“That she is Cassian’s sister, having washed ashore with him, but she was going to die so they turned to the dryads to save her life and she became one of them and can no longer leave the grove. That is why Cassian always wanted to visit Nightshade Manor.”
It was an abridged version, and mostly accurate. “Had you known of her existence before you were taken to the grove?”
“Not until that day,” she answered. “Is there more that I should know?” she asked with curiosity.
“Nina is more human than dryad. In fact, only her life is attached to a tree, otherwise she is no different than you and I.”
Petra blinked at him. “She is not truly a dryad?”
“No, just enough to live,” he answered with what he believed was accuracy. “I also think she is lonely.”
“Why?”
“Her only entertainment is reading, and I have not seen her interact with the others except when she was scolded for talking to me. She also said she was glad to have a friend,” he added as an afterthought.
He had only seen her a few times, so it was possible that she did visit with the dryads often, but he had the feeling that they were more motherly than sisterly or friends.
And perhaps Nina was content, but Orion wondered if she was because she had no choice in the matter.
Petra sank down on the stool. “She is four and twenty and has lived there, practically alone.”
“Yes.”
“I may have gone mad. Mother said that dryads like to keep to themselves and that is why they stay in the grove, and we stay away. She said they are reclusive and tolerate visitors only when necessary.”
“That may be true for the dryads, but Nina did not become one,” he said. “Otherwise, she would not have been glad to have visited with Nephele, a child, or me.”
“I just…” she trailed off, as if she realized her mother had not told her everything, or it could be their mother simply assumed without asking Nina.
“I was hoping that maybe you and possibly our female cousins might visit Nina on occasion.”
“Yes, of course,” Petra eagerly agreed.
“But do not tell her that I sent you and let the others think it was your idea. Nobody can know that I was there and I don’t want Nina thinking that others had to be begged to visit her.”
“I promise.”
He settled onto another stool. “Now, if only I could come and go as easily.”
“If I could manage to perfect the invisibilis potion and spell, you could use that.” She laughed.
“What kind of mischief are you up to making such a potion and spell?” Likely it was to spy and listen. Petra did have the ability to change her appearance to resemble anyone she wished. She was the only one with that power and had inherited it from her father’s side of the family, but she had been forbidden from using it since she was a child because it was deceptive.
“It is not mischief.” Petra grew serious. “Once it is perfected, a vial will be given to each witch in our family. That way, if the witchfinders ever come around again, they simply need to drink, and they will never be seen.”
It had been three years since their cousin Evander and his wife, Rhea, were killed by witchfinders, leaving their three young daughters orphans and the guardianship to Evander’s brother, Damon. When there were no more rumors of the witchfinders being around, Orion had relaxed, but it was not safe to do so, and his sister was wise in trying to create something to protect the women in their family.
“Why do you not simply take a walk on this side of the grove and when you are out of sight slip between the boxwoods?”
“Because Mother knows that I have already been there when I went in search of the lady in the grove. She does not know that I have returned or that I met Nina.”
Petra’s eyes grew wide. “That is your true secret.”
“Yes, and you must not tell anyone.” Orion blew out a sigh. “Though, it may be too late. Cassian came across us talking today and he may tell Uncle Richard, or maybe even Father. He only promised not to tell Mother.”
“You sound like a schoolboy afraid of the strap for having misbehaved,” his sister teased.
Sometimes his mother made him feel that way and it was ridiculous.
