***
I stand on a rolling dune of the Gray Sea, the warm grains of sand heating the tender soles of my bare feet. Wind whips my long cotton nightgown about my legs. Although I’m deep asleep, I’m awake and alert inside this dreamscape. It’s my first since the thrax autumn tournament took place one week ago.
One week ago? That disaster is as fresh as if it were yesterday.
I set my hands onto the dark ground, creating a circle of white flame. My mother’s form rises from the earth, her body made from granules of sand. The ring of fire flashes higher, then vanishes. Mom now appears in flesh and blood. She wears her purple robes and stands before the speaker podium in the Senate chamber.
“I stand before you today to address an issue that many of you will find hard to accept.” Mom clears her throat. “Many believe that the differences between ghouls and demons run so deep, there could never be an alliance between them.” She scans the chamber floor. Most Senators whisper in small groups. A handful watch her with mild interest. Xavier leans against the back wall in his gray suit, his face creased with worry. Tim stands in the doorway, his eyes large with fear.
Mom slams her fist on the podium. More Senators glare in her direction. “I won’t mince words. I believe Ambassador Armageddon is creating an alliance with ghouls for the invasion of Purgatory. We must act!”
A gray-haired senator with a lanky body and an elephant tail takes to his feet. “Senator Lewis, we’ve been over this before. These allegations are not the work of a sane mind. You’ve been warned about this. If you continue on this path, we must move for your impeachment.”
My breath catches. My mother…Impeached? The word rattles around my brain, sending jolts of shock and alarm though my system.
The Senate chamber springs to life. All attention glues to Mom as she starts a shouting match with the elder Senator.
Xavier rushes forward to stand beside Mom. “The issue of Armageddon will be tabled for the day, thank you.” He wraps his long arm about Mom’s shoulder and guides her to the back wall of the Senate chamber.
My body relaxes. Disaster averted.
Mom and Xavier huddle by the chamber wall. She shoves his hand off her shoulder. “Why did you do that?”
“Senator Adams was about to start impeachment proceedings.”
Her eyes glow red. “And I was about to start calling for your replacement.”
He grins. “I suppose I should send Senator Adams a gift basket, then.” His eyes flare blue. “Do you think he likes peanuts?”
Mom’s frown warms into a sad smile; her eyes fade to chocolate brown. “If you’re going to say ‘I told you so,’ get it over with.”
“I won’t.” Xavier pauses. “How about taking a break? I hear there’s a lovely garden behind your diplomatic offices. We could get ice cream on the way.” He leans in closer, whispering in her ear. “When’s the last time you ate ice cream?”
Okay, this guy is a total cutie. Why couldn’t Mom have hooked up with him? Part of me wonders if she did at some point. My rock-solid faith in Mom’s inability to lie is officially starting to crumble.
“It’s been a long time, that’s for certain.” She blushes. “I don’t know, Xavier.”
I can see Mom’s knees turning into Jell-O from here. I purse my lips, considering. Maybe she did hook up with him.
“Come on, leave the Senate building for just one afternoon. I am Ambassador after all. We can talk about nothing but work, if you like.”
Their gazes meet for a long moment. Mom licks her lips. “Alright.”
I smile. Ice cream and a walk. That’s so cute, I want to pinch their cheeks.
The pair head toward back door of the Senate chamber. Mom waves to Tim. “I’m so glad you’re here. Can you clear my schedule for this afternoon? The Ambassador and I are going out.”
Tim nods. “Yes, Senator Lewis.” A muscle twitches along his neck. He watches them leave, his irises flaring demon red.
So, Tim definitely had jealousy issues. I consider asking Mom about that, and then rule against it. With my luck, I’ll find out he went berserk and shot up the Senate chamber over her.
Before me, the scene in the Gray Sea turns back into grains of sand. The figures of Mom, Xavier, and Tim disintegrate into the ground.
I awake to the sound of Mom humming a nonsense tune. I stretch and yawn, then slip out of bed and pad into the kitchen. Mom stands by the stove, clicking on the gas burner below a frying pan. She smiles. “What do you want in your omelet?”
“I’ll eat cereal, thanks.”
“Let’s take a break from Frankenberry. How about peppers and onions?”
“Yum.” I slide into my favorite seat at the kitchen table. “I had another dreamscape last night.”
Mom whisks some egg whites in a small bowl. “Do you have any questions for me?”
I squeeze my eyes tight. I won’t ask the question, I won’t ask the question, I won’t ask the question.