Witching Ways

by T K Eldridge

  “The shortest one tried to eat the soap, so I think she’s hungry,” I told Mira as she put bits of fruit and egg on the tray.

  “She’s hit another growth spurt,” Mira said. “I’ve had to pack away more of her things that don’t fit.”

  I chuckled. “Don’t pack them too far -we’ll need them in a few months.”

  “Ha ha, very funny. Don’t remind me. I didn’t expect to have another so soon.”

  “Do you regret getting pregnant again?”

  “No, I am grateful and blessed, but I wish it had been a few more months between them.”

  “Memaw says it’s a little brother and a little sister. So I get one and Rayray gets one,” Ethan said.

  I choked on the mouthful of sandwich I’d just taken and stared at Mira. “Ask her,” I finally got out.

  I watched Mira’s gaze go distant and after a moment, her eyes closed and she sighed. “Yep. Twins.”

  “We need a bigger house,” I said.

  Later that day, we packed up the kids and went to visit my parents at the Boudreau Estate. Reina and Rohan were fast friends and Ethan loved following Oliver, the groundskeeper, around the estate and ‘helping’ with the work. He showed an early talent with plants and animals that Oliver enjoyed encouraging. This meant we had time to visit with mom and dad.

  Once the four of us had settled in the family room with the babies in a fenced-off area of the room where toys and a space to nap were set up, I leaned my elbows on my knees and told my parents our latest news. “So, the Guardians told us Mira is carrying a boy and girl set of twins. We’re going to need your help.”

  Mom went to give Mira a hug while Dad stood and shook my hand.

  “We’ll do whatever we can to help you guys,” Dad said. “We struggled with two babies at once, and our families were more angry than helpful, so it was tough. You’ll have four kids, with three in diapers. I have no idea how you’ll do that without help.”

  “What kind of help do you have in mind?” I asked.

  Mom looked at Dad, Dad looked at Mom, and she bit her lip.

  “We’d like you to move in here. There’s a whole wing of the house that was updated and left bare, because we’d hoped you or your sister would want to move in. If you two move in with us, we can help with the kids, Mira can work with your Mom in the business, and you’ll be just as far from work as you are now,” Dad said.

  “I don’t know…” I began, but Mira reached out and took my hand.

  “Let’s look at the space, and talk about it, before we say anything,” Mira said.

  Dad handed me a single key on a ring. “Go look. You’ll have your own entrance, your own patio area and a yard space for the kids – it’ll be like having your own house, just with a doorway that leads into the main hall to connect to our space.”

  I took the key, gave them a nod, and let Mira lead me out into the main hall to the door that led to the east wing of the house. I unlocked the door and pulled it open as Mira moved ahead of me into the space. A short hall with a closet off to each side opened into a family room with French doors out to a patio off the back, and two long windows on the front. A fireplace sat in the middle of the far wall, with doors to either side. One opened to a foyer space with an entry door, a closet, and a half bath. The door closest to the back opened into the dining room and kitchen space. Windows let in plenty of light, and the hearth on this side boasted a gleaming enameled wood stove. Doors off the kitchen led to a pantry, utility room, and one towards the front that could be used as a playroom, nap space, or later, a home office. A door off the utility room led to the two car garage on this side, with plenty of storage. Back in the foyer space, stairs led up to five bedrooms and three bathrooms, with the owner’s suite at the top of the stairs with its own bath and a little alcove for a desk or a sitting area, and each side had two bedrooms that shared a bath each.

  “I knew this place was big, but this is huge,” Mira said with wide eyes.

  “I never really explored the whole place, and when Mom and Dad redid the whole thing, I never went through it all.”

  Mira stood at the French doors in the owner’s suite, then opened them and stepped out onto the private balcony big enough for a small cafe table and chairs. “I love our little house, Sin – but I think we need to seriously consider this offer. I’m already having days when I’m overwhelmed and that’s with just two.”

