Page 49 of The Mage's Rake
Hugh sighed and broke the seal, opened the wax covers, and unfolded several sheets of dense writing in Gareth’s neat hand.We stood there, all of us looking expectantly at Hugh. Surprise, shock, and sadness crossed Hugh’s sharp features.
“What is it?” I asked. My voice came out sharper than I intended, causing Hugh to flash a smile of reassurance at me.
“It is what you guessed. A jealous young molly. Your research on the herbs bore fruit, Alan. It was Lady Harriet. You recall? At the Brockhurst dinner party?”
“Hm. Yes.”
I was not about to forget that night in the slightest. It made sense sadly. I understood what it felt like to stand by and watch the one you love chase another’s tail, but for love to curdle into such hate!
“I think she tried multiple times and, failing to secure my attention, resorted to a curse. Perhaps she guessed what budded between us and became enraged?” Hugh sighed. “We shall have to speak with her to confirm the details, but Gareth guesses that the young lady may have also been encouraged by certain parties.”
“The Morne family.” Corrin’s voice sounded hard and flinty.
“Yes.” Hugh flicked through another page and nodded. “He says that Alan’s work on the potion and poison has been substantiated. The poison on the assassin’s blade from that hunting trip used the same herbs as the potion that… er… affected me. And the herbs matched what was found on the murdered herbalist’s body.”
“Yes,” I said. “I am glad that Gareth’s contacts were able to verify my tests.”
“But it isn’t enough is it,” Landis guessed. “It’s not enough to bring any case against my cousin.”
“No, but it is a start,” Hugh assured him. “What Gareth wants besides all this evidence is a witness. If we could get one of Morne’s conspirators to turn…”
Deep in thought, we all stood in silence, contemplating the possibilities. It seemed rather fanciful to imagine that such a thing could happen so easily, but after what I had experienced, I had faith. Somehow, I knew. Today was filled with uncertainty, but the morrow held all of the promise of the world.
And the world belongs to Gaia and her children,I mused.We are all connected, no matter how near or how far. Agathar will watch over us. Nyria and Meryn and Solas champion our dreams. We will find a way.
“For now, I think it’s best we just enjoy the moment,” I suggested, taking Hugh’s hand in mine and squeezing it gently. “It is Wintermas Eve, and the gods call us to celebrate a season of giving and cheer during the coldest and harshest days of winter. Even here, in desolation, faced with mysteries and danger, we can find comfort with each other.”
“Agreed,” Hugh said, pulling me in for a quick kiss. “Let tonight be simply for us.”
Epilogue
Hugh
For long years, I had spent Wintermas like a ghost, passing my time in one host or hostess’s house or another. Some years, my bed would be filled with a lover. Other years, I woke up alone, feeling the pangs of loss even more keenly than ever. This Wintermas morning felt different.
I woke up to white hair tickling my nose and slender limbs trapped within my arms. Half awake, I snuggled closer, burying my head in the crook of Alan’s neck. It wasn’t simply the scent of petrichor and incense that I recognized. Somehow, I was attuned to his aura, the presence that could only be Alan. I would never mistake him for another.
If one had asked me whether I was expecting a gift from Meryn, I would have laughed, but now I felt more blessed by the gods than ever. They had sent me something I had not realized I needed. Now, I knew better. So, I happily allowed myself to drift into a light doze instead of seeking out Landis’s company as Iwas often wont to do. I was happy to simply be Hugh. Hugh with Alan.
Eventually, I heard my stomach growl, and Alan stretched lazily, mumbling about breaking our fast downstairs. Nevertheless, we took our time, stealing in a few long kisses and enjoying each other’s touches. It was as though we were discovering each other all over again.
In a way, we are, I mused, as I lightly tugged on Alan’s hand, leading him down the hall.Up until yesterday, we were driven by fear and regret. We hid from each other and from ourselves… but now we stand together.
It really made this Wintermas feel even more special than ever. Breaking our fast with a hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs and rashers and perfectly buttered toast, sipping tea and mulled wine before the fire, playing parlor room games, and passing the time until Corrin woke up, Landis, Alan, and I rediscovered the magick of Wintermas for ourselves.
The few staff who remained at the castle had the rest of the day off, and we raided the pantry cheerfully. When Ian and Tomlyn came by to give a small handmade gift of thanks—a roughly woven bracelet of painted wooden beads for Landis and Alan, we set out what cookies we could find for the kit and spent a good two hours with our visitors. After the two left, Corrin woke up and our celebration became even more cheery as small gifts were exchanged. Alan’s violet eyes lit up behind his spectacles as he unwrapped a set of glass jars that I had bought a week or so ago from the Old Crone.
“Not the notebook,” Alan noted. “Wasn’t that the bet?”
“It was, and I lost, didn’t I? Another gift for another time.”
“Did you lose?” Alan’s left eyebrow rose quizzically. “I fancy we were both a bit wrong and right at the same time.”
“What did you owe me again?” I wondered aloud lazily.
“Later.” Alan blushed.
Later arrived close to midnight, when the wind howled the greatest as thick snowflakes fell. Alan paused by one of the doors leading down to the servants’ gallery. Wrapping my right arm around his waist, I reached up to affix a small sprig of mistletoe to the arch above us. Alan gazed upward thoughtfully.
