Page 9 of The Rowan's Stone
Entering Syn’s kitchen feels weird, like I’m trespassing on sacred territory, and his dominance hangs heavily in the air.
“Do you like grilled cheese?” I ask, motioning to the fridge. “Or do you want something else? I’m not much of a cook, but we can find something.”
“Believe me, I’m not picky. Food is too precious to waste,” she responds. She pauses, glances at me, her face blank, then heads out the door. “I’ll go pick out some wine from the bar.”
I freeze, her offhand remark more telling than any previous statement about her background. I hadn’t realized she’d grown up poor and without food. It’s such a rare occurrence in the supernatural world