The burning herbs and candles Marie used to calm herself were taking much longer to work than usual. The sight of that woman aggravated her spirit.
She lay on the bed with her eyes closed, convincing herself that she had nothing to worry about, but she wasn't very believable.
Marie even took it a step further when Sargon introduced her to Dezerae and she read her mind.
It wasn't like Marie to read minds unless she really needed to, but she went against her better judgement and invaded Dezerae's thoughts, making things worse for herself.
From Dezerae's body language alone, she didn't even need to read her mind in order to learn what it was she really wanted from Sargon.
Dezerae did not think much of Marie. She looked at her like she was the help. She was specifically there for Sargon.
Marie left before she let her emotions take over. A jealous witch is a very destructive one and she already feared her own power.
Sargon would have to keep Princess Dezerae under control. He did not do the best job last time and Dezerae seemed very determined to get what she wanted.
Marie was boiling with anger. She needed to distract herself. Even the thought of her touching him caused Marie to see red.
Controlling your emotions was much more difficult when it involved someone you care deeply about.
Marie wondered if her behavior had anything to do with the mate bond. She normally was not a jealous person, but this was intense. Then again, she had never felt connected or attracted to anyone like she did Sargon.
Focusing on her research was nearly impossible with the presence of that woman in the castle. She could sense that she had not left yet.
"Snap out of this, Marie. You have work to do." She said scolding herself.
She got up out of bed and retrieved her mother's spell book. Instead of flipping through the pages, she decided to take her time. There must be a way to break the spell placed on Harold without having to face Sybil.
Sybil wanted her power and right now she was stronger than Marie. There was no way Marie could negotiate with her to release Harold from the spell. She wouldn't need to negotiate. She would just kill her and take her power.
Partnering up with Beth would probably not be the best idea either. Beth was weaker than Marie and if placed in a compromising situation, she wasn't sure what Beth would do. She may end up in a worse situation than before.
Marie began feeling frustrated. She wasn't finding anything she could use in her mother's book, and she was completely confused.
Suddenly, her phone rang, interrupting her frustration.
Marie searched for her phone, realizing she had not used it since she arrived at the castle. She rummaged through her satchel and finally located it.
She looked at the screen to find Beth calling her.
"Hi Beth. I was just thinking about you."
"Ahh, you miss my baking huh?" She asked teasingly.
"You know it!" Marie replied.
"Isabel came by. She said she is willing to help."
"What? Why the change of heart?" Marie asked puzzled.
"She didn't really say, but it seems a little personal."
"Well, I guess that is a good thing. Listen, let's not talk too much about it over the phone."
"Yeah, when do you want to meet again?"
"Hmm, in a couple of days. We can meet at my house. I have a few things to finish here first."
"Ok, how is it with the Alpha?"
Marie tried her best to hide what she really felt at the moment.
"Everything is going well. It is just a little crazy with all that has happened. I will tell you all about it when I see you. Thank you so much for helping me with this. See you soon." Marie said as they hung up.
Marie plopped back down on the bed feeling a little more at ease than before. With three witches going up against Sybil, they actually stood a chance.
With her mother's book in her hand she lay in bed, turning pages from the first page. The spell book was such an interesting one. There were stories, songs, chants and so many things that can be used in magic.
An unfamiliar page stood out to Marie. Aurienth. Her mother had mentioned this place before. It was like a safe haven for witches who were harmed but didn't have ill intentions. The place was beautiful, like a fantasy land.
The witches become trapped there for recovery and protection. They may never leave, or they face the death they were saved from. The only way to leave is if the witch who tried to end them is killed.
My mother is in Aurienth. Marie thought as she placed her hand over her mouth and dropped the book. She isn't dead.
Tears fell from Marie's eyes at the thought of her mother alive. She didn't think it would be possible. It had been years since she lost her.
Now she would try everything she could to get her back. Eliminating Sybil would save her mother and Harold. She had to do this right.
Marie didn't realize how much time had passed since she was in her room. It was nearly dinner time.
Her mood had improved since she had some form of a plan to go with and since her mother may be alive. Things seemed to be coming together finally.
She packed up her belongings and put them away in her closet and went to take a shower to get ready for dinner.
She decided to dress up a bit. After all, she was just mated to the Alpha. She wore a black and red long-sleeve dress that was low cut to the small of her back.
Marie wore it beautifully as her long black hair brushed along her back as she walked around in her room, while finishing up.
A knock on the door interrupted her. As she opened the door, Sargon was ready to escort her to dinner.
"How am I so lucky to have someone so beautiful as mine?" Sargon said as he reached for Marie's hair, brushing his fingers through it, giving her butterflies.
He guided her by the small of her back out of the room and closed the door. He began trailing his fingers up and down Marie's back causing Marie's core to tighten and grow warm.
"I love this dress." He whispered as they walked into the dining hall. Marie knew her face was red from blushing.
"We are having dinner with Harold and Catelyn tonight." He said, pulling out a chair for Marie then seating himself at the head of the table.
"How are guys doing? How is Vianna?" Marie asked.
Vianna is doing well. She and Alaric have been inseparable again since the spell was broken. We are fine with the exception of the pains of pregnancy." Catelyn smiled tiredly.
"It will all be over soon. I can give you some herbs that will help you to have less pain and strengthen you and the baby as you progress." Marie said with a smile.
"I would love that, Marie. Thank you so much." Catelyn replied.
In the middle of their conversation, Dezerae walked into the dining hall, skimming her fingers along the chairs as she walked by. She sat herself next to Sargon right across from Marie.
Everyone grew quiet and looked at each other and then Sargon.
"Am I not invited to dinner? I am after all, your guest for the next few days." Dezerae smiled.
Marie looked at Sargon in shock. "What is she still doing here?" She asked telepathically.
"It is simply business, Marie. She is staying here for a few days. You have nothing to worry about." Sargon replied.
"You could have told me this when you came to my room, Sargon!" Marie said trying to hide her annoyance
Everyone looked at Sargon and Marie as they remained silent, not knowing they were having an entire telepathic argument.
"We can discuss this later, Marie." He said as he looked away from her. Marie was furious but she wore a smile to hide it.
"What, am I not invited?" Dezerae asked.
Sargon was quiet for a moment.
"You are welcome to eat with us Princess Dezerae." Sargon said.
Marie could feel the anger burning inside of her. She had hoped it didn't show on her face.
The maids quickly brought Dezerae a place setting and poured her a glass of wine as she sat back and removed her gloves to get comfortable.