(AN: Sorry readers! I got a new puppy and changed jobs.)
We returned to the villa with our prize in hand. Anna was upset we had been outmaneuvered by Ada. I also had a suspicion she blamed me somehow.
I brushed it off. In my previous dealings with Ada, I learned she was discerning and sharp. Anna said she had withdrawn from politics but it seemed she still had the edge she picked up from her youth.
When we arrived at the villa we reported what happened to our mother. We were expecting to be chastised but she just laughed. Saying that Ada hadn't lost her skills in her isolation.
After lunch, I met with my mother outside. She was dressed in something I had never seen her in. Normally she wore tasteful, flowing gowns. She was adorned with beautiful, posh jewelry. However, her long silver-blonde hair was in a tight bun. Dressed in tight leather breaches and vest. She looked battle-ready.
She said, "Show me this spell you made."
