Herring. That was good.
I pulled the cauldron from its place over the fire and secured it to a hook. Then, I poured a cup carefully before walking into the back of the shop.
The kitchen smelled of roasted pheasant and sizzling vegetables. It was heavenly. My mouth began to salivate as I turned my attention to a pot on the stovetop.
“Don’t even think it,” Lexi told me, narrowing her eyes. “You’ll have a taste at the same time as everyone else.”
Xander, who stirred a pot on her other side, moaned in agreement. One of his eyes hung limply out of its socket, settling casually upon his cheek. I didn’t think it would be proper to point this out, so I ignored the offending organ. So long as nothing dropped from him into what he was stirring, it would be fine. Although his fingernails did look a bit loose and fragile.
“Have you come to offer your services?” Freya asked from where she stood, adding flour to some dough she was rolling out with her other two hands. She grunted as she leaned into her work, before offering me a smile. “That doesn’t seem like you at all.”
“Because it isn’t.” I smiled back sweetly. “I was bringing something to … ah.” I caught sight of my intended target, perched on the back counter, watching the goings-on of the kitchen with interest.
I strode over and leaned against the counter casually, laying the cup before Narcissa with a flourish.
Narcissa stared down at it suspiciously. Ever since Lexi had healed her, Narcissa had been less curious than usual. Where she would always opt for adventure before, she would rather lie in the sun and nap. It wasn’t unusual behavior for a cat by any means. It was just unusual for this particular cat.
“That’s for you,” I told her, as if she hadn’t already guessed.
Narcissa’s tail flicked behind her as she let out a small mew. I reached out and scratched her behind the ears, and she pushed her small head into my hand in appreciation.
“Go on, now,” I told her. “It won’t bite you.”
Narcissa seemed to sigh, then lowered her head and lapped at the potion I’d created for her.
I watched her drink. It was still a marvel that she was here, that Lexi had gotten to her in time. When I’d held her tiny body in Kingsbury, I’d thought for sure she’d been gone, that there was no chance to save her. Luckily for me, and for Narcissa, the Ice Queen’s icicle projectile hadn’t pierced any vital organs on its way through her, or she would have died outright. No, the icicle had held her blood at bay long enough. As soon as Therese had handed her to Lexi upon appearing to her out of the portal, Lexi had flown into action, healing the wound as she’d slowly withdrawn the projectile. It had taken a few days for Narcissa to fully recover from the magic, but shehadrecovered. With less enthusiasm for danger.
It was probably for the best, really. I didn’t plan on going on any daring adventures after what we’d just been through, after all. At least not any time soon. I had a potion shop to run. And with Auggie creating and selling his own alchemical concoctions to thehumancustomers who were now welcome at the shop, I had my hands full.
When Narcissa had finished the potion, she licked her lips, her pink tongue darting out in case she’d missed any.
“Well?” I asked, crossing my arms as I watched her. “How was it?”
“It was adequate, I suppose.” Narcissa’s voice came to me through her meows. I smiled as Freya looked up.
“Was that our little kitty cat?” the witch asked.
“It was,” I said, grinning at Narcissa. The healing work that Lexi had done on Narcissa had left my familiar without her voice again. And without her fire and wings. Healing spells often negated other magics, so it was no surprise. Yet … I’d come to miss the mouthy feline bossing me around and criticizing me. It just wasn’t the same without her words chasing me.
I leaned toward Narcissa. “What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue?”
Narcissa scowled. “You really are an embarrassing creature.” But her tail swished behind her in approval, betraying her words. “How long will it last this time?”
My grin widened. “This time? Oh, forever.”
“For …” Narcissa’s eyes widened. “Foreverforever?”
Even Lexi paused in her work to look back at this proclamation.
I nodded. “Yep. I finally figured it out. Took some time, but this should keep you in communication with us for as long as those nine lives last you.”
Narcissa stared back at me, speechless. When she recovered, she cleared her throat. “Yes, well, I suppose I only have eight of those lives left now. Thanks to your antics.”
I laughed. “I suppose that’s true. Insult me as much as you wish.”
“Don’t think I won’t,” Narcissa said, beginning to lick at her paw. “There are many improvements that could take place around here. The first of which should be firing that girl. Whoever heard of a girl with the grace of an elephant serving tea? She would be much better suited with those slender amphibian legs again.”
“For once, we’re in agreement. But I’m afraid Auggie won’t have it.”
