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  Jocelyn refused to admit the truth of that statement. “So you expect a magical attack?” she asked instead.

  “No. But it always pays to be prepared, just in case,” he said, ever vague.

  Jocelyn sighed, and gave up on that line of questioning. “I am not impressed at having Elizabeth for my heir,” she said instead.

  “She is not your heir, she’s mine. Are you questioning my choice?” he said ominously.

  “No, of course not,” Jocelyn said hurriedly. Though she’d only met him in person once, Jocelyn was not inclined to cross him. “It’s just that, do you really think she’ll be reliable enough, given her history?”

  “Probably not,” he said acceptingly, “But it is worth the chance.”

  “Why? Why do you seem to think she’s so important?” Jocelyn asked in frustration.

  “Because my dear, she is the only one in this world who has any chance of preventing the coming apocalypse.” His voice was so matter of fact, so calm, that Jocelyn couldn’t help but shudder at his words.

  It was enough to silence the rest of her questions. For now at least.

  Chapter 13 - Done

  Elizabeth’s trip up the stairs to Mitch’s room was not so sprightly this time, and she hoped there’d be no more obstacles to her quest tonight.

  Mitch hadn’t moved from his position on the bed, and his expression was carefully guarded.

  “It is done,” she told him. “You’re no longer the heir.”

  Mitch stared at her for a few moments, as though he were struggling to take in her pronouncement. “Really?”

  “Really,” she reiterated. “And now, can we go home, it’s been a very long day.”

  For a moment, she thought he was going to ask her who was the heir, and she wasn’t quite sure how to answer that one. It still hadn’t quite sunk in. Hopefully a good night’s sleep would help.

  But Mitch let it lie. His last concern dissolved, he agreed readily and Elizabeth pressed the stone into his hand and tiredly gathering up all the magic she could hold, teleported them straight back to Gemma’s front yard.

  The lights were on, and shadows moved in the kitchen. A lump formed in Elizabeth’s throat.

  She’d done it. Mitch was home.

  Her grandson ran up the path and knocked on the door.

  Seconds later, it was flung open, and Mitch was enveloped in his mother’s hug.

  Elizabeth watched, blinking away the tears.

  Mitch wasn’t the first missing child she’d brought home, but she’d never felt this emotional about any of the others.

  She should go. She didn’t belong here in this touching family reunion. They’d be fine without her now. Her job here was done.

  Well, aside from being the heir.

  Gemma pulled back, stared at her son, then hugged him again.

  Elizabeth turned, intending to leave before she got so caught up in the emotions she thought she might have a place here.

  Before she could move, Gemma let go of her son and hurried down the path to throw her arms around her. “Thank you, Mamma.”

  “It was nothing,” Elizabeth said, returning her hug awkwardly.

  What was Gemma going to say when she found out exactly how Elizabeth had achieved it? She’d said she didn’t want Mitch to be the heir, but did she really mean it?

  “No, it wasn’t nothing, it was wonderful. If it weren’t for you, Mitch wouldn’t be home again.”

  Elizabeth shrugged uncomfortably. She couldn’t really argue with that, but it didn’t even begin to make up for all the other things she’d done over the years.

  “You must be starving. Come in and have dinner,” Gemma invited. “You can tell me everything.”

  That was just what Elizabeth didn’t want to do right now. She wasn’t even sure how she felt about all of it, much less how Gemma was going to react. What she needed was a few hours alone to sort out how much her life had changed in the last twenty-four hours. Then maybe she could discuss it with composure.

  But her stomach rumbled. Starving didn’t even begin to describe it. She hesitated, sure an inn would have meals on standby at this time of night. Meals she could eat in silence.

  However, Gemma’s expression was so happy and open, Elizabeth didn’t have the heart to disappoint her. “Thanks, that sounds great,” she admitted, and followed them inside.

  “I’m sorry it’s just some eggs and roast beef from last night,” Gemma apologised as she fried up the leftovers, and warmed thick slices of beef in the skillet, “I haven’t had time to cook today.”

