Seir’s grin finally appeared. “Hailon, naturally.”
“Of course. Forher.”
Seir scoffed and was gone.
Vassago glanced around. “What a strange place this is, brother.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at the way he cringed into himself, as though the space around him was offensive in some way.
“I’m wounded. You spent decades in a sarcophagus below a monastery and now live in a magic school, butmyhome is strange?”
He sputtered a laugh just as Greta reappeared. “Fair enough. Did you get what you needed?” Vassago asked her.
“Yes, I’m ready now.” She pinned me with a stare that told me she wasn’t overly happy with me. I wondered what all she and Phin had shared in the short time she was gone. “Thelibraries are fantastic, Tap. I can understand why Phin is so happy here.”
“That’s very kind of you to say.” The compliment struck as deep as her glare, and I barely stopped myself before asking her if Phin had actually said that, especially after our morning. Her happiness mattered as much as ever.
Vassago got up, and I walked them both to the doorway they needed to access the little village.
“Should we bring back a bouquet or two for Phin as well? Since you may not get out for a bit?”
“Alright.” I was disappointed in myself that I hadn’t thought of it first now that he’d mentioned it. Something like that would probably make my impending apologies go a little further.
“What flowers does she like best?” Greta asked.
“I don’t know,” I admitted, stomach rolling unhappily. “Though she seemed quite happy with the wildflowers that Merry gave her in the glade.”
“We’ll choose a few. Maybe she’ll tell you once she has some in front of her to select from.”
Greta spun on my brother, mouth open. “You sneak. Is that how you did it with me?”
He chuckled. “Perhaps it is, Dragonfly.”
“And here I thought Belmont somehow clued you in.”
“I should let you continue to blame the bird,” he joked. “But I also have a habit of following you around the markets. So really, figuring out your preferences—especially before Grace can—is an ongoing challenge I happily accept.” He drew her close and kissed her temple, her frustration melting away. Their dynamic was so warm and natural, it was easy to feel a bit envious of their bond.
“Is there anything else you need?” Greta asked me.
“Not that I can think of, thank you.”
“Of course.” Greta waved just before they stepped through.
I did a quick check of the portals, the unique hum each of them made registering in my mind as I walked past. Activity as a whole was low, which should have been a relief, but instead felt suspicious. Seir still hadn’t returned and I was restless, so once I’d completed my rounds, I made a tray of tea and finger foods for Phin and carried them into the library.
Nearly the whole table had been cleared, and I could see that she’d arranged a system on the long, bare tabletop for more efficient sorting. Her brow was furrowed with focus as she paced back and forth along the far side of the table, tossing contracts in their corresponding crates. Normally, I’d just leave the tray and go, but something drew me to stay.
“Shall I pour it, or leave it in the pot?” I asked. She was frowning, muttering to herself. I wasn’t sure she’d even noticed I was in the room with her. “Phin?”
Her head snapped up. “Sorry, what?”
“Tea?” I gestured to the tray.
“Oh, yes, thank you.” Her head dropped, and she scooped up another armful of paperwork, pacing and whispering to herself.
I prepared two cups, and pulled out one of the chairs for myself, watching as she continued without pausing for two more stacks.
“Phin,” I said her name gently, worry beginning to claw at me. I’d watched her work before, but this was unlike anything I’d ever seen her do. After what she’d learned this morning, I couldn’t help but feel responsible for her distress.
