Franny trailed behind them and walked to the counter to retrieve a pie. “It gets busier every year. Great for business, butwe’ll drown without help.” Setting the pie down, she grabbed Clover a plate and utensils. “I made your favorite.”
Clover resisted licking her lips.Strawberry pie.
“I can help at the bakery,” she offered.
“You’re a little too young, but maybe in a few years we’ll take you up on it,” Nathaniel told her.
Clover gave him a droll look. “I can protect a princess, but not work in a bakery?”
Nathaniel glanced quickly at Franny and served himself pie. “How can you protect her if you’re working?”
He had a good point, and she instantly felt bad for almost shirking her duties. Shoveling pie into her mouth, she chewed thoughtfully. Wouldn’t it have been better if they told Amelia who she was? They could train her to protect herself when Clover wasn’t around. It wasn’t believable to be around her every minute of every day.
Amelia wasn’t stupid. She’d know staying hidden would be in her best interest, especially since she didn’t have magic.
Having never stepped foot on fae lands, her magic never manifested, though Clover wondered if it would if she ever went back. She’d ask Amos.
No. He might think Clover was considering telling Amelia. She’d never betray him like that. They were honest with each other about everything. It was refreshing. Even though Clover trained with the Hydra, she knew they kept things from her because of her age. It drove her crazy.
“Amos sent you a package,” Franny said excitedly, and disappeared into the other room. Clover fought to keep her face neutral. It would besoembarrassing if her brother knew how excited Amos’ letters made her.
“The package is big,” Franny declared, setting it on the table.
Clover gaped at the parcel. He’d never sent her anything other than letters before.
“Open it,” Nathaniel urged. “You know you want to.”
She did, but having no clue what it was, she didn’t know if it was a good idea. Pushing the gift aside, she continued to eat her pie. Franny and Nathaniel exchanged another look, but she studiously ignored them.
After finishing dessert and listening to them update her more on the bakery, Clover gave them both a hug, collected her package, and hurried home.
In the safety of her bedroom, she set the package on her bed and tore into it. An envelope sat on top of another wrapped package. Ripping open the envelope she devoured every word on the page.
Clover,
Happy birthday. I’m sorry this is late. My father has kept me busy doing things I hate. I won’t bore you with the details. Alice helped me pick out your gift. She said these would be useful in the mountain region.
I hate that your gift is useful instead of something you want. I’ve written a list of questions on another page for you to answer so your future birthday gifts will be better.
I would have attached my answers, but my father doesn’t allow me to do or have anything unless he approves of it. I do like sparring when my father isn’t around, and cherry tarts are my favorite. My father doesn’t allow me sweets, but Alice sneaks them to me sometimes.
I wish we could talk in person.
I wish I could watch you fight again.
Yours,
Amos
Clover’s emotions were all over the place. Sadness for the boy who lived a bleak existence and giddiness that he’d thought to get her a gift.
Carefully folding the letter, she crossed to her closet, pulled out a small wooden box, and placed it beside the other three he’d sent since she’d arrived.
Back at her bed, she carefully opened the package and stared at the contents: a small jar labeled lip balm, a winter hat, gloves, and a bright blue scarf. The gifts were thoughtful things she needed.
The scarf and gloves were the softest things she’d ever held, and she lamented that she’d not be able to wear the gloves any time soon. It might hurt Amelia’s feelings, and Amos would never know she hadn’t worn his. Amelia’s gloves would wear out eventually, and when they did, she’d wear the pair from Amos.
Giddy, she put her new things away and sat at her desk to write him back.
