Chapter
Twenty-One
Erasmus
I’d just ended a call to check in with Momma when Peaches called. I stared at the number for a couple of rings, making sure I saw it correctly. Peaches and I spoke sometimes, but not often. Anxiety gripped my chest. Had something happened with Aurelia?
“Peaches,” I finally answered. “Is everything okay?” I didn’t bother attempting to keep the worry from my words.
His shaky, answering laugh didn’t calm my nerves. “Nooo… I mean, I wouldn’t say something is wrong,” Peaches hedged. “From a certain perspective, one might think something is actually right.”
That wasn’t confusing at all. “What are you talking about?” I typically wasn’t that short, but recent events made me a little edgy.
“I, uh… I just wanted to give you a heads-up. I mean, I’m not really sure when or why Aurelia pops up in your orbit, but she seems to have taken a liking to you and your mom, so—”
“Aurelia’s been visiting Momma?” That was the first I’d heard about it, and I’d just finished speaking with Momma.
“It seems that way. Aurelia speaks of her from time to time, and that in and of itself is significant.”
I rested my forehead in my free palm while forcing myself to breathe. When I was silent a little too long, Peaches rushed to reassure me. “Aurelia always speaks fondly of your mother.”
I choked on a laugh. “Now I know you’re lying. Aurelia doesn’tspeak fondlyof anyone.”
“Okay, but she doesn’t say anything bad either, and that is complimentary for Aurelia.”
A sigh welled up from deep within. Momma and I’d definitely be having another conversation soon. I’d also speak with Aurelia as soon as she popped in again. Getting in touch with Momma was easier. Putting aside my concerns regarding Momma and Aurelia’s buddingfriendship, I asked, “What, exactly, do I need a heads-up about?”
Peaches cleared his throat. I wasn’t certain if he was hesitating or not. “You know how Aurelia’s been begging for a scuttlebutt?”
“I do.” Those two words were spoken soft and slow.
“Aurelia’s been doing so well, and I thought… Well, I thought it might be time to relent.”
Sweet Gaia, have mercy. “Are you calling to tell me you got Aurelia a scuttlebutt?” My heart pounded.
“Not me exactly. I mean, scuttlebutts are of Fairy. I can’t very well cross over and snag one. Can you imagine what Queen Silvidia would say? That would be such a breach of protocol, not to mention rude.”
I prayed for Gaia to grant me a modicum of patience. “But you asked for one.”
“Hmm, I did. Between you and me, I don’t think Lucroy’s terribly happy about the situation. I told him I’ll take full responsibility.” Peaches said it like he hadn’t given Aurelia acreature that could rip someone’s throat out in less than 0.2 seconds flat.
“And just how long has she had this scuttlebutt?”
“About twenty minutes.”
I pulled the phone away while I muttered every curse my brain could conjure. “Twenty minutes. And where is Aurelia now?”
“I’m uncertain. She left the orchard about five minutes ago. That’s why I decided to reach out. I’m not always sure where she goes when she leaves, but she speaks of you and your mother the most so I just assumed—or maybe hoped—it would be to one of your homes. I don’t have your mother’s contact information, and I’m sure she wouldn’t know who I was, so—”
“So, you called me first.”
“Yes!”
I’d only met one scuttlebutt in my life. Trinket had claimed Wendall Galen, Hellfire Rayburn’s bonded, as her tribe, and she protected him with deadly prejudice. I had no idea if all scuttlebutts’ personalities were the same. Trinket was okay with those she liked. Not so much with those she didn’t.
“And this scuttlebutt—”
“Fuzzy Britches,” Peaches helpfully interjected.