  “I know, love. I hear you. I guess my first instinct to say no was because of all of the crappy memories I have of this house. But this? This isn’t the house in which those memories were made.”

  “And, if we move here, and decide it doesn’t work, your parents are not going to hate us if we move somewhere else. But, I’ll be honest. I want our kids to grow up with family all around them. I want Reina to be able to sit on your Mom’s lap and learn about herbs. I want Ethan and Rohan to help your father in his shop.”

  “Let’s go talk to my folks,” I said. “And see what kind of arrangements we need to make for the utilities and taxes and so on.”

  Mira hugged me so tight, I knew I’d made the right decision. The next generation of Boudreaus would be coming home.

  Chapter Twelve

  Sid

  I got back to the palace and found my bag in my room, along with a note to please see the Queen as soon as possible. I sent her a text that I was in the palace, but needed a shower and some rest before I presented myself, then went and took the longest hot shower I could stand. I wrapped up in a robe and lay on the bed for just a minute, I swear – and woke up in a darkened room with my stomach growling. I heard my phone ringing in the other room, so I stumbled out to answer it.

  “H’lo?”

  “Sidonie? Are you okay?”

  “Yeah, Grandma, I’m fine. I took a shower and lay down for a minute, but I guess I was more tired than I thought. I just woke up, and now I’m starving. What time is it?”

  “Well, I was calling to see if you wanted a late dinner. I guess that’s a yes?”

  “Yes, please. I ate breakfast, and that was hours ago. I’ll get dressed and come find you?”

  “No, you get dressed in something comfy and I’ll bring dinner to you.”

  “Thanks, Grandma,” I said and disconnected the call. I ran around the suite and picked up my stuff so it looked neat, then pulled on a pair of leggings, my house slippers, and a baggy sweatshirt. I had just pulled the band around the end of my damp braid when I heard a knock at the door. “Come in.”

  Grandma Maggie came in with Isen once again pushing the cart, and I went to stand out of the way while he set all of the dishes on the table.

  “Thank you, Isen,” I said and he looked surprised that I’d remembered his name.

  “You’re welcome, Princess,” he said and I looked up at Grandma.

  Once he’d left, I asked her, “Why do so many call me Princess? I’m not a princess.”

  “I had them make roast beef, mashed potatoes, bacon green beans, fresh rolls, and chocolate pudding for dessert,” Grandma said as she sat down.

  I slid into the chair at her right and watched as she served herself. “Grandma…” I said. “Please, do not ignore my questions. It’s rude and insulting.”

  She paused mid-scoop of the mashed potatoes and then sighed. “You’re right. It’s a habit I’ve learned from dealing with fae politicians. It’s not something I should be using on my family. Forgive me?”

  “Sure, if you answer my questions. Why do they call me princess?”

  “Well, technically, you are. Just as your mother and grandmother and aunts are all princesses, as well as Reina. Your brothers, your cousin Micah, they are princes. Your father is a Prince Consort, since he married into the family, and Mira is a Duchess in her own right, but also a Princess by her marriage to Sinclair. It’s confusing, I know – but the title is correct.”

  “Do we have duties we should be performing for the fae, with those kinds of titles?” I asked as I began to dish food onto my own plate.

/>   “Not really. There are celebrations and rituals that you might be asked to participate in, but we’re such a small regime right now, there are no duties you need to concern yourself with.”

  I ceased conversation long enough to quiet my grumbling belly. The food was excellent and I enjoyed every bite. I took seconds of the roast beef and a roll, and made a little sandwich out of it. “So, Grandma, what about the Macha?”

  I watched Grandma choke a little, then sip her wine before she turned to look at me. “I think I’ll refrain from discussing that until you’ve had the chance to work with Oak. It is a difficult topic for me, and I don’t want to taint your ideas.”

  “Ookayy…” I dragged out, then took a sip of my own wine. “While that’s better than ignoring my question outright, it does have me curious. But, for now, I’ll respect your request. I do ask, though, that if you think it’s something that could impact the final outcome of my studies, that you’ll tell me sooner rather than later?”

