You're not entirely sure

She sits like that for not even half an instant before her arms drop from the backrest, her knees come together, her thighs close, and her smoldering expression fades. Her motions are so fluid that she makes it seem as though such is simply how she sits down. But that briefest of pauses, that most suggestive of poses, that spark in her eyes has caused everything you know to flip sideways. You stand by the fire, watching her, confused beyond anything before in your life. Had she really just done that? Did she just suggest what you think she did? Was it possible that she wanted you 'in that way'? Your mind races with the implications of that thought. And now... looking at her, you wouldn't know anything was amiss.

"What's the matter darling?"

You blink, several times, and swallow hard. Instantaneously you're reexamining every memory you have of her, looking for some hint, some clue, some indication as to when, or if, or how she may have started to desire you in a 'more than' motherly way. Every hug, every kiss, every moment is brought into question and the very bedrock of your childhood seems to shake underfoot.

But nothing cracks.

Although private, she has always been a very affectionate woman. You remember she held you often, and spent as much time with you as she could. But nothing of her behavior during your formative years seems out of place... but then again, you now wonder if you would know any better? When you came back from the Coven she seemed exactly as you recalled her from before. But that wasn't entirely true, that first time you saw her as you ascended the entryway into the fortress something about her expression, joyful, shifted and filled with something else as well.

Over the next few months her attire changed as well; her clothing became more and more revealing, to the point of being scandalous... and beyond. Her current outfit, provocative as it is, remains one of the more modest pieces in her wardrobe. Her motions, always graceful, became more sensual and seductive; the sway of her hips exaggerated, the sparkle in her eye invited, the swell of her bosom heaved. It was a subtle change, so gradual you barely noticed, but now, here you can't help but realize how much of a fool you have been.

Yet she sits now calm, cool, and collected. Nothing but motherly concern across her features.

"My love?" She asks again.

You want to respond, but your mouth is dry. You try to speak, but no sound leaves your throat. For a moment her expression falters and you see something akin to fear ripple across her face. Her eyes retreat from yours in that instant and travel down your body before they stop and rest for a long moment. Staring at your waist. Then she recovers and looks up again, her face impassive. But you can tell, there's a confidence in her gaze now, as well as a degree of satisfaction. This puzzles you and you break her stare and look down.

Only to see your trousers straining against the **** of your erection.

You blush furiously and look away, at anything besides yourself or her. She leans back against the backrest again, and you take a long drink of your wine. You know you need to get out of her now; the discomfort and embarrassment is nearly enough to kill you.

But she had been the instigator, and you know she has only just begun.

"I would give you anything you know..." She says, and you find yourself captivated by her voice, "The world even, were it mine to give."

You nod knowing it to be true; she loves you more than anything in the world. Your eyes drift to her, and you watch her as she regards the liquid in her goblet dismissively. She swirls it around slowly before taking a sip. "But to do so would do you a disservice. Such would only teach you to expect things to be gifted to you." Her eyes rise and meet yours. Casually, she slides over so that her back leans against arm and backrest of the love-seat; she lifts one leg off of the floor and rests her boot-clad foot on the opposite couch-cushion. Her knee is elevated, and she rests her goblet holding hand on it while her other gingerly rests against the side of her face.

Your eyes travel to the exposed flesh of her tone, smooth thighs. The fabric of her skirt half drapes over her one leg still on the floor, and you know that if you were to move to the side just slightly you would have a perfect view of her bare sex. Her eyes catch yours and though her face remains unreadable you feel as though she's daring you to do it. If she was trying to pass her earlier movements off as something casual, this display leaves no room for questioning. Your mother wanted to fuck you.

Shocking though that knowledge is, you're more bewildered by the fact that it doesn't disgust you.

"The world does not give things to people." She continues. "If you want something, truly desire it, then you must take it." She raises an eyebrow at you as though to prove a point and takes another sip of wine. "Claim it. Make it yours. Do you think your ancestors gained their power by waiting for someone to give it to them?" She shakes her head, "No, they stepped up while others sat back and grabbed what they wanted."

You breath deep and try to settle your racing heartbeat. "Mother," you begin somewhat uncertain, "Are you... implying what I-"

"Yes." She interrupts quickly. Her answer is short, but she draws out each syllable as though to emphasize her point.

That's it. There's not even the slightest chance of a misunderstanding now. The two of you stay like that for a long time, her on lewd display while you stand rigid with a raging erection. You don't move, don't speak, and barely try to breathe in fear of doing something you might regret later. But eventually you find your voice. "Since when?"

The corner of her mouth tips up slightly and it's a moment before she answers. "Honestly?" She muses, "You know I've loved you since the day I found I was carrying you. But it's only... deepened since your return."

You nod slowly, trying to accept that. "Why now?"

She shrugs, "I hadn't planned on it. I tried to sow the idea in your mind to see how you would react." Her eyes catch yours in that moment, "But you failed to notice, and I got tired of waiting."

The room is quiet after that, very quiet. All that is heard is the falling rain outside and the cackling fire behind you. You move to the side and regard several of the books on the wall. You can tell that her eyes, while attentive of your movements, are not following you. She is an incredible beauty, that could not be disputed, and if she weren't your mother you would do as she asks and take her right here, right now. But she is your mother, and if you did so there would be terrible consequences.

"Magus..."

You turn to face her and are once again struck by her beauty. How had you not noticed her before? She has risen to her feet, and her face is one of concern. "You should take some time and think about what I've proposed. Ours would be a... difficult union for Itheria. It would require great strategy on our part for it to be accepted." She steps forward and takes your hands in hers, "But I know the rewards would be worth it. I love you my son." Her eyes are filled with tearful adoration, "No woman will ever love you as much as I do. No woman will ever be as committed or devoted, or loyal to you as I am. You are everything to me." With that confession her bosom swells with determination, and her gaze becomes like steel, "And together we could..." She pauses as though choosing her words carefully, "... do great things."

She gives you another warm smile before turning and then she returns to the fire. "Once you have gained your victory, should you desire things as I do, send word to the Spire and ask me to join you. If..." Her voice almost cracks, "if not, then inform me to remain here. Hopefully, in time, we might salvage our relationship."