They may have only been facts, but Madeleine felt herself react to the idea of putting a child – of putting Zaviar in a cage. Every muscle tensed. She did not care how practical or necessary it may have been. It seemed more wrong to her than she imagined putting a baby in the fire must do to everyone else in the world. Certainly no child of hers would be going in one, regardless of the reason. As already said, a crib made of wood would not be suitable. Something else, then, obviously. Without thinking, she gave Zaviar’s hand a gentle squeeze. “We’ve got ages to work that part out.” Yes, she was convincing herself rather than Zaviar. Even then, the full nine months was not ‘ages’ and they did not have that long any more. “The damn thing can be custom made if needs be.” There. That idea actually put her mind to rest somewhat. Custom made. Why not?
“Mm,” she gave a nod of agreement. “He objects to what he views as the appreciation of every element except Fire. Being born too late, I’ve not a clue what he’s talking about if he begins to rant.” Nor did she particularly want to, because then she would feel compelled to join in and not only was there absolutely no point, but invariably at least one allegedly priceless item of furniture would somehow catch fire. In a household of fire elementals it was impossible to prove who had done it. Could the Calverts be involved in international terrorism? Madeleine couldn’t quite keep the sneer from her face because she honestly didn’t think highly enough of either of them to believe it, but underestimating one’s opponent was usually the first mistake in films, was it not? “It would certainly be an improvement from losing debates with Kennedy on live television, but the culprit could be anywhere. Which is annoying. Personally I’d like to burn their face off for the sheer inconvenience.” Like a chemical peel only… not. ‘It usually involves lots of knives and screaming. I don’t know what this would involve anymore.’ Althea wanted Madeleine to stop thinking about it. “Persephone was like that. Also with the way she spoke, a little. When was the last time you heard anyone referred to as ‘doll’?” She paused to think, flushing a little with frustration. “I remember perfectly well – sort of – how I was behaving, but I don’t see how Marius fits into the equation.” Releasing Zaviar’s hand, she pulled a face automatically at the idea of Marius returning. Preferably while she wasn’t there. “If he lied about that question then he is far too easily amused. It’s a yes/no question and the answer is inconsequential since the person asking will never actually know. There’s no result to point and laugh—” ‘The slimy git impression has remained in full force,’ Althea informed Zaviar.
“What?” Madeleine blinked at the statement, pulling herself out of her thoughts regarding demons to register what had actually been said. The question that wasn’t a question rolled around her head once, then twice, before it clicked and her head tilted. “Yes. Did you think I was waiting just to shout? I’m quite capable of walking out of the door.” A shift in her head that she suspected was her familiar told her that everyone who knew her would know that was a lie, but she would never admit to it. “I won’t sleep otherwise.” It would be like the full moon come early – and he was home.