DINNER CAME.ALEXANDERset out bowls of spiced tomato soup, a tray of roasted sweet potatoes, and a platter of buttered bread on the small dining table.The food was good by Witch Village standards, but I couldn’t help but note the missing layer of flavor in the tomato soup, or the lack of sweetness in some of the potatoes.Due to the magic that aided us in growing crops quickly, our produce tasted bland compared to their naturally grown counterparts.I glanced at Edmund to gauge his reaction to the humble fare, but his face was as pleasantly impassive as ever.Maddox ate with gusto.
After we finished dining, Edmund complimented Alexander on his cooking and headed to the parlor to sit and flip through the books on the mantel.I helped Alexander clear the table.
“You’re still using village produce?”I asked.
Alexander nodded, lowering the dishes into the sink.“There’s plenty of it.”
“Perhaps there’s no need to grow so much so quickly anymore,” I said.“Aboveground food is accessible to us now.”
Alexander knit his brow.“I know, but it’s just the way of things here.Everyone is used to it.Besides...how do you know aboveground food won’t poison all of us?”
I rolled my eyes.“There are herbwitches aplenty to deal with that if that does happen, which itwon’t.I’m still alive, aren’t I?”I pumped water from the faucet.
Alexander made a noncommittal noise.
“I don’t understand why everything is the same here when so much has changed,” I muttered.
“Decades of mistreatment doesn’t just go away, Giselle,” Alexander said.“And our way of life doesn’t just go away either.Perhaps you’re eager to adapt, but many of us aren’t.”
I stayed silent, wiping my hands on a dish towel as he took over washing the bowls and platters.
“Anyway,” Alexander said in a lighter tone.“I hope I don’t disappoint as a host.”
I managed a smile.“You never disappoint.”
“I really am glad you’re back, Gigi, and I know everyone else will be too.Now get some rest.You look exhausted.”
He patted my shoulder and returned to washing.
I left the kitchen, a bit perturbed.What if Alexander grew uncomfortable with Edmund’s presence before two weeks were up?Would we have to find different lodging?I tried to think of any other witches in the village who had vacant spaceanda favorable view toward humans.None came to mind.
From the corner of my eye, a shadow moved in the hall.
“He’s rather familiar with you,” Maddox said.
I jumped as he emerged from the inky depths of an alcove and joined me against the wall.The light from the parlor illuminated his profile.
I elbowed him.“Don’t sneak up on me like that.Were youeavesdropping?”
“As any good guard would.”Maddox raised an eyebrow.“So.Alexander?”
“We’re childhood friends, of course he’s familiar with me,” I said.Sounds of Gio’s laughter came from the parlor as Edmund cracked a joke.It appeared the young witch had been charmed by the guest after all.“You ought to watch Edmund and make sure he doesn’t choke on his saliva or get a paper cut.”
Maddox snorted.“That’s ridiculous.He is a grown man.”The dim light delineated the muscles of his forearm, which I allowed myself to admire for a split second before looking away.I doubtedhewas finding bits to admire about me.
“What do you think about the village?”I asked.“You were quiet today.”
“I’ve never seen anything like it.My father...he grew up here I think.”
I had nearly forgotten that Captain Greenwood was a witch who had come aboveground in his youth.He had befriended King Maximus, who was still a prince at that time, and was granted a noble title through his own merits and vigorous effort in the Royal Guard.It was beyond admirable.
It suddenly made sense the pressure Captain Greenwood was putting on Maddox despite his status as a noble—he was a witch and witches valued hard work and industriousness above all.
“If that’s the case, then I think your grandparents must live here,” I said.
“Do they?”Curiosity alighted his features.“What are they like?”
“I don’t know.I don’t think I’ve ever met a Greenwood down here.”I paused.“Your father never told you about them?”
