Bernice got up and went behind Emma. She curled her arms around her shoulders and rested her head on hers. "I know you are worried, but he has sent you here for a reason. He is worried about you, which is understandable."
Emma closed her eyes as she reveled in her mother's touch. This was something she always missed. She had seen Avice doing it to Angus, but never to her. "And I am worried about him…"
After the rare mother-daughter moment, Bernice said, "How about we go to the palace tomorrow morning? We can take Angus with us and I will introduce you to the queen." She went to sit back on her chair.
Ivy opened the door and peeped inside. "Should I serve dinner, prospectress?"
"Yes," Bernice replied. "Has Angus woken up?"
"He has and he is most curious about the stables we have at the back of the house. He is currently talking to Nephie."
