Anders didn't forget thatencounter. I could see it in his body language and in the way hewatched me, searching for any odd behavior. A week later, I was downby the gate in the practice field when Balthazar stirred. Wehave company, pet. She could be trouble.
I stopped what I was doing andglanced around. "Where?" I asked.
He sighed and spun my body towardthe gate. The blonde.
I squinted to see the threehorses approaching. The first carried Stefan, followed by Steph and awoman I'd never seen before. "Who is she?" I asked,Balthazar guiding my body to the gate.
A mage. Very powerful. I cantaste her from here, most unpleasant... Pretty though.I rolled my eyes and stopped with hands on my hips to greet them. Iforced a smile through Balthazar's sour mood.
"All of this commotion overlittle old me?" I grinned.
"Ana?!" Stefan lookeddumbfounded.
"Mama?!" Stephaniepushed her horse past Stefan's. When she was sure her eyes weren'tplaying tricks, she hopped excitedly off her horse, barely reininghim in and hurdled toward me. She barreled into me, hugging mefiercely.
"I can't breathe, darling,"I laughed, glad to have my daughter home.
"Sorry," she said,letting go. Balthazar gave her an appraising look as Stefan reachedus, sliding off his horse.
"It's truly you," hesmiled widely before gathering me in a hug. "I suppose with youawake, Emmy's services won't be needed."
The woman in question reached usand glided gracefully to the ground from her white horse. "Stefan,"she smiled softly. "It seems you told me a tale to get me here.Your countess does not look to be in immediate distress." Hereyes held a teasing twinkle as Stefan smiled back at her.
Hmmm... It seems our playmatehas found love yet again. I'm going to have fun with this,Balthazar taunted. I squashed him down and smiled at her. Everythingabout her screamed feminine. She had white blonde hair that felldelicately around her face to frame ice blue eyes. Her skin was pale,but not pasty and blended gently with the flowing white robes shewore. I could see why Stefan liked her. She was beautiful. It was allbrought together by the soft glow of her power that hovered aroundher like a halo.
I held my hand out for her toshake and she grasped it delicately with thin fingers. "Anastasia,"I introduced myself.
"Emmeline," sheanswered in the same quiet, confident voice she'd used to speak toStefan.
"Em is a mage, but she'sdifferent from me and da," Steph said excitedly, clutching myfree hand.
Emmeline's touch lingered on myskin when she let go, her friendly gaze sliding to Stephanie. "Thatis true," she said. "I am not as gifted in the elements asStephanie, but my power lies in the moon and auras..."
"Its fascinating stuff,"Stephanie started to babble.
Stefan cut her off with afriendly laugh. "You've been going on about all of that sinceshe joined our company."
"As if you weren't makingdoe eyes at her just as long," Steph mumbled, crossing her arms.I heard Emmeline chuckle softly.
"Never mind that,"Stefan said, sneaking Em a smile. "Emmy, I apologize forbringing you so far for what looks like no reason. I'd be glad toaccompany you back to Iliard as soon as you'd like."
"Unless of course you'd liketo stay and give Stephee some pointers," I blurted. Whatare you up to, pet?Balthazar said curiously.
Plotting your demise.I snapped angrily. Something told me Emmeline could help me with myinfestation. Her eyes narrowed slightly but she smiled. "I thinkI might enjoy teaching Stephanie. She has already learned much on ourjourney."
