"No, no, no!" Seraphina scolded, crossing her arms and tapping her small foot. "That's not how a mom talks! You have to sound sweet! You have to sound like Auntie Lysa! Try it again, and this time, use a high voice!"
Alistair closed his eyes.
A single thought echoed in his brilliant, scholarly mind: 'If this torture continues any longer, I am going to throw myself off the highest balcony of this estate.'
"There, there, Lord Fluffington," Alistair tried again, forcing his voice into a painful, strained, mocking falsetto that sounded hilarious. "Mommy is here! Have some tea! The economic recession is temporary, but a mother's love is eternal!"
Seraphina burst into a fit of bright, bubbly, uncontainable giggles, clapping her hands in delight. "Yes! That's it! You are a very good Madam Sparkles!"
From behind the desk, Kaelus let out a low, dark chuckle.
