Chapter 36

Acelin’s P.O.V I rasped my knuckles on the mahogany double doors that guarded my mother’s parlor. The sound of the knock reverberated through the empty hallways and I took a minute to admire the woodwork while I waited on my mother to answer. Truly, there was none other like Michelangelo. “You called, mother?” I opened the door after I had permission to come in. “Filii amica mea!” (My darling son) My mother opened her arms for me with a gorgeous smile. “Come here!” “Salve mater,” (Hello mother) I went into her arms with a smile. “How have you been?” “Good, good,” she caressed my cheeks like I was still her little baby. “Come, sit. I’ve ordered to make your favorite cherry cobbler for desert today. You’ll be staying for dinner.” It wasn’t a request but a statement so I smiled and nodded my agreement. No one could say no to my mother. She was the Queen, after all. “So, what did you want to discuss with me?” I asked, even though I had a suspicion what the conversation would be about. “Lan