Page 45 of Flowerheart

Confidence is important, Xavier had said.

I had to believe that my blessing would work.

The next morning, I waited in the living room shortly after the sun had risen. With trembling fingers, I flipped through the pages of another book about blessings. I pressed my palm against the words as if the paper was Papa’s heart.

I shut my eyes and imagined him healthy, exuberant, playful. I’d lift my hands off his chest, and he’d spring to his feet, grinning and declaring he could run for miles.

The knock on the front door startled me back into reality.

I leapt up and pulled back my hair and smoothed my skirts before flinging open the door.

Madam Ben Ammar was there, smiling. “Hello, dear.”

I curtsied to her and then let her in. The disappointment sitting in my chest was so odd. I was delighted to see her, of course. And I shouldn’t have beenmissingXavier; I’d spent allweek with him, for goodness’ sake.

Madam Ben Ammar set aside her potion case and then unfastened her long, gossamer cloak, the color of the night sky. As she slung it over our coatrack, she said, “Robin told me you sent them back to Queensborough.”

“We both thought they could use the day off,” I said.

“Without a doubt. The poor dear works so very hard.” She winked at me. “I’m sure you’ve taken excellent care of your father in Robin’s stead.”

Doubt and magic whispered horrible things to me as I led her to a chair.You’re nothing,it said.Your father will die because of you.

“Papa’s in his room, sleeping,” I said, loud enough to smother the whispers of my magic. “He had a stomachache last night. I suspect I spoiled him by making scones. And his heart... he looks so pale, and sometimes I can tell he has a hard time staying awake.” I wound and unwound the end of my braid.

Madam Ben Ammar’s gloved hand reached out and stilled me. “You’re a smart student and a caring healer, as you have been ever since I first met you. Iknowyou’re taking good care of him.” She retracted her hand into her lap, quirking a dark eyebrow. “And where is Master Morwyn? Does he intend for his student to perform a blessing on her own?”

Her tone was cold—as it always was when she spoke of him.

“I’m certain he’s on his way. Why... why don’t you trust him?” I asked her softly.

She stared at the ceiling the way some people did when they prayed. “Let’s just say I find it very strange that, while I had to practice as a witch for five years before joining the Council, he only had to practice a month. I respect the decision of my Council, but—”

“The Morwyn name,” I murmured. For a moment, I felt a twinge of jealousy. If I had been born into the Council’s favorite family, would I have been a witch by now?

Madam Ben Ammar curled and uncurled her hands into fists. “He is entitled, immature, completely full of himself, and absolutely reckless.”

“He has not behaved that way towards me,” I said.

She snapped her head back down, leveling her gaze. “He has demonstrated such behavior to the Council, Miss Lucas.”

“How?” I pressed. “The whole Council seems to hate him, and you told me to watch him closely! But what am I supposed to look for? The man is as ruthless as a rose petal. Well, he did shout at me once, but it was only because I interrupted him working on the Euphoria cure.”

Her eyes searched mine. Her jaw tightened. “That’s what he said he was making?” she asked.

I nodded. “A man came to him asking for Euphoria at the market, and Master Morwyn was adamant that he did not carry it. He told me he was working on a cure, and that it wasdue on Midsummer, or he’d lose his powers.”

“That’s all he said?”

“Yes.” My brow furrowed. “Is... is there something you’re not telling me? Is there somethinghe’snot telling me?”

“I’m a Councilmember, Clara. I’m bound to secrecy.” She gave my hand a gentle squeeze. “I find it odd, that’s all. That he would take on a student, even in the middle of his assignment. And that he chose a pupil with such strong magic.”

She thought he was using me.

And she was right.

“I asked for his help in the first place,” I said softly. “We grew up together. I knew him—I know him.”

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