It wasn’t five minutes ago. It was more like ten.” Mom’s eyes twinkle with humor. “Okay, I see your point.”

“I’m fine, Mom. Just tired now.”

“Yeah, me too. I think we overdid it today.”

“It was great spending time with you, though.”

“And you. It was nice to hear you play your new piece, too. When we found this cottage and saw the piano we couldn’t help but take it. The cottage is actually going on the market. We were thinking of buying it so we could be close to you.”

“Mom, you don’t have to do that.”

“We wouldn’t move from L.A. as such, but it would be nice to visit more often and have a place of our own to come to. You could also use it as a getaway whenever you want.”

“Okay. Whatever makes you worry less about me.”

The distress I’ve witnessed over the last few days returns to her eyes. “I will always worry about you. Now more than ever. I don’t want you to go back to Raventhorn, or anywhere, but I know I can’t keep you locked away in a tower forever.”

I wish I could tell her I’ll be safe, but I can’t. I can’t promise her such a thing when I don’t know what’s happening. Levgen hasn’t told me anything more since we got here, so I feel clueless.

“Please try not to worry. Levgen is looking into everything. He knows what he’s doing.” At least my reassurance seems to calm her.

The doorbell rings, interrupting her next words. We look at each other, both of us wondering who that could be at this time of night.

It’s nearly eleven.

“I’ll get it.” I push to my feet.

“Wait, maybe let Levgen answer the door. We don’t know who it is.”

“Mom, there are fifteen guards outside. And I don’t think anyone who wants to harm me would ring the bell.”

“Okay… I guess you’re right.”