  “Of course,” Grandma said. “So, you said Mira was expecting again? Are they pleased?”

  “I guess so? I haven’t had a chance to talk to Sin outside of work in a couple of days. We’ve been like ships passing in the night, saying hello then goodbye as we rush off to our different tasks.”

  “You miss him, don’t you?”

  “I do, but it’s okay. I love Mira and I love how happy Sin is with his family. I also love that I’m not being pressured to hurry up and have kids of my own, when that’s not something I’m interested in right now.”

  “Are you still seeing Timon?” Grandma asked.

  “Sometimes. I’m also seeing three or four other gentlemen whose company I enjoy. Why?”

  “He came to me, to ask permission to formally court you.”

  “Oh, hell.” I sighed. “He’s my favorite out of all of them, but I’m so not interested in settling down with just one. What did you say?”

  “I told him that he should be asking you, not me. You were a modern woman and knew your own mind. I also told him that while I didn’t think you were interested in a bonding right now, that I would not dissuade his interest.”

  I put a hand over my face and sighed. “You basically said yes, but dumped it on me. Thanks, Grandma.”

  “Well? You don’t want me making your life decisions, do you?”

  “Of course not.”

  “Then say thank you and pour us both more wine. I chose this one because it goes well with the beef, but has a nice aftertaste if we want to keep drinking while we eat our pudding.”

  “I hope there’s more pudding and wine, because I think this is going to be a chocolate and wine kind of night.”

  “I’m the Queen. There’s always more chocolate and wine.”

  We both giggled at that – but inside I was groaning. I really didn’t want to break Timon’s heart, but there was no way in hell I was looking to marry anyone for a long time to come.

  I also doubted there was enough chocolate to deal with everything.

  * * *

  The next morning I got up, went for a run, then came back and made some eggs and coffee. I would have to spend a few hours in the Archives, so I made sure to grab my bag and phone before I headed down.

  I didn’t see Oak right away, so I put the bag of candy I’d picked up for him on his desk, then went to find the books I’d had before that spoke about the Macha.

  An hour later, I still couldn’t find them – nor could I find Oak. Frustration took over and I ended up grabbing a few books that might have some use and went back to my room. I left a note on Oak’s desk that I needed those three tomes urgently and he could send a messenger to find me when he returned.

  I ordered a burger, fries, and a pitcher of milkshakes from the kitchen when I took a break for lunch, then called a courier to see if Oak had returned. I had eaten half my food when the courier returned and said the Archivist was busy for the next couple of days and unavailable to assist the princess.

  Frustration quickly gave way to anger, and I stormed out of my room and found a royal guard. “Where is the Queen?”

  The poor man stuttered as I cornered him in the hallway. “She’s in meetings, Princess. She is not to be disturbed.”

  “Of course she is,” I snarled and went back to my room. I grabbed my phone and called the Queen instead. It went to voicemail. I left a message. “Grandma, this is Sidonie. I’m being stonewalled in my research and I’m not happy about it. The three volumes I need are missing from the archives, Oak is unavailable, and so are you. If this is some game, I’m not playing.”

  I threw my phone onto the table and dropped into a chair. The flash of anger and frustration shifted to determination, and I poured more of the milkshake into my cup, and pulled out my laptop and the newly gathered books. “Fine,” I said to myself. “I’ll just build my case from the side and then add the rest when it’s available. You’re not derailing me on this one, no way.”

  Hours passed while I dug through the books, found some online references, and kept filling in the blanks in my research. Celtic folklore had the Macha, Badb, and Nemain as the three Morrigna. It also seemed like fae, witch, and mythic tales had them as the Macha, the Badb, and the Nemain. Think of them as the female version of the horsemen of the apocalypse, minus one. Macha was the guardian of the land, fertility, and kingship, while Badb was the crow who used fear and confusion against her enemies – also the banshee who wailed to predict a death. Nemain was the guardian of the spirit world, the nemesis of those who would try to attack those she protected. Those are very general descriptions, but it gets the idea across. Macha also represented the crone, Badb the mother, and Nemain the maiden in the female triad so popular in Celtic myth.

