But as much as River told herself that words had no power, she was having trouble believing that to be true.
The scent of vanilla grew stronger. River’s stomach coiled, and she swallowed past the growing lump of emotion in her throat.
She hated that she reacted to her mother like this, but more than that, she hated that there was a part of her that still yearned for a connection with the woman who had given birth to her. She didn’t want to have a strained relationship with Tertia, didn’t want to tense when she approached.
What would it be like to smell vanilla and feel only love, not fear and trepidation?
She’d probably never know. River had no ideawhyher mother was so cold towards her, only that she was.
Goose bumps erupted on River’s arms as the temperature dropped. Her dress was an inadequate barrier against the sudden cold, and her magic swirled in her veins. Whatever calm she’d felt earlier evaporated into thin air.
The party continued behind them, but River could barely hear the celebrations through the haze of her panic.
“Ah. My children.” The icy tones of Tertia Waterborn’s voice came from behind River. Devoid of warmth and maternal care, there was nothing kind about the Representative’s tone.
A strange rustling sound that River couldn’t quite place filled the air, but she wasn’t ready to turn around and see what it was.
Tertia added, “So nice of you both to make it.”
Ryker smiled. Most people would think the fae captain was happy, but River recognized the tightness of her brother’s mouth and the vein pulsing in his jaw. He slid his hand into Brynleigh’s, drawing her close against his side.
River didn’t miss that her brother stood slightly in front of his wife. Protecting her.
“Of course, we came, Mother.” Ryker’s voice was calm and moderate. “We would never dream of missing your party.”
Maybe he wouldn’t, but River definitely would. She’d rather be upstairs, spending the night at her father’s side.
Those were inside thoughts, though. She’d never dare say something like that out loud. Not when she was already perpetually in trouble with the Representative. Being snarky would only make things worse.
A sniff came from beside River, and then Tertia appeared in her peripheral vision.
Well, at least now she knew what had made the rustling.
Tertia was certainly taking the “winter” part of Winter Solstice seriously. Her form-hugging gown was a piece of wearable art, the blue fabric so pale it was nearly white. The elaborate dress was covered in layers of fringe that ran from hercollarbone to her toes, but instead of beads, hundreds of tiny icicles dangled from the clear threads.
No wonder the air was cold. Tertia must’ve been using her magic to keep the dress frozen. She was a walking ice sculpture, which tracked in more ways than one.
“Good evening.” River kissed her mother on the cheek, careful not to touch the icicles. “Everything looks wonderful.”
The Representative arched a manicured brown brow. Even though she and River were the same height, Tertia managed to look down her nose at her daughter.
“Of course, it does,” Tertia said smoothly. “We Waterborns have a reputation to uphold. Surely you haven’t forgotten that after your time in Lakewater.”
Internally, a sigh that could’ve levelled mountains echoed through River. She hadn’t even been in her mother’s presence for thirty seconds, and she was already getting lectured. That had to be some kind of record.
Externally, River kept her face serene. Peaceful, even. She was determined to get through a conversation with her mother without fighting, even if it killed her. Eliza Fern would be so proud.
River smiled tightly. “I would never forget what it means.”
How could she, when the meaning had been drilled into her since the day of her birth?
The tension in the air ratcheted up as Tertia’s gaze dropped to River’s gloves. She stared at them as if she could see through the expensive silk to the floral tattoos beneath. Between the sleeves of River’s dress and the gloves, the markings were completely covered as long as River stood still.
“I see you had the decency to hide those monstrosities you call tattoos.” The Representative’s brow was so high River was surprised it didn’t hit her hairline. “Howdothey allow youinto the hospital when you’ve defiled your body in such a flagrant, disrespectful manner?”
River clamped her mouth shut so fast, copper flooded her mouth. Her mother’s words were daggers, wielded with precision to inflict as much pain as possible.
What was a bitten tongue when compared to a mother’s hatred?