Chapter 26

What — what does it mean? Annas eyes were enormous. If he has this… and if hes not a Changeling…

It could mean a lot of things, Ivy said, fighting the urge to rush. She was terrified they might be interrupted at any moment, that Mary might come charging around the corner to stop the conversation in its tracks… But the important thing to know is that Colin can still lead a long, happy life. No two autistic people are exactly alike, but once you understand whats going on with him, you can learn to communicate with him better — and you can all work together to build a life that will make you all happy.

Id like that very much, Anna whispered, her eyes filling with tears. Oh, Im sorry?—

Dont be, Ivy said quickly, reaching out to squeeze the womans hands — but before she could react, Anna flung her arms around her. She hugged the woman as she sobbed, torn between sympathy and amusement. There, there. Its alright?—

I feel like the worst mother in the world, Anna wailed, her voice muffled by the sleeve of Ivys gown. I just — I just love him so much, and I want to hold him and squeeze him and show him Im there for him, but he goes stiff and cries and hates me?—

He doesnt hate you, Anna, Ivy said, pulling back to hold the woman by the shoulders and seeking her teary eyes. Of course, he doesnt hate you. But its possible he feels a little overwhelmed by being held. Do you ever feel like the world is pressing in on you? Like theres too much light and sound and noise, too many things demanding your attention, too much stimulation? She squeezed her shoulders tightly, kept squeezing — then shook her lightly until she pulled away, frowning. See — there. Like that. You dont hate me, right?

No, I just… wanted some space. Annas eyes were thoughtful. Mary says all real children like to be held by their mothers. She said its proof — proof that hes not my child. Her voice shook.

I dont believe that, Ivy said steadily. Do you?

I have to go, Anna whispered. Brian will be wondering where I am. Thank you, Ivy.

And just like that, she was gone, leaving Ivy staring after her and hoping like hell that some of what shed said had gotten through to her.

If only Edward had been there to talk to… as the night closed in and she faced the prospect of sleeping alone for the first time in a week, she missed her phone more than she had since shed arrived. What she wouldnt give to be able to hear his voice right now… she tossed and turned uneasily all night, her mind racing with thoughts of her conversation with Anna. Had she said enough, explained it well enough? It was going to have to be enough, she told herself as she struggled to get to sleep. It wasnt as though she could go around to Annas quarters with a handful of useful pamphlets and some online resources to get her started… but at least shed managed to plant a few seeds.

The next few days were damp and inclement, but the morning of the third day was bright and clear — good weather for riding, Ivy thought as she headed down for breakfast. Maybe it would speed Edwards journey along and hed return to her… she was fiercely hoping that hed be back today. Not only did she have a lot to talk with him about, she wasnt keen on spending yet another long night in bed by herself. But she was distracted from those thoughts by the chaotic energy in the entrance hall. People were hurrying back and forth with luggage, calling instructions back and forth across the space… she frowned as she moved carefully into the fray. Surely the Keep wasnt welcoming yet more guests?

But no, she realized as she emerged into the early morning sunlight in the courtyard. Quite the opposite. It was the Gilroys, packing up their horses and a couple of carriages… ready for the journey back to their own Sept. She could see Brian standing by the carriage with Anna at his side, the two of them deep in conversation. Ivy lingered on the steps, not sure how to take this news. Her first instinct had been fear for Colins safety, but she could see that Anna had the baby held in her arms… but not squeezed tightly to her body, she noticed with a flare of hope. Was it possible that the two of them had begun to accept their son?

And what did that mean for Mary? She couldnt see the woman anywhere… and just as that thought occurred to her, she heard fresh commotion erupt behind her. Of course, Ivy thought faintly, moving quickly out of the way as a familiar figure strode out of the Keep and took up a position at the top of the stairs. Trust Mary Gilroy to make an entrance. She called for silence across the courtyard, fury vivid on her features, her slight figure made more imposing by the worried-looking group of Gilroys who stood behind her in a clear gesture of support.

Youre making a mistake, Brain Gilroy! she called, her voice carrying effortlessly on the morning air. Dont do this!

Mother, theres no need to make a scene, Brian responded testily, taking long strides across the courtyard to close the space between them. It was clearly far too late for that, though… Ivy could feel herself quickly becoming part of an interested crowd of Keep residents who were gathering to witness the family dispute. Were leaving, and thats the end of it. Youd do well to come with us, he added, his gaze shifting to the Gilroys who were standing behind Mary. Ill not forget this behavior from any of you?—

Mary Gilroy is right, snapped one of the men, stepping forward with his arms folded across his chest. Youre carrying a Fae monstrosity right into the heart of Clan Gilroy, and I wont stand for it.