  None of this still helped me find out who the current holders of those titles could be, or if there were even current holders. Maybe the titles had disappeared with the rituals as the years had passed – but somehow, I didn’t think so. I had a really strong feeling that there still existed a Macha and she was helping cause all of the chaos with the witches. I just had to figure out who – and how.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Sin

  After talking to my parents about the logistics of moving in and what our share of taxes and utilities would be, I left Mira and the kids with my folks. This way Mira could schedule the painting she wanted done and Dad could take her through the storage building to pick out any furniture, rugs, art, and so on that she wanted to use from the tons of stuff they had packed away. Knowing Mira, she wouldn’t want much of it, but I told her to look at the rugs because there were some really nice ones I had remembered.

  While she handled that, I drove to Grams’ place and knocked on the door before I stepped into the foyer. “Grams? You here?”

  “In the kitchen, Sin,” Grams called back.

  I went in to find her seated at the table, a cup of coffee near to hand and a book in front of her. I kissed her cheek. “Hi Grams, is there more coffee?”

  “In the pot,” she said so I grabbed a mug and the pot and brought it over to the table to refill her cup, then filled mine.

  “I’ve missed you, Grams, and I have a few things to talk over with you, if you’ve got the time?”

  This morning’s shirt was light purple with white letters that said, ‘In my defense, I WAS left unsupervised’ and I saluted her with my mug. “Perfect shirt. Can I get one for Reina?”

  Grams chuckled and leaned back, a bit of ribbon marking her place in the book. “What’s up, Sin? Everything okay?”

  “Well, yeah. I guess? I mean, lots of good things are happening, but it means more change and I’m kind of tired of so much major change,” I said. “Mira and I are going to be having a boy and girl in about seven months, and we’re going to need help. Mom and Dad offered us the east wing of the manor house, so we’re going to take it. That way Mom can help with the kids and Mira can help grow their botanical business.”

  Grams gave a sigh of relief and smiled at me. “This is a good thi
ng.”

  “It is? I thought you’d be upset that we were leaving the farm.”

  “Do I wish you were all staying nice and close? Yes, but I agree that the move will be best for Mira and the kids, as well as for Amelia. No, this helps because Sett and Lucia were trying to get permits passed to let them expand Sett’s tiny house. They kept running into roadblocks with the county. This way, they can take over your much larger space, and I can give Sett’s place to Siddie, so she has more room.”

  “And so you have more privacy. What will you do with Sid’s little place?”

  “Evelyn Rue needs a place. I’ll see if she wants to move in there. I’m pretty sure she’ll say yes, because she’s always over here, working in the herb room or on the farm anyway.”

  “Wow, I feel better already. I was worried we’d be causing you issues by moving. Sounds like the timing couldn’t be more perfect.”

  “Sometimes, random events are really not all that random,” Grams said. “It’s time for lunch. You hungry?”

  “Always, if you’re cooking,” I teased and she stuck her tongue out at me.

  I got up and hugged her, then whispered in her ear. “I’m always here for you, Grams. Just because I’m moving off the farm, doesn’t mean I won’t be around. I love you, and appreciate all you’ve done for us.”

  Grams patted my hands and kissed my cheek. “I know, my boy. I love you too. Now let me get us some lunch. Siddie should be done with her shower and coming over to eat, so you two can catch up as well.”

  “Awesome. I need to let her know about everything, too.”

  “Let me know about what?” I heard as Sid came in from the hall that led to her place.

  “Oh, so much stuff,” I said and went to snag her a mug so she could have coffee, too. “Come sit while Grams does her magic.”

  Soon we were seated at the table and I took a deep breath. “Mira and I are having boy and girl twins, and our house is too small, so Mom and Dad gave us the east wing. Mira’s gonna need help and this way Mom is there to help with the kids and Mira can help with the business.”