“In case you haven’t noticed, young Alexis, we’ve been expecting you,” Morose chuckles.
Both women eye the halls with pride as my own narrow in disbelief.
“We’ve said something wrong,” Clair says slowly, noticing my gaze.
“Out with it, young one,” Morose demands.
I shake my head, unable to understand why they’d take the risk.
“If you’ve been organizing the library this whole time, then you’ve been disregarding King Zander’s comment at the Council. Princess, you told me he had a fear that the book would turn to ash if handled by anyone not human, and yet you’ve asked others to touch and move the books around this whole time?”
Clair and Morose turn to eachother and share a deep look, as if they’ve debated this question before and have yet come to an agreement. Morose pulls her gaze from the Princess and levels me with a stern look, no doubt about to tell me whatever argument she’s already given to Clair.
“I have had many conversations with my granddaughter about this, Alexis, and I will tell you what I have argued with her on numerous occasions. In all my years on this Old World, never, have I ever heard of nor come across any book that possesses the ability to turn to ash at a person’s touch. Magical or human. Nor do I believe that such a book exists…”
I open my mouth to argue but she cuts me off, “I do,however, believe that if a book is not meant to be opened by someone, then that book will safeguard itself and its secrets by burning itself uponopening.”
Dear Ancients,what semantics!
She’s gambling.
“My grandmother has walked this Old World for many years, Alexis,” Clair says softly, “many more years than you and I can care to count. She has seen all forms of magic in these lands, from Pyre to the other three Kingdoms, and while I may not agree with the wager she takes at each touch of a book, I do not deny the wisdom and knowledge behind that wager and nor should you.”
So they both admit knowledge of their gamble but remain steadfast in their organization?
Fucking Ancients.
Although…
If they hadn’t taken that gamble, I would probably be left trying to navigate this monstrosity of a library without any efficiency. They wagered with Zander’s words and so far it has paid off.
Hopefully.
“Forgive me,” I lower my head in a nod, “my reaction was one of quick anger and without thorough thought. I’m grateful for the help and whatever organization you’ve already put in place here, but I’m also embarrassed of my next reaction which may leave you two angered in return…”
I slowly reach into the bag at my hip and pull out the maroon napkins with a blush.
“I stole these from court last night, Your Highness.”
“Cloth napkins?” Clair asks with a laugh, “whatever for?”
I peer at Morose and sigh at her cat-like eyes narrowing in on my bag.
“Because I needed them to hide something and I haven’t had time to purchase anything in town since arriving. Because I have a magical friend,” I slip my hand back into the bag and feel Golem’s jar vibrate against my fingers, “whom I’ve brought with me over the next few days to help with my search.”
Clair frowns in confusion.
“Please understand, Princess Clair, that I have never traveled to foreign lands. I knew nothing of Pyre or of you and Prince McQuoid. It was a secret I needed to keep.”
I unscrew the jar and wait for Golem’s padded footsteps, hearing him emerge from a shadowy hall from the western wall.
“Your Highness, Your Grace…” I smile at him walking towards us, “I’d like to introduce you to King Zander’s friend and my companion, Golem.”
Clair lets out a small gasp while Morose’s eyes widen at the sight of him. Both women quickly dip into a low bow, though Morose lingers for a bit longer.
“It is an honor, Elder,” she murmurs reverently.
Golem nods at old woman and returns her bow, his brown robes dipping to the ground.
