Chapter 7: Old Memories

Fergus didn't comment, his gentle smile watching me silently as I wept myself out of tears to shed. I sank to the edge of the bed, sniffling into my hands, before finally looking up and into his lovely face.

"Sorry," I whispered. Croaked, actually. I really had to do something about my overly emotional reactions to him. He must have been growing tired of me crying every time I saw him. But today was especially hard, considering the conversations I just had with my kids.

"Don't ever apologize to me, Syd," Fergus said, wiping at his own cheeks. "I of all people understand the necessity of fate-and the depth of your loss."

I shuddered in a breath and found I could smile at him. "Just checking in," I said. "To see how things are." A lie, but he let me succeed in my deception, shrugging Liam's-his-shoulders, running one hand through Liam's-his, Syd, his-fair hair.

"All's well," Fergus said, sinking down to the grass with his legs crossed, toying with some blades as he talked. "It's been quiet for a long time, now. Even Queen Aoilainn has adjusted finally to sharing her realm and power with the Unseelie monarchs." One of the many barriers I destroyed over the years, bringing the Seelie and Unseelie courts together, no more segregation. "King Odhran and Queen Niamh have been more than gracious about the whole thing."

Good to hear. "So, nothing feels odd?" I was fishing, naturally. Any second now he'd tell me no, things were great and I should mind my own business.

But Fergus's brow furrowed, his frown Liam's frown, the same one my first husband would get when he studied a particularly difficult problem. "Not really," he said. "Anything specific I should watch for?"

I shook my head and forced a laugh. "Nothing," I said. "Just an overactive imagination." And a demon cat. And a former Enforcer husband...

I said goodbye to Fergus and closed the rift, biting at my thumbnail, knowing Quaid would hate it if he saw me. And rose from the bed, going to the bathroom to splash water on my face so no one would know I was crying. Yeah, good luck there, Hayle. I'd always been an ugly crier, my neck and face blotchy red in patches, eyes bloodshot.

Classy.

There was nothing I could do about it, not even magic helping reduce the redness. I shrugged and turned off the light, heading downstairs, hungry again. Something smelled delicious in the kitchen, but from the sounds of laughter in the back yard, dinner was happening outside tonight.

I wasn't quite ready to join them and snuck down to the basement. Now that I'd talked to Fergus, I felt a little better about Sass's worries, but there were a few more people I could check in with to reassure myself.

The moment I touched down in the cool quiet of the basement, I reached for Europe and the queen of the Wilhelm vampires. Sunny's mind connected with mine instantly and her power, cool and white, embraced me as always.

Syd. She sounded happy to hear from me, if a little distracted. It's been weeks.

I know, I'm sorry. I sat on the bottom step and stared out into the empty air over the pentagram etched in the concrete floor.

Not an admonishment, my darling, she sent. I felt her focus shift from whatever she was doing all the way to me. I caught a moment of her speaking with someone, a vampire who looked worried, before the image cut off. It's as much my fault as yours it's been so long.

Trouble? I sat up straighter, hands clenching in my lap.

She sighed in my head and another image formed, of her striding through the hall of Wilhelm castle, heading for the throne room. You could stay that, she sent. Nothing to worry yourself with. Besides, I'm happy to talk to you and forget the weight of the crown for now.

Tell me about it. I hugged her with power. Just wanted to ask you a question.

Anything, darling. I saw her motion, the tall, handsome man in her view smiling and coming to her side. I knew him as well as I knew myself, or at least, I used to. My Uncle Frank, once powerless and now a vampire, Prince Consort and co-ruler with Sunny, joined the conversation.

Syd. Uncle Frank's magic embraced me. What's up, kiddo?

I hesitated. They both felt tense, like they were dealing with something and didn't need more pressure on their shoulders. But I really needed to ask. Sass has a worry, I sent. And I'm just checking around.

If Sassafras is concerned, Sunny sent, then we are concerned.

Exactly, right? "Have either of you noticed anything odd? About how you're feeling?" I didn't want to lead them, but it was hard to phrase the question without coming right out and saying it.

Aside from frustration... Sunny trailed off. And paused. As a matter of fact, she sent, I've been feeling rather lethargic, lately.

Me, too, Uncle Frank sent. I caught a glimpse of him putting his arms around her before the scene went dark. Almost dull.

Craptastic. And not the response I was hoping for. Make that me three, I sent.

How odd. Sunny's mental voice climbed a few notes. I could feel her power sweeping outward, but knew she'd find nothing.

No idea what's causing it, I sent. So far you two feel it, but the Sidhe realm doesn't.

You think it's something affecting our plane? Uncle Frank's power thrummed with worry.

I have no idea. I threw up my hands in the dark quiet of the basement as though they could see me. I've dug around and found nothing. So has Sass and Shenka.

Curious. Sunny's power stilled. We will, of course, keep a close eye on this odd feeling. But you will alert us if anything changes?

You guys as well, please. I hugged them both magically, loving the vampire sandwich of their power embracing me. Miss you. See you soon?

They let me go with murmured promises and I didn't push them. Whatever was up, Sunny would let me know the moment I needed to. If I needed to. Sometimes it was hard to remember others had their own crap to deal with that had nothing to do with me.

My next contact vibrated with power my demon recognized and answered. I received a clear vision of King Danilo Moreau of the werenation as he sat on his throne, hearing complaints during court. I almost retreated, but Danilo caught my mind and pulled me back.

Please, he sent. Save me from tedium. His mind laughed. How are you, Syd? Taking care of my kid sister?

I ask him the same question I asked of Sunny, and Danilo seemed puzzled.

Hell, yes, he sent. I've been bored out of my mind, but can't seem to get out of my own way. That what you mean?

I loved the blunt openness of the new wereking. Exactly, I sent.

After a quick promise to each other to keep posted, I let Danilo go.

How very odd, my vampire sent. Perhaps we should talk to Meira and see if she is affected.

Excellent idea, my demon sent.

I was getting to that. It was hard not to grumble at them. But Femke first.

The leader of the European Witches Council grasped my mind with hers, hugging me close.

Syd, she sent, her particular power crisp and light, thrumming with strength. I loved Femke and was always grateful for her support and kindness when I needed someone of authority. And to be my friend.

Another repeated conversation, and a hushed sigh from Femke.

I thought it was just me. The image of her sitting back at her desk at Oxford came through sharp and clear. Anything we should worry about, you think?

I have no idea. I laughed. Considering I've been known to chase shadows...

Shadows that have turned into monsters, she sent. I felt her sit forward, more alert. I'll poke around and see what's what. She paused. You know, could it just be too many years of soft living? She drummed the top of her desk with her fingertips. Mountains of paperwork and minor complaints are eating me alive. At times I envy you your battles with Max and the drach. She laughed in my head. Am I losing my edge, do you think? There was amusement in her voice.

Could be, I sent. And if that's all it is... Femke, I'll take it.

Hallelujah to that, sister. Her power hugged me and she was gone.

Now can we contact Meira? My demon sounded miffed.

Fine. I grinned into the gloom, loving to tease her. And reached out to the veil, in preparation to talk to my sister.

Only to have a very different mind contact me first.

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