  The smell was making Elizabeth even more hungry. When Gemma put the plate in front of her, she tucked into the food eagerly, saying between mouthfuls, “This is delicious. I don’t think I’ve eaten since lunch.”

  She remembered that lunch, and it reminded her that those days had come to an end, for a time at least. She allowed herself a few minutes of reminiscing as she demolished the food on her plate, then, her hunger sated, she put it away from her.

  Surprisingly, she felt far more up to the explanations on a full stomach. There was one thing, at least, that she needed to tell Gemma.

  “Gemma, although Mitchell’s home, he’s still a mage, and something will need to be done about teaching him control of his magic, or he could seriously hurt someone,” Elizabeth began.

  Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Mitch’s fork pause half way to his mouth. His face had dropped, and he stared at his mother, as though expecting an outburst.

  Gemma though, nodded matter of factly. “How can we do that? I think Jocelyn has some mages… but I don’t know if they have time…?”

  So there were other Salinga mages. Interesting.

  Not important now. Elizabeth shook her head. “I made a promise to the king that I’d do it myself, and one doesn’t break a promise to the king.” She smiled at Mitch, hoping to lighten the mood, but his answering smile was forced. He put his food back on his plate, uneaten.

  Gemma heaved a sigh of relief. “I’m so pleased, Mamma. I’d much rather you do it than one of Jocelyn’s people,” she admitted.

  “Mum?” Mitch’s voice was hesitant and unsure.

  “Yes, darling?” Gemma said readily.

  “Are you sure you’re… well, not upset?” he asked awkwardly.

  “Upset, why would I be upset? You mean because you ran away?” Gemma asked, confused.

  “Well, that and… well, I’m a mage. Does that bother you?”

  Of course that was what he was upset about. Elizabeth berated herself for not realising earlier. Her long and exhausting day was no excuse.

  Elizabeth watched while Gemma considered the question, hoping her answer would set Mitch’s heart at ease.

  “Of course it bothers me,” Gemma admitted. “Magic is a lot of responsibility for anyone, and it does hold dangers. But I love you, and I trust that with Elizabeth’s help, you will grow into a wonderful and talented mage.”

  The expression on Mitch’s face lightened immediately, as though a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. “Aww, Mum.”

  He glanced over at Elizabeth, then added, “Mum, Elizabeth sorted it out so I’m not Jocelyn’s heir anymore. I hope you’re not upset.”

  Elizabeth winced. Of course. He probably felt bad about that too. He didn’t know she’d hoped to avoid getting into this tonight. Hopefully Gemma wouldn’t be upset.

  The look Gemma threw Elizabeth, though, was one of gratitude. “That’s wonderful, however did you manage it?”

  Elizabeth studied her face, but she genuinely seemed relieved. That made Elizabeth feel a lot better. “I just talked to Jocelyn. There really is no need to be so afraid of her,” she said evasively.

  Even though Gemma seemed pleased, Elizabeth was still reluctant to mention her new role. It felt… strange. Hard to believe.

  Not like her at all.

  “So is Amily the new heir?” Mitch asked, his expression growing nervous again.

  Elizabeth shook her head. “
No, even disregarding her recent behaviour, Jocelyn said she would never have been considered. They knew she wasn’t the right person for the job.”

  Mitch nodded in relief.

  “What do you mean, recent behaviour?” Gemma asked, confused, and Elizabeth was happy to sit quietly while Mitch explained Amily’s threats towards him and his mother, resulting in Gemma’s hugging him fiercely again.

  “Well, I’m glad she’s not the heir then. But who is?” She turned to Elizabeth.

  Elizabeth stared at both of them, her mind churning. But there was no evading the direct question. “Um, well. There wasn’t anyone else so…”

  Gemma waited as Elizabeth trailed off, but Mitch’s quick mind jumped on the answer. “You?” he asked.

  Gemma’s eyes widened. “Is it true, Mamma? You’re the new heir?” She sounded shocked and disbelieving.

