I sat up straight, ignoring the pain in my back and sides. My ribs had taken an unneeded second beating when I’d jumped from that dragon. “I’m ravenous. Where is it?”

Florence grinned and passed over a tray of food.

I breathed in deeply, spotting chunks of beef and potatoes sauteed in a creamy tomato sauce, buttered bread, a raisin scone, and a cup of pumpkin spice pudding.

“I’ll leave you to eat your food and rest,” Florence said. “But I’ll keep an eye out for you at breakfast and lunch tomorrow.”

“Sounds good,” I said, from between a mouthful of buttery bread. “And Florence? Thank you. For everything.”

When she’d left, I devoured the tray of food, then propped it on the nightstand and leaned back on my pillows.

My hair fluffed around my face in a bush of curls. I knew I should get up to bathe and brush it out, but I was too tired. Everything hurt. Maybe I could braid it in the morning.

I closed my eyes, preparing to sleep, then thought of something and they popped back open.

Hey, you. Lady in my head, I snapped. Get out here. Or do you only come when you’re not wanted and at the worst possible times?

I waited.

I resent that. But the woman’s tone was mild. I come when you need me. I’ve only ever tried to help.

You come when the very last thing I need is a distraction, I said with a sigh. And to help? It’s arguable whether you’ve ever helped.

I’ve rallied you to help yourself, the woman said smoothly. Sometimes we just need a little push.

Speaking of push, I’d like to push you out of my head. How do we go about doing that exactly?

A pause.

I’m not sure. It’s not so bad like this, is it?

I snorted. Having a passenger in my own brain? Yes, I’d say that’s bad. I’d prefer privacy.

It’s an interesting conundrum, the woman said thoughtfully. And you can’t say I never help. I helped you get here in the first place.

Now it was my turn to pause. What the hell does that mean?

Tsk, tsk. Language. You’re of royal blood.

I’m nothing anymore, I snapped. Certainly not a princess. I think that much is very clear. And I should have been dead. I was supposed to be dead. Is that what you mean?

Silence.

What did you do? How did you “help”? I persisted.

I’m not sure I quite like your tone. This certainly isn’t the appreciative spirit with which I expected my gesture to be received.

I could practically feel her sulking. So I was right. Do you mean you did this? You got me to this place somehow?

I think the words you’re looking for are “Did you really save me? How wonderful! I simply cannot believe my good fortune!”

I was quiet for a moment. Maybe I wanted to die. Did you ever stop to think of that?

Nonsense. The woman’s tone was sharp. Absolute nonsense. Why, you had barely even begun to exist. I wasn’t about to let you be snuffed out so soon.

You know, I said slowly. You know about me. About what I was. You were in Aercanum with me.

Back in Aercanum, I had been what you might call an unnatural child. Not only did I have a fae mother and a human father, but I was blessed or cursed, depending on how you looked at it, with accelerated growth. By the time I was a few weeks old, I was walking. A few months later and I was talking. So, the woman was right. I’d existed for only a short time.

Thanks for reminding me I’m a complete freak of nature, I added bitterly.

You’re not a freak. You’re beautiful, she scolded. You’re perfect. Never allow anyone to tell you differently.

Mentally, I froze. Just who are you exactly? And why are you so attached to me? You say you saved my life, but why? Why me? Why do all of this for me and why stick around?

Perhaps you’re just a very worthwhile young woman, she hedged. However, you’re certainly right that I don’t provide my assistance to just anyone.

I’m sure of that, I said wryly. Give me a straight answer. Please.

Another pause. Well, I should think it was fairly obvious. In fact, I’m surprised you haven’t figured it out by now.

Yes? I prodded.

There’s only one person who would ever go to this much trouble for you. I’m your mother.

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CHAPTER 11 - MEDRA

The ghost of my dead mother is riding around in my head, I seethed, as I walked towards the headmaster’s office.

Not dead, the woman corrected. I’m talking to you right now, aren’t I? Let’s say... betwixt and between.

Externally, I rolled my eyes. So, half-dead.

Orcades. That was her name. Orcades Le Fay. Then, Orcades Pendragon after she’d married my father, Arthur. I supposed I should start thinking of her that way.

Apparently, I was merely scattered when I died birthing you, Orcades continued. But my soul hadn’t fully departed Aercanum. When you died–well, when you were meant to die–I found you...

And inserted yourself into my head, I said frostily.

A part of my soul lodged in you to keep you safe, she clarified. I wasn’t even doing it consciously. I was able to help you pass from one world to another, with your own soul and body still intact. A pause. I’m still not sure precisely how I did it. But it was a wondrous accomplishment. I doubt many have ever achieved something similar.

I could practically feel her preening.

Couldn’t you have picked my own world? I complained ungraciously. Couldn’t you have just brought me back there? Where my friends and family were?

Well, no, if it was that easy, I would have. Think of your soul like a ball spinning out of control and straight into danger–into nothingness. I grabbed hold of you and, well, tossed you out of danger. But I didn’t get a chance to look at exactly where you would land.

I was a spinning ball, I groaned. I see. What a lovely way to think of your own daughter.

Oh, pish posh. I could almost imagine her waving a perfectly manicured fae hand. A ball, a flower. However you wish to imagine yourself, you were impossible to control. I’d never done this before, remember. I did what I could. I did my best.

She had a point, I had to admit.

Fine. I mentally cleared my throat. Well, in that case... Thank you. Though it would have been much better if you’d chosen a world without vampires, I couldn’t help adding.

Yes, I can see that, she said thoughtfully. But of course, I had no idea there would be vampires here. Perhaps you should look at it as a fascinating challenge.

A challenge? My eyes narrowed dangerously and a student coming towards me squeaked in alarm and jumped to the other side.

You’ll survive and thrive. I have no doubt about it. Once you get your bearings. And once you make friends with that other girl–the powerful one.

Regan? I snorted derisively. No, that’s not going to happen.

If you could win her over, she could be a powerful ally. And after all, you’re going to be sharing a...

No, no, no. Let me stop you right there. There will be absolutely no sharing. No nothing. I thought of something. Oh, gods. We need to get you out of my head. Soon.

You’re just realizing it, aren’t you? She sounded sympathetic. I promise I won’t be present should anything happen between you and... well, anyone else. In a romantic way.

I felt sick to my stomach. You certainly won’t be because we are ending this disturbing situation as soon as possible.