She walked to the window and looked out over the duchy below. Her reflection stared back at her from the glass.
For the first time in years, there was anger there. A pure, helpless anger.
"A phoenix aura," she said, to the window rather than to Cathy. "A Final Ignition technique that pushed peak Arch Mage to his limit."
It came out low and controlled but the control was doing visible work now. The pleasant melody of her earlier tone was entirely gone.
She paused then spoke again,
"Aldric... Who has served this family for twenty years was somehow hiding his real power."
Cathy said nothing.
"And my husband," Louisa continued, "has decided to change the plan."
She turned from the window.
"Which means Liam's plan to present Marcus as the obvious successor during the King's visit is not simply complicated. It is finished."
tap tap tap
She tapped the window frame impatiently.
"What was Liam's reaction," she asked. "Specifically."
Cathy considered her words before speaking.