  Elizabeth was having enough trouble coming to terms with it herself. “Apparently. Jocelyn said there was no one else, then laughingly said unless I wanted to take the job, and I said ‘Yes,’ and before I knew it…” she trailed off under Mitch and Gemma’s stares. “It wasn’t like I wanted it,” she said defensively. “I just figured it was better than Mitch having to do it.”

  “You don’t need to apologise, Mamma,” Gemma said quickly. “I won’t hold it against you,” she smiled.

  Elizabeth gave a laugh at that. That was exactly what she was feeling, like she was somehow betraying herself, her family, someone, by accepting the role. Bizarre.

  “It’s only until they find someone better anyway,” she explained. “Which I’m sure they will if Jocelyn has any say in it! She wasn’t at all impressed. I’m quite surprised she said yes actually.”

  Gemma grinned. “Yes, I suppose so. She’s going to find it quite hard to get you to toe the line, isn’t she?”

  Her remark actually made Elizabeth feel slightly better about things. Gemma had a point. Being Jocelyn’s heir wasn’t going to change her any. She gave a short laugh. “She has no hope.”

  It was somewhat of a relief, having all the news out there. With that sorted, and her belly filled, Elizabeth was more than ready to sleep. She pushed back her chair. “Well, we’ve all had an eventful day, so I think it’s probably best if we leave future explanations until tomorrow. I have to go and find an inn, so I probably should head off. Thank you for dinner, Gemma.”

  “An inn!” Gemma exclaimed, outraged. “You’re teasing me, aren’t you?”

  Elizabeth certainly didn’t have the energy to be teasing anyone, or even to figure out why going to bed could be construed as such. “No, I’m quite tired actually, and thought I’d head straight to bed.”

  “You’re not going to an inn,” Gemma insisted. “There is plenty of room here for you. Like we’d let you stay in an inn, right, Mitch?”

  Mitch readily added his voice to Gemma’s.

  Elizabeth hesitated. It felt strange and uncomfortable, being in this house after so long. But eight teleports in one day, even with the power borrowed from the Dome, was enough to wipe even her out.

  It wouldn’t hurt to stay one night. Would it? She was so tired, she’d be asleep in minutes.

  “Well, just for tonight. If I’m staying for a while, I’ll have to sort something a bit more permanent,” she agreed.

  Gemma didn’t disagree but from the look on her face, Elizabeth suspected she’d have a fight on her hands over that too.

  The thought made her feel strangely happy.

  Gemma showed her to a room, and Elizabeth almost fell into bed.

  Despite her tiredness though, sleep was hard coming. She tossed and turned for nearly an hour when it hit her.

  Digger.

  She’d barely even thought of him today, and she hadn’t really considered him in her decision to stay here to teach Mitch and become Jocelyn’s heir. It had all happened so suddenly, going from being here for a few days, to a month, to indefinitely.

  For a moment, sadness overwhelmed her. Partly for the loss of the life they’d led together, and party because, to her surprise, she’d miss him. They’d worked well together.

  They’d never made any promises to stay together, but she did owe him, not an explanation, she wasn’t sure if she even could explain this, but a goodbye at least.

  Telling him in person would have been her preferred option, but that wasn’t practical. Overland, a round trip would take at least two weeks, and that wasn’t accounting for any time she spent while she was there.

  Teleporting would have been much quicker, but she wasn’t sure the mages would approve of her using the Dome as a transportation hub. She’d hesitated to do it the first time, only the urgency of the situation had overcome her fears. She wasn’t going to risk it a second time.

  That left only one option. She stayed up for another hour trying to come up with a letter, and even then she wasn’t really happy with it. There really was no way to explain the situation. She’d never told him about her family and a goodbye letter didn’t seem the time to bring it up.

  In the end, her note was short, and to the point.

  Dear Digger,

  I’m sorry I had to leave without warning, and even sorrier I won’t be back to explain in person. I’m afraid that events necessitate my remaining here in Asherad indefinitely.

