There was a flutter of chatter, some soft laughs, and murmured agreements around the room.
“Not only do I have every intention of continuing my time as premier for a few more years, but the minister of the Wapiti, Nancy Oaks, has agreed to serve as an interim premier as well as one of Michelle’s advisors once she is premier.” Ethel motioned to my mom. “Your interim premier.”
Mom walked over to the podium. Her voice was soft, and even with the sound spells, the audience had to stay quiet to hear her. “I’ve had the unique experience of being in every part of the clan, from heir apparent, to outcast, to member, to minister. I’ve seen clans at their best, where everyone is lifted up by strong leadership and a community mentality.” She paused. “I’ve seen clans torn apart by petty disputes, political pandering, and poor management. As interim minister, I plan to continue following Ethel’s vision, develop programs to help struggling clans and witches, as well as easing the transition between Ethel and Michelle.”
Mom continued with the scripted speech, but I stopped listening because I’d heard it too many times to count while she’d been making sure she knew exactly how she wanted to say every word. Instead I was watching the audience’s gaze jump from my mom to me. The little magic show had been intended to help refute any rumors that I’d lost my powers, but I wasn’t sure it had worked.
Not only were people continuing to watch me, but it was hard to hide the truth. I had lost my powers. When I’d been controlling the spell that killed the demons once and for all, I’d channeled too much magic. Between the spell and loss of magic, I’d nearly died. A witch had managed to heal me, but it would take time, likely years, before I was back to my full strength. While I didn’t need much power to be premier, I needed what I had, and I needed enough to squish any arguments that I wasn’t a witch. If this demonstration hadn’t been enough, I’d have to figure out something else, because I didn’t want to be dealing with the issue forever.
Plus the rumors weren’t doing my business as a magical consultant to police departments any good. While having lots of magic made things easier, I could still do my job. I’d have to be more resourceful, relying less on brute power, but I was still a witch. I just needed a chance to prove myself. Maybe when I got home there’d be a case waiting for me.
Clapping pulled me out of my thoughts and back into the present. I quickly joined in as my mom returned to her seat next to me. While I’d had pockets of noisy supporters, Mom’s applause was both evenly distributed throughout the crowd and louder. Lethe had been right. People would love her, making accepting me easier.
Ethel returned to the podium. I straightened my shoulders, knowing what was going to happen next. “Ladies and gentlemen.” Ethel’s voice boomed through the room. “Let the conference begin!”
Magical fireworks exploded across the ceiling, sending red, white, and blue lights glimmering as they drifted down, vanishing before they touched anyone. The crowd roared, and the orderly commencement dissolved into the beginnings of a party with people shouting, hugging, talking, and racing for the exits.
I didn’t have it in me to celebrate. The rest of my evening was going to be filled with making official appearances at every gathering the convention was hosting. That meant smiling, saying the right thing, smiling some more, and wishing I was back home with Elron, my fiancé.
Ethel finished thanking the event host and marched over to me. Rather than one of her usually vivid outfits, she was wearing a positively sedate pale rose dress suit, her white hair pulled back in a bun. By comparison, my camel slacks and emerald-green silk shirt were plain.
“You did well. The overall reception was better than we hoped for, but there’s more to be done.”
Suppressing a sigh, I nodded. “I didn’t get the tone right, did I?”
She pursed her lips, studying me. “The speech was fine, but some of the people are still trying to live like we have our own communities and never see the rest of the world. Your mission statement was strong. They need time to get used to the idea.”
“Right,” I muttered without enthusiasm. “On to part two, spending the night charming them.”
“Precisely.” The word was filled with energy I didn’t have. “Now, we have time for a quick dinner before we get started.”
I got to my feet and tried to remember all the reasons I wanted to be here. Yesterday, saving witches from being tortured or used as pawns in a political game had sounded so very noble. Today it was a lot of work and being chased around by a feisty old woman. Hopefully I’d have as much energy at her age.
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Thank You
Thank you for taking the time to read A Witch’s Demons. If you enjoyed this story, please post a review. Reviews are a valuable way for authors to connect with readers. Please continue for information on upcoming books as well as my contact information.
Also by N. E. Conneely
A Witch’s Path Series:
Witch for Hire (Book 1)
A Witch’s Path (Book 2)
A Witch’s Trial (Book 3)
A Witch’s Concern (Book 4)
A Witch’s Rite (Book 5)
A Witch’s Demons (Book 6)
Michelle’s Case Files:
Michelle’s Case Files: A Collection of Short Stories (Vol. 1)
Witch’s Path World:
Handyman for Hire
Oceanside
Fey Hearted:
Fey At Heart (Prequel)
Fey Hearted (Book 1)
About the Author
N.E. Conneely lives in northern Georgia with her dog and a mountain of books. They sweat through the summer and freeze through the winter, and life as they know it comes to an end when so much as a single snowflake falls out of the sky.
For fun, N.E. plays with her dog, reads, knits, crochets, paints, and does tie-dyeing and origami. She makes a great pizza and is currently negotiating with her husband about raising sea monkeys and growing a vegetable garden.
Please visit neconneely.com to find information on her current works in progress.
www.neconneely.com
[email protected]
A Witch’s Demons (Witch's Path Series: Book 6) Page 26
