270 The epilogue (2)

Mother sits in front of me with her usual warm expression. Her blonde hair is loose on the back, regardless of the Palace trends. She's wearing an elegant dress, and her demeanour would make all the witches in court bow their heads in shame. She is no less than them even if she hasn't a maiden title. Except being the Queen of Mages.

They have to greet her politely and call her Duchess Bursio even if they would rather drown in their own evil thoughts. Sometimes, etiquette has some use.

«How have you been?» are her first words. She observes me with a keen eye, turning to Aida for a moment only.

When she's sure I'm in good shape, she nods at herself. She noticed Tobin but asked no questions. She likely knows that he's aware of our situation. I also lost track of what I talked with or in front of Tobin during the last year and a few months. He might be more informed than Ignis.

«There's something we need to talk about,» she adds.