Page 121 of Hand-Fasting and Other Hazards
“I’m not sure yet,” Ivy said, her gaze sweeping the room again. “But something.”
Rue clasped her hands in front of her, her gaze sweeping the grand hall before settling back on Nia and Ivy. “There are two other houses on the property,” she said, her tone practical. “They used to be staff quarters. You could turn them into housing, or something else. There’s also an empty greenhouse—it’s massive. And a barn that can hold five horses or other livestock.”
“Goats?” Ivy asked, her eyes lighting up with interest.
Rue’s eyes flickered violet as she smiled. “Anything you want.”
Nia, still taking in the sheer scale of the place, frowned slightly. “How much does it cost to run a property like this?”
Rue flinched. “Around four hundred thousand a year,” she admitted, her voice quieter.
Ivy winced. “Ouch.”
Rue offered a tight smile. “I’m willing to donate for the first year,” she said. “And I can help fill it with whatever furniture you need. I’ve been left with a lot of pieces.” Hesitation crept into her tone. “But, you know…”
Ivy tilted her head, her brows drawing together. “What?”
Rue’s thoughtful gaze shifted between Nia and Ivy. “You could get funding through the Videt,” she suggested, her voice cautious. “They have grants and other resources?—”
“No,” Nia said flatly, the word leaving her mouth before Rue had even finished.
Beside her, Ivy turned, her brow furrowed. “But Nia, you do have an in?—”
“I said no,” Nia interrupted. Her chest tightened as she looked at Ivy, then back to Rue. “I want this to be separate from him. This is our biggest venture, and I want it to be on our own. We’ll figure it out.”
Ivy didn’t look convinced. “Nia,” she said, her arms crossing, her tone teetering between persuasion and frustration. “Think about it.”
The silence stretched uncomfortably.
“I’ll give you two some privacy,” Rue said gently, breaking the tension. She offered a small, understanding smile before slipping out of the room, humming a lilting tune that faded as she walked away.
Ivy turned and gave Nia a pointed look.
“No, Ivy,” she said. “I won’t say it again.”
Ivy held her gaze, her expression shifting from mild annoyance to quiet curiosity. She tilted her head slightly. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Nia scoffed, waving a hand dismissively.
But the word fell flat as she said it. Her thoughts drifted to Lochlan. He should be here. She’d asked him, wanted him close before signing off on something this big. But...
She rubbed her temple, sighing. Was he acting weird? Why couldn’t she just ask him?
“Something’s off with Lochlan,” she admitted, hoping saying it out loud would help. It didn’t.
Ivy frowned. “That man is head over heels for you.”
Nia gave her a skeptical look, her chest tightening. “I really thought things were good,” she said softly. “He went to Dover, he got his closure, but I still feel like… he’s holding something back.”
Ivy tilted her head, her curiosity clear. “Like what?”
“I’m not sure,” Nia admitted.
Ivy studied her for a moment before raising an eyebrow. “Have you used your powers on him?”
Nia’s eyes widened. “Of course not. That wouldn’t be fair.”
Ivy smirked. “So, you’ve never used them on me?”
