Page 42 of The Poison of the Earth
“Good boy,” I purr. Suddenly, I step back, whirling and striding towards the trail. My breath catches in the most unusual way, knowing what will likely happen once I leave the clearing.Nope. Not digging into that feeling right now.
I call to Kai where he’s hiding in the woods, loud enough for them both to hear, “Did you enjoy the show, General Kai? Hopefully it cleared things up about who is running things here. Feel free to take of Lonan’s needs.”
I HEAD IN AND RIGHTfor the kitchen. Now refreshed, holding back my magic is easy. If I had had a teacher, like most Fae who have strong magic, I probably wouldn’t struggle like I do. But by the time I had anyone that cared to teach me, I had already figured it out on my own. Built the pathways in my brain my own way; erasing those and learning new ones would be... traumatic. So I’ll just continue as I do.Ugh, I hate that I had to tell Lonan. And I really fucking hate that I’m turning into such a sap with him. Mates, I think irately.
I’m almost to the kitchen when Lu intercepts me, a big grin on her face. “Come see your new rooms!” Even without the wagging tail, her voice would have given away her excitement. I’m not particularly excited about my rise in station, except that it means I’m closer to Lonan, and my goal.
“Ok,” I happily agree, letting her tug me along. “Oh, that reminds me, Lu, who is the seamstress for the town?”
“Oh, there are several who do it on the side, no one official.”
“Any recommendations?” I ask.
“Rosetta is wonderful. Or maybe Nell’s partner.”
I ponder whether that would win me any points with Lilac. Somehow, I think that would not impress her. Nell is a bit of a bear, but I had gotten the feeling it was all bluster. I’ll talk to her.
When we get upstairs, Lu leads me to Lonan’s doors. “That’s Kai’s room,” she points to the door on the left of Lonan’s, “And that’s yours!” She points to the door just to the right of Lonan’s double doors.
Great, I think. But I smile and say, “Well, let’s go in!”
The windows are large and look over the town. I cross to them, ignoring the large, plush bed dressed in rich topaz blankets and pillows. I gaze at the town and point, “There’s the Disappointing Fiddle,” I blurt.
Lu smiles, “And there is where the band will be for the Mabon Fest.”
I nod, “I still need to figure out an outfit. Should we go together?” I ask my friend.
“Oh ummmm....” she replies, her tail drooping.
“Oh!” I gasp, “Oh, it’s fine if you already have a partner. Or group, or whatever. It’s fine!” I smile, trying to reassure her. “Truly.”
“Stones, Ollie, I’m sorry. I wouldn’t have asked him if I had known...”
“It’s really ok,” I say, putting a hand on her shoulder.
She nods, silent.
“Look!” she says, trying to change the subject, “The bathroom is huge!”
I turn, eyes landing on the large writing desk nestled under a window and turning to the bathroom. It is indeed huge; alarge bathtub takes up most of the space, with a shelf next to it piled high with lotions and salts, a shower with a stone half wall tucked into the corner, a toilet and a large sink and mirror opposite the wide window.
Lu’s tail wags. “So thoughtful!”
I chuckle. “Hey, I need to head over to Nell’s and get her partner to agree to sew me some things.”
She smiles and nods. “It’s the green house at the end of Hedge Row. I better get back to the kitchens.”
“Thanks, Lu,” and I hug her firmly. Her arms hesitate a moment, then she clings tightly to me.
I KNOCK ON THE DOORgently. It pulls open and a blue skinned Fae, her hair in two long braids over her chest answers the door with a smile.
I smile back, my eyes taking in her loose overalls and blouse that is low enough to show the gills slits above her breasts. They flare as if smelling me.
“Hi, um, are you the seamstress? Nell’s partner?”
Her eyes take me in kindly. “Yes, child, you must be the spy-consort. Come in, come in.” She steps back and I walk into the neat home. It’s simple and adorable.
“My name is Dana. What can I do for you?” She asks, her voice the way I’d imagine a kind aunt’s would sound.
