‘Oh, I did!’ Mei said, pleased by the compliment.
Xander asked her—and each of Bisma’s sisters—loads of questions, easily winning them all over with his charm.
It warmed Bisma’s heart to see him with them, and they painted a cozy picture huddled around the table, laughing and bickering light-heartedly. Everything was perfect. Just perfect.
So perfect, in fact, that Bisma’s thoughts did not cross to all that happened. Not until a rabbit hopped up the stairs and into the kitchen, a letter between its teeth.
‘What’s this?’ she asked, taking the letter. Nori picked the rabbit up to feed it strawberries, while Bisma unfolded the letter.
‘That’s my mother’s handwriting,’ Xander said.
Bisma moved the page so he could read it along with her.
Dear Bisma,
I am sorry for not writing sooner, but there was a great deal I wished to be sorted before I reached out to you. I can understand completely why you and Xander should keep your distance. I saw one of your sisters in town yesterday and asked after you both, but your sister refused to say anything other than you were both resting after your ordeal, which Icannot blame her for. You must both hate me, but let me assure you I had no idea what Frederick was doing.
I created the poison at Fred’s request because he had explained to me that the police in Whitebridge planned to use it to track down smugglers. Xander did not tell me what happened to your sisters or I would have realized sooner. I apologize for the hand I have played in the suffering of your family, but please know it was not my intention at all. I am glad to hear your sisters have all recovered and that you are safe.
Truly, I would never hurt you; I hold you in great esteem. For one, my son adores you, and I adore him. For another,I am indebted to you. Some months ago, my dearest friend, who was like a sister to me truly, asked me for help with something and I refused her. I later found out she went to you for help and that you did not refuse her. She has passed now, and I wish I had helped her when she asked, but it comforts me to know she was not entirely alone during that time—you were there for her when I should have been, and for that I will be eternally grateful.
I could never have imagined Frederick would resort to such violent lengths to achieve his goals, but please rest assured that he will not harm you again. He is not to step foot into Old Town for as long as he lives and the expansion project commissioned by the Crown will not endanger the Enchanted Forest. I have spoken with Lady Charlotte on the matter and ensured that the Enchanted Forest will be protected by law. Apparently, the water supply to the town passes through the Forest, so to harm the Forest is now considered a direct attack on the town itself, which the mayor takes very seriously, I can tell you.
I am not sure if you care for the details, but they will expand Old Town to the west. Frederick will deal with the nasty business of provincial lines and speak with the king himself if need be, but the Enchanted Forest will not be touched. Your home is safe.
You may wonder how I have accomplished this and what guarantee there is that Frederick will behave. As you know, I am his elder sister. When my father died, he split his inheritance between us, but his will had the caveat that should either one of us harm the other, their right to the inheritance would be void. Well, Frederick nearly got Xander killed in that little fire of his, so if he does not behave, he willlose his fortune, and I assure you that is enough to motivate him to stay in line.
You may also wonder why I do not simply take Frederick’s fortune or have him arrested. The truth is, having him arrested would be difficult, seeing as he is the king’s favored architect. As for his fortune, it will be of more use to you this way: he will pay you and your sisters a monthly allowance. Additionally, Xander mentioned to me once that you hoped to study in Whitebridge someday; Frederick will pay for your schooling as well—in fact, for anything you should require. Do extort him for all his fortune is worth, dear.
I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive me.
All my very best,
Eleanora Chapman
P.S. Perhaps you and Xander might join me for dinner tonight?
‘Goodness,’ Bisma said, folding the paper and setting it on her lap.
‘Goodness, indeed.’ Xander sighed.
She turned to look at him. ‘How do you feel?’ she asked.
‘How doIfeel?’ he repeated, blinking. ‘How doyoufeel?’
Bisma thought about it for a moment. The truth was, she felt … calm. She had her home, her sisters, and Xander. With all that, she found she didn’t really need revenge if Fredrick was being punished. And with the monthly allowance she could look after her sisters properly.
‘Eleanora clearly meant no harm,’ she said. Eleanora did not harbor a grudge toward Bisma for what had occurred with Leilani, as Bisma had assumed. ‘And Frederick will be free, yes, but the Forest is safe and he can spend his whole life repayingme and my sisters for what he’s done, which does not seem like such a bad deal.’
‘What happened to my bloodthirsty Bisma?’ Xander asked, confused. ‘I thought for sure you would concoct elaborate poisons to make them both suffer.’
She laughed, leaning back into her chair, then sighed. ‘I’m thinking of taking early retirement. The monthly allowance will do far more for the girls than my revenge.’
‘How sensible of you,’ Xander said, positively shocked.
‘How do you feel?’ Bisma asked again.
‘I believe my mother meant no harm,’ he said. ‘Of course there are no excuses for Uncle Fred, and from this day forth I will cut myself off from him, which is a loss.’ He looked at Bisma, smiling. ‘Though not so much a loss at all when I have you.’ He glanced at her sisters. ‘And all of you.’
