Page 36 of The Demon's Discovery
She emerged from her apartment at nearly the same time I did, looking refreshed and not at all terrified of me. I was even gifted a smile. Relief was a tangible thing, and a weight lifted from my shoulders, allowing me to breathe again. I was pleased that we were now only separated by a single wall instead of half a city, it made the ache in my chest feel better to know where she was at virtually all times.
“Hungry?” I asked.
“Starving.”
Her enthusiasm around food never failed to bring me joy. “Shall we?” I offered my bent arm, and after turning an enticing shade of pink, she looped her arm through mine. I escorted her down the stairs and into the dining room, pleased to find Magnus already seated and Grace setting down several plates.
“Right on time!” she enthused, beckoning us closer. “I do love having a full table for supper. I hope you like chicken pie, Greta.”
“It smells delicious,” Greta replied earnestly, accepting my gesture of pulling out her chair.
“How are you getting on in the apartment, niece?” Magnus passed a basket of steaming rolls as he looked her over.
“The bed is like a cloud,” she sighed dreamily. “The sofa too, actually. I can’t wait to take a bath later, that tub is positively decadent.” Greta stopped, clamped her mouth shut and pulled back the enthusiasm. I hated it. I loved the way her eyes danced when she spoke about something that excited her, even if it was as mundane as a bathing tub. “I’ve never had such a nice room, thank you.” She glanced between the two of us as Grace took the empty seat next to Magnus.
“You are most welcome.” Magnus preened a little, pleased with her complimentary words, but I noticed the jaw flex and fist clench that betrayed his rage. He hated that she’d made it to this age before getting something as simple as a comfortable bed. Inoticed because I felt the same. “I always have several options for where I get my rest.” His eyes drifted to Grace, and I raised my eyebrow, earning a slight glare. “I’d much rather you have use of it than me.”
Greta poked at the pie on her plate, cautious before taking a small bite.
“Is there something wrong?” Grace asked, more concerned than I’d ever seen her. She clearly wanted Greta to be as happy here as the rest of us.
“No, not at all.” Grace smiled, dipping in enthusiastically for another bite. “This is delicious, as always.” At Grace’s continued stare, Greta explained, “Caroline… she’s a good cook, but she’s always been miserable at pastry. It was never flaky, always either gummy or over floured. It burned or was too thick and never baked through when she tried making pie. Whether for dessert or something like this. Those meals I had to hurry and chew through. But yours is just perfect, Grace.”
“Well.” Grace blushed under the compliment, and Magnus grinned wide as well, and they exchanged a look that confirmed without a doubt they’d turned a corner in their relationship. “I appreciate that.”
Magnus had us all laughing with a story about his council meeting, though I could tell by the tightness around his mouth that the actual series of events hadn’t been at all amusing.
“If you have time, you should come with us to the market one of these first days, Greta. I think you might find some things there you’d like. Perhaps some new ingredients for me to turn into tea?”
“I’ve never been to the market here,” Greta said quietly, face turned down to her plate. “I was able to go a few times during festivals during our stays at the country house, though. A trip out sounds nice. I just don’t want you to waste any more effort on my behalf unless you want to.”
“Of course I want to,” Grace chided gently, affronted, but still smiling. “You’re a brand-new puzzle I want to figure out. I’m sure there’s a good combination to be had to help re-energize you. Besides, finding out everyone’s favorite things to eat and drink and the things that make them smile is a joy to me. Let me do it.”
Greta’s mouth twitched, and she nodded. “Okay. I’d love to go with you.”
“I’ll come along, too, if that’s alright?” I asked, getting visions of the wonder Greta might have on her face traversing the stalls and shops in the heart of Revalia. I shook myself after a moment, realizing I was cataloging several items I wouldn’t mind finding for her.
Magnus narrowed his gaze at me as though trying to work something out. “Why does she need energizing tea?”
“She tires quickly,” I explained simply.
“Niece?”
Greta paused mid drink. “I’ve been this way as long as I can remember.” She shrugged. “I need at least one nap most days. Lara brought a physician to see me a few times, and they offered teas or herbal tinctures. Nothing helped. Lara believed me to be lazy, but I just never feel totally rested. Though that bed is a wonder and may cure me,” she joked, a chagrined lift to her lips.
“Any other ailments?” Magnus asked, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
“I heal slowly, but my hand is nearly all better.”
“It’s been several weeks at this point,” I countered. “But I’ve been pleased with your progress since I first saw your injury.”
“I’ve always healedwell, just slowly. And my hair…” She stopped and shook her head. She tugged on the ends of her curls with one hand.
“What about it?” Magnus asked, tone soft.
“It doesn’t grow. It was cut like this once when I was a child. It’s never gotten any longer.”
I digested this information, as did Grace, whose eyes were wide.
