Chapter 2
Brother and sister met outside Issac’s house, the first time they’d seen each other in months, their relationship never very close. It started when they were young – he was the favourite as the boy, at least until it became obvious how unlikely he was to follow their father.
“Thaddeus asked me to meet with him earlier.” Issac’s eyes were worried. “Marion, how much have you told him about father’s plans?”
“Very little.” Marion studied Issac. Even though they’d never talked much about it they both made the same choice. “I thought it was for the best.”
Did he believe her? Marion didn’t know him well enough to be able to tell what was going through his mind, and she wrapped her arms around herself. Why would she tell Thaddeus? Unless Issac thought she also wanted power. It wasn’t as though she hadn’t married Thaddeus.
“Father was the one who planned the wedding.” Even to herself she sounded defensive. “The same way he did with yours.”
“I know, Marion.” Issac’s voice was understanding. “This isn’t me accusing you of anything. All I wanted was to understand where the idea might have come from.”
“Idea?”
“Thaddeus and Emory want immortality. They believe they’re willing to do whatever they might have to in order to make it happen.”
“Without understanding how dangerous it might be to play with that kind of magic.”
A nod, and a sigh. “They wouldn’t listen to me.”
“You think Thaddeus is more likely to listen to me?” Marion shook her head. “I’m his wife, Issac, nothing more. Even though I gave him his heirs I know him too well to think he actually cares what I might think of his plans. He doesn’t see the person I am.”
“I need you to try. Everyone needs you to try.”
Maybe the anger was to be expected. After all this time Issac only contacted her to get her to stop her husband from making bad choices. “Did you really think I wouldn’t? I’m going to speak with him, little brother.”
“Marion…”
“The likelihood of me succeeding is low, and I need you to understand that. We have to think of another way of stopping him if I can’t talk him out of this.”
“Of course I understand that. I will look into other possibilities. We both know what might happen.”
They both did know. Marion closed her eyes for a moment, to regain control of her emotions. They’d been through more than most, which might have made others closer, but maybe it was her relationship with Thaddeus already getting in the way.
“Thaddeus is more like Father than I wanted him to be. He’s passed that on to our sons.” Marion thought of Zachary and Titus. “Titus is the worst of the two of them, but both will work with Thaddeus.”
“I thought they would, and then there’s Emory.”
“Unfortunately. The Lockwood brothers are close, Issac. If Emory believes this is the right decision there’s even less I can do.”
“Have you ever wished Father chose someone else?”
“More times than I want to admit. Petra was the best of the three of them. I miss her.”
“So do I.” Issac’s voice was full of emotion, but Marion couldn’t step forward to comfort him. It wasn’t their relationship. “As much as I love Catherine there are still nights when I dream of Petra.”
“It’s normal.”
“Catherine says the same. Fortunately. I always worry.”
“I’m glad you have her. Let me talk to Thaddeus. When I have I’ll contact you, and we can plan out next steps.”
“As much as I hate to rush you he’s not a patient person, and I know he wants to move forward soon.”
“Sounds like Thaddeus. It will happen tonight.”
“I’m sorry.”
It had been a long time since the two of them hugged, probably since they were children, and Marion breathed in, grateful Issac made the decision to talk to her. Maybe it was possible for her to stop Thaddeus, but it seemed unlikely.
“So am I.”
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