This child is my son, Brian roared, all hopes of not making a scene clearly forgotten — Ivy tensed at the way his furious voice bounced off the walls around them, echoing out across the Loch beyond. She wouldnt be surprised if Maggie was pricking up her ears in her cottage at the volume of the argument. Hes coming home with us?—

To be raised as your son and heir? Ill not follow a Changeling Chieftain, the man retorted… but Ivys attention was on Mary, not on the man at her side, at the pleased, pinched look on her narrow face. It was clear she was the source of these mens worries, clear that shed been coaching them… but why? What possible reason could Mary have for bearing this much ill will toward a baby whod done absolutely nothing wrong?

Mother, please, Brian said, his jaw tight and his eyes burning with frustration — Ivy could see that hed come to the same conclusion as she had. I dont understand why youre being like this. Colin may be a little odd, but hes not a Changeling and hes not a demon. Weve entertained your suspicions long enough — for Gods sake, we even brought the local priest in?—

And the beast screamed the house down when the holy water touched his skin! Mary countered, her eyes full of a wild intensity. Thats a monster in your wifes arms, Brian! Id be no mother at all if I didnt protect you from the creature — if I didnt do what was right, no matter how difficult it may seem — this is strength, dont you see? Strength is resisting a parents sentimentality to see the truth of the situation?—

Its you who doesnt see the truth, Mary. In contrast to Brian and Mary, Annas voice was barely audible… but the woman was drawn up to her full height, those pale blue eyes burning with anger as she held her child protectively close to her chest. Colin was whimpering and getting agitated, kicking his legs against his mothers grip. You dont have to accept your grandson, but you cant stop us from loving him.

There was a murmuring in the crowd, and Ivy looked up to see a familiar figure making his way through the assembled Clan members — her heart lifted into her throat and she felt a foolish smile slip across her face despite the tense situation. Edward, right on time — still dressed for the road, a cloak around his broad shoulders and a look of confusion and concern on his face as he took in the situation and quickly figured out what was going on.

Cousin, youre a welcome sight, Brian said, turning to Edward with a grateful look on his face. Tell us — what news do you bring from the other side of the Loch?

My apologies, cousins. Edward shook his head, looking back and forth between the divided groups of Gilroys. I spoke with every single person in that fishing village — none of them had seen a thing. No trace of a stolen child, no news of strange happenings since his birth… theres simply no evidence of what youve asked me to prove.

That doesnt mean it isnt true, Mary Gilroy snapped, her eyes burning. Only that the man we sent is incompetent… and no wonder, distracted as he is by his affair with that young woman whos been so desperate to get her hands on the thing pretending to be my grandson…

The Gilroys were exchanging uneasy glances, and it wasnt hard to tell why. Marys iron-clad control was beginning to slip — her sentences were beginning to ramble, her body language growing jerky as she sensed the tide of opinion turning. Ivy didnt even feel especially stung by the insult being flung her way — it was too obvious that it was coming from a woman in a desperate situation.

Lady Gilroy, why do you loathe this child so much? Edward stepped forward, his back straight but his voice soft and gentle as Ivy had ever heard it.

Because I know what it is, Mary snapped, her eyes cold and hard. Look at it now, wont you? Screaming and wailing, fighting to get away from its own mother! What infant does that? Sure enough, Colin was putting up a fight, and Anna was struggling more and more to keep him still… and Ivy gritted her teeth. Shed seen enough meltdowns to recognize what was happening here. All the shouting and raised voices, plus the ongoing pressure of his mother holding him tightly… anyone would feel overwhelmed in a situation like that.

And to Ivys horror, Annas eyes were filling with tears as she looked up at Mary. She was wavering… and the older woman could sense it. Quick as lightning, Mary moved down the steps, her expression shifting instantly into one of sympathy and concern.

Now then, Anna, my sweet girl, she crooned as she approached. Its admirable, truly it is, that youre so dedicated to this creature — its a sign of what a wonderful mother youll someday be. But you have to face the truth — this creature is not your son. Your real son is lost, and we will all mourn for him. But this… Mary shook her head as she gestured at the baby. Strange — for all her seeming vitriol towards the baby, she seemed oddly reluctant to actually look at him. This isnt your child. Youre a good mother and a good woman, Anna. You deserve a baby that can actually love you.

And as those words rang out across the courtyard, Ivy felt something in her snap.