But Lirael did not smile. She moved away from the table.
"Have you discussed this with Father?" she asked, walking closer to her mother.
Velkynara met her eyes. "Your father gave his permission as a condition."
"What condition?" Lirael asked.
"That I bring you three with me. He will not let me leave for Lycanthria without you girls. I have to train the heiress to use her magic."
Lirael glanced at the twins. They were already whispering to each other about what clothes to pack. She looked back at her mother.
"Do you truly have to go to train the heiress of the Werewolf King? Could they not find someone else?" Lirael queried.
Velkynara shook her head. "It is not a request, Lirael. It is a summons. The High Priestess of Lycanthria sent a formal writ sealed with the temple wax. I cannot defy it. And I do not wish to."
"You sound happy about it," Lirael said.
