Page 80 of Elemental Affections

For close to an hour, Dae talked, outlining her tentative plans. Garethe listened intently, commenting a few times for clarification or to confirm something for her. There had been a few changes to the teams of mages stationed at Den’olm, necessitating amendments and notes for Dae to factor into her official proposal. New experts to consult, particularly a specialist in managing resources for water-based magic. But the way the conversation leaned, it stirred a new sensation of hope in her. Garethe seemed interested, spoke favorably, almost as if—

“I’ll need to confirm with Jeron, but I’m confident in saying that your research is exactly the type we want in Rhell,” Garethe said.

Dae didn’t know what to do with her face. She wanted to cheer and laugh and possibly melt into a puddle on the floor as the nerves she’d kept at bay finally unleashed themselves and made her hands shake.

She restrained herself to a relieved exhale, her chuckle sounding only a touch close to hysterical. “Thank you. I don’t—just, thank you.”

Garethe smiled. “It’s deserved. Send the proposal to Jeron in Talihn when you can.”

“Right away. I can revise it with your points from tonight and have it out with a courier start of the week.”

“Excellent. Oh, and Anadae.” Garethe’s grin widened. “If I was interested in a discount on Helm Naval hull enhancements?”

Dae folded her hands neatly on the desk. “I would refer you to Calya Helm about the current bulk pricing structure.”

Garethe’s head tipped back with his laugh.

Dae started to get up but paused. Sat back, her expression turning apprehensive. “If I may … how is Ezzyn?”

“When he isn’t pouting about how pigheaded he was being over the Accord?” Garethe snorted. “Broody. Sulky. More than his usual, that is.”

“The Accord, it’s been approved?”

“Signed by all three Sor’vahls, yes. Feel free to add yourself to the list of ‘I told you so.’ It’s good for his character.”

“I’m glad he came around,” Dae said in a soft tone. He would likely be busy traveling to the most critical spots in the kingdom to aid in clearing ground for the wards. She’d be in Den’olm for most if not all of the summer. It was probably better that way. No temptations.Distractions.

“I should mention,” Garethe said, “while your desire to be accepted for your work rather than your family connections is understandable, it wasn’t relevant here.”

“He—he didn’t mention it?”

“He was favorable, but that’s to be expected. You were his research assistant and were incorporated with his work.” Garethe rolled his eyes. “He was basically complimenting himself.”

“I don’t understand,” Dae said. “When I … he didn’t deny it. He implied…”

“He brought up your proposal over the winter, but we had already earmarked it for the trip. Your work is sound,” Garethe said, giving her a serious look. Which he promptly broke with a grin as he added, “Plus, Ez was deep his martyr complex at the time, and I tune him out when he’s being hysterical. Thinks he’s got to carry the kingdom on his shoulders.”

Dae’s smile was faint, a touch wistful. “He does.”

“Jeron’s got him on a tight leash when he goes back, so there won’t be any more of that nonsense.”

A tap on the door announced the arrival of Professor Rai. The kindly herbalism professor’s eyebrows went up when he saw Dae in the office, and he raised his hand in greeting.

“Saren!” Garethe, already so buoyant and bright, perked up even more at the sight of the older man.

“I can come back later.”

“No, please, Professor. I was just leaving,” Dae said.

She bid the professors a good evening and left, closing the door at Garethe’s behest. She walked back toward the atrium’s main doors, her step slowing as she passed the side stairwell. No, it was late, and she wasn’t sure where she’d landed. What she wanted to do—if anything. Her summer plans were back on track; that was enough for now.

Three steps past the stairs, Dae stopped. Sighed, one hand rubbing at her eyes. And turned around.

Both his office and the lab were empty, the lights turned down. She hesitated, taking in the bare shelves, the uncharacteristically tidy desks and stations. She turned up a single light and went into the lab. One last time, for nostalgia’s sake.

A report at the end of the workstation caught her eye. The Rhell Accord. Dae ran her finger over the paper, spying Ezzyn’s familiar scrawl in the corner.

She smiled and sought a clean scrap of paper and a pen.

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