Page 18 of The Gargoyle's Gift
They both stared at me as I recovered by stuffing a piece of buttered bread in my mouth. Imogen swore under her breath again, long and slow, while Ophelia's head tilted to the side, her mouth half-smiling as though she were impressed. Admittedly, I felt quite a bit better after having spilled my guts. I’d been driving myself crazy avoiding my sister these past few weeks,and I hadn’t realized how heavily everything was weighing on me.
“My, my. That’s a tricky situation you find yourself in.” Ophelia sat back, regarding me carefully. “Don’t give up on him so easily. It’s what he expects, you know. He thinks the worst of himself. Always has, but since the covenants… the decline has been obvious to those paying attention.”
The ugliest of his words rolled through my mind. Unforgivable. Filthy. Deplorable.
“Not without cause, though, surely?” Imogen asked. “You don’t get to be in a position like his easily.”
“In fairness, he’s done terrible things. Haven’t we all? But nothing is that simple, even the most black-and-white situation contains many shades of gray. You know this.” I did. Ophelia squinted at me. “There’s more?”
I shifted in the cushion. “He also seemed very concerned about our ages. That Father would not approve.”
Imogen grunted. “Could go either way. Father will more likely react how he expects you want him to. Are you going to send our brothers messages announcing the happy news? I can only imagine how Lionel will feel about it. He’s never liked any of your suitors.”
The only man who’d ever shown any interest in me was one of my twin’s friends. My brother didn’t like that I was taking time and attention from his sparring partner, mostly, and it had only lasted a few months, besides. Imogen chortled, enjoying seeing me riled up.
“They’re only interested in my business when it suits them. They can just be mad for all I care.”
Ophelia laughed. “Well, Magnus is welcome to challenge the match, but it will be for no good reason if he does. Though I don’t believe he will—he’s been luckier than most of us, after all. You’re welcome to send him to me if he needs convincing.”There was a wicked glint in her eye. “He always brings me candy, and while I’ve got plenty in my cabinet just now, I’d happily take a bit more. And I do love to see them nervous like they get when they come here.”
“Candy?” Imogen asked.
“They? Nervous?”
Ophelia waved her hand. “The boys all think the way to keep me from becoming dangerous is to bribe me with salted licorice when they visit.”
“Should we be bringing you gifts?” Imogen asked, frowning in her concern that we’d breached some rule of etiquette we weren’t aware of.
“No, my girl, unless you feel you have something you’d like me to have. In which case, I’d take it and happily. You girls are always welcome. Those lovely women the demons have mated to as well, I’d like to see them as often as possible. They’re the most fascinating creatures I’ve had the honor of meeting in years. But your father? Any of the other soldiers? The demons themselves? I like that they think they need to make special arrangements or risk my wrath.” She faked a hiss, her hands up in pretend claws. After a beat, she started laughing, loud and enthusiastically. Abruptly, she stopped, her eyes narrowed, and she stared at me for so long I started to worry she’d dozed off with her eyes open. “Has Gaius done something to hurt you, Lovette?”
Imogen snorted. “They have no normal conversations, Ophelia. Everything is bickering. Their stubbornness is well matched.”
One side of her mouth lifted. “Yes, but I’m asking about actual hurt. That kind of banter is mostly play, is it not? I would very much like to see you put that man in his place. His ego has been far too large since he earned that special place with the council.”
I bit my lip, his words racing through my ears in harsh whispers. “I don’t think it was intentional. He is as Imo says. Just set in his ways.”
“So are you,” my sister added helpfully.
“Hush,” I chided gently.
“Mmm. Perhaps some space is needed. Weigh your options carefully. Leave him stewing in silence a little while. Time does many things.” Ophelia turned to my sister. “Now then, Imogen, what is it you want to know about young Brom?”
My sister blanched. “I never said?—”
“You didn’t have to.” Ophelia shook her head. “Nor do you need anyone’s approval to proceed if he’s your mate. Being forge mistress is an honor, but it’s still a job. A job is not supposed to consume your entire life. It is not meant to be solitary work, either. You should take on an apprentice, in fact, and very soon. Surely there’s a youngling with talent for you to train up. Perhaps two? If nothing else, they could man the bellows and keep the flames stoked at first, yes? And it would be quite convenient for blades and gear to be made and available in a single place, would it not? But you've already got designs on such a thing, I'm sure. Perhaps it’s also time for an expansion and reorganization. The conclave hasn’t been in danger in quite some time. Our kin could use with some good roots being put down. Tell me I'm wrong.”
Imogen’s mouth hung open. Then she did something I’d only seen her do a few times—she turned bright red and smiled. “You're not wrong, Ophelia.”
Ophelia tipped her head to the side in a gesture that clearly said “I know, but I told you so” and reached for her cup.
“Oh, saints. I’m somadI’ve been avoiding you the last few weeks! I’ve missed everything!” She tsked her tongue and waved a hand at me. “I’m sorry, Imo. I was so scared that if I told youanything I’d tell you everything… and some of it is not mine to tell.”
She nodded. “I understand. I knew it had to be important for you to run off as soon as we got our greetings out of the way.”
“You’re both very wise, you make me proud,” Ophelia gushed. “So tell me, girls. What is it you seek from this old woman? Understanding? Permission? I’m afraid I’m not really in a position to provide either one, but I’ll give you placating words if that helps.”
Imo and I turned to one another, and we both let out snorts of amusement.
“I think we got what we came for. Thank you, Ophelia.”
