Page 54 of The Gargoyle's Glade
“Usually, it’s a garden that’s locked and walled,” I told Grace. “Plants that are deadly in one way or another. Only those with special skills and knowledge should be allowed in.”
“Well, tell the headmaster what you need. You already got him going on the vegetables and a small orchard, I can only imagine he’d adore the notion of such a dangerous addition.”
“I’ve got a wish list,” Greta nodded enthusiastically.
“Tell me when to come talk with him, and I’ll do my best.”
Grace pulled out snacks and tea once everything was jarred, and we sat around the family table talking and laughing. It was so lovely to be part of a circle of women like these.
It was a day full of joy, even if by the time we were done my feet were aching and my back sore. My heart was full to overflowing, like our pantries were going to be.
Coltor and Seirhad been waiting for us on the glade side of the portal.
“Where are all the jars?” Seir asked when we stepped through, our arms linked but empty.
“They have to sit a while to be sure they seal properly.”
His shoulders sagged, expression positively crestfallen. “I was told there would be pickles.”
“We’ll bring our share in a few days.” Hailon promised with a laugh as we all started down the path.
“What else did you make?” Coltor asked after kissing my temple, his fingers threaded through mine.
“Jam. Vegetables. Beans. So much,” Hailon said.
“There were jars covering every counter in the kitchen and multiple tables in the dining room. No chance of getting ill from malnutrition or going hungry this winter,” I corroborated.
“Therearepickles, though,” Hailon assured Seir. “Five different kinds.”
Seir perked back up. “I’ll try to be patient then.”
We said our goodbyes at the split in the path, and Coltor pulled me under his arm as we headed toward my cabin. As we came around the bend and my cabin came into view, I gasped.
“What on earth?”
Coltor was grinning. “They got quite far today. I was worried you’d come back early and catch the workers hurrying to leave.”
“What’s happening? Why is there another cabin being built right near mine?” Several small woodland creatures chirped excitedly then scattered as we approached.
He took my hand in his, kissing my palm as he gazed down at me. It was impossible not to melt under a stare like that. He could make me believe I was the only thing in the world just by looking at me. It was dangerous. Addictive. I loved it.
“Let me show you.”
We walked along the front, Coltor gesturing in illustration without ever letting go of my hand.
“The main room will be your office. Shelves all the way around for books, contracts, ledgers. Space for a desk, a sofa. The demons have agreed to continue on as your couriers, so you only need go to the crossroads when you like.”
“Kind of them,” I smiled.
“This will be a big window on the side. The glazer is working on the colored panes still.”
“Colored panes?”
“Like Ophelia’s, the one with the picture in it.”
My breath stalled in my throat. “You ordered me astained-glasswindow?”
“Yes. I chose a botanical design that suits you. I think you’ll like it.”