  I know this comes out of the blue, but the situation has been brewing for some time, and I have ignored my responsibilities for too long already.

  I’m going to miss you, my friend, but am sure that you will have plenty more adventures without me. Perhaps we shall meet again, and if not, know that I will think of you often and with fondness.

  I hate to ask it of you, but could you send my belongings, and of course, Rianna, to the above address?

  Elizabeth.

  That would have to do. She knew that no matter how many times she rewrote it, it could never really convey her feelings. She wasn’t even certain of them herself.

  She put it on the table beside her bed, she’d send it by pigeon tomorrow, and then was finally able to sleep.

  The End

  Prophecy Unravelled

  Contested Heir

  Rin Grey

  Contested Heir Table of Contents

  Prophecy Unravelled Blurb

  Map of Linarra

  Title Page

  Elusive Heir

  Contested Heir Contested Heir Blurb

  Chapter 1 - Questions

  Chapter 2 - Lessons

  Chapter 3 - Fears

  Chapter 4 - Stay

  Chapter 5 - Regrets

  Chapter 6 - Amends

  Chapter 7 - Challenge

  Chapter 8 - Enemies

  Chapter 9 - Reunion

  Chapter 10 - Introductions

  Chapter 11 - Visitors

  Chapter 12 - Confrontation

  Chapter 13 - Seekers

  Chapter 14 - Choices

  Chapter 15 - Decisions

  Divided Heir

  Wayward Heir

  About the Author

  Contested Heir Blurb

  Elizabeth can face down a band of mercenaries without flinching, but her family is another matter.

  Elizabeth never asked to be heir of the family business. She only took on the role to keep her grandson safe. She doesn't even know what the position involves, but it can't offer her any of the chances to use her magic that her work as an honourable mercenary did, can it?

  The more she finds out, the more intrigued she is. She's shocked, even angry, to learn that her family has magic, that they've had it for longer than should be possible. They might know things that even the mage kingdom doesn't. Maybe there's a place for her here after all?

  But someone isn't happy about her being the heir. They'll stop at nothing to get her out of the picture. How can Elizabeth keep them safe when her predecessor keeps getting in the way?

  Chapter 1 - Questions

  Elizabeth splashed water on her face, then stared blankly at her reflection in the mirror hanging above the w
ashstand, not really seeing it. She’d had a restless night, even after writing out a letter telling Digger she wouldn’t be back.

  Writing it resolved the overt guilt she’d been feeling at the time, though it did leave her feeling a little sad that chapter in her life had ended. She’d always known it wasn’t forever though.

  That wasn’t what had kept her awake.

  Sleeping in this house, where she’d started her family so many years ago, with her grown up daughter and grandson, was probably more than enough to justify her broken sleep. She needed to find her own space, a room at an inn, as soon as possible.

  That might improve her sleep, but it wouldn’t solve all the issues. Mitch’s magic and his mother’s fear of that magic were certainly going to cause problems. Problems they were both looking to her to solve.

  That responsibility weighed heavily on her.

  She had no doubts at being able to teach her grandson to use and control his magic adequately. Gemma’s fear would be a little trickier to deal with, but she’d muddle through. Ultimately, that one was up to Gemma to solve. Elizabeth suspected her presence would only make it worse.

  It wasn’t like Gemma didn’t have very real reasons for fearing magic.

  Her stomach twisted at the thought, so she pushed it away.

  There was another, heavier one, just waiting to step into its place.

  She was now the Salinga heir.

  Whenever she thought of that one, her mind rebelled.

  Helping Mitch with his magic was temporary. In a month or so, he wouldn’t need her any longer. She’d be free to be on her way and back to her normal life. Yes, Gemma and Mitch would be sad to see her go, but they’d get over it.

  Being the heir though, that would be harder to escape.

  She tried to tell herself that was temporary too. That Jocelyn was probably searching for a better option even now. But she found it hard to convince herself of that. If they’d had a better option, she wouldn’t be here.