“I never mentioned the cottage,” Romulus said softly, almost like he was talking to himself, working something out. “Purposely. I didn’t want you to know she was poor. How did you know…”
His voice trailed away. Pieces of the puzzle snapped into place. He studied the First.
“Those that have left…they’ve mostly been elders,” he said. “Those that left had witnessed our history outside of this place, instead of just hearing about it. Those that have stayed are unnecessarily tight-lipped about the shifters. About why we stay here. About what happened to Grandmother and Grandfather in the royal palace.” He shook his head slowly. “Tell me you aren’t manipulating your people, Mother. Tell me Charity is way off base.”
The First brought herself up regally. “It was decided. After your grandmother and grandfather were slaughtered in the royal palace, and I was newly in charge, my councilors agreed—we would gather our people together and live here, away from influence. Away from the unnecessary danger thrust upon us by those selfish, conniving elves. My magic was just blossoming at that time. My powers to sway my people were just manifesting. We all agreed that it was Fate. A divine nudge. I could protect us all. I could save us all. And so I did. Those that didn’t agree left, yes, that is true. And some younger who slipped away without my knowledge. But this is for the greater good. Keeping my magic hidden was for the greater good—everyone agreed! And here we’ve lived in harmony. In balance.”
“In boredom. Withering,” Charity said. “Cut off from your one true purpose.”
Romulus didn’t seem to hear Charity. “But how did your magic reach me in the human lands?” His voice was wispy. He didn’t want to accept the obvious.
“You are the Second. Your duty is here. You made a connection, your quest was fulfilled, and it was time you came home. End of story.” The First pushed her hair off her face indignantly.
“And I suppose the advisors covered for you when you were gone,” Romulus said. “I suppose they helped through all these long years to lie to our people, and hold them hostage, as you were clearly doing me.”
“We are leaders, Romulus. We have a duty to our people.”
“That duty is not lying, Mother. It is not drugging them with magic. It is not hiding from the ruling power in fear. In…cowardice. What you have done—what you are doing—is against our laws. Hiding magic is a punishable offense, especially magic such as this. How you kept it from us…from me…”
His mouth opened and closed like a fish’s. He was, truly, at a loss. That much Charity could read.
“What did you expect me to do, Romulus?” the First said in a lowered tone. “I was nineteen and my parents had just died. Been killed, if you must know. Assassinated. My world was ripped out from under me. My magic was surging, battering me. Our people’s numbers had been steadily falling, and after that bloodbath at the palace, going through us to get to the elf royalty, they were nearly cut in half. I saw friends die. I held them in my arms as they took their last breath. Something had to be done. Why else do you think the council crafted this plan and still, to this day, follow through? Our numbers now are higher than they’ve ever been in history. Our youth are growing up in peace and harmony, with long, happy lives in front of them. Because of me, they have futures. Because of me, we have a community. A growing, prospering community. This is what is best for our people.”
Romulus blew out a sigh and shook his head. “Maybe it was, Mother. But times have changed. And clearly, it is time to assess that change for myself. Without your influence.”
His nostrils flared and he turned to Charity, his movements precise, his anger probably about to blow his head off.
“Charity, darling, I am so very sorry. For all of this. Things…are not as they appear. As they should be. I beg of you, give me a couple days. I must speak to the advisors. I must formulate a plan. Then I will accompany you into the human lands. I would like to meet with the shifters. I would like to see what has become of the worlds in our absence. It is time.”
“No, Romulus, I forbid—”
Romulus held up his hand, silencing his mother. “I understand that you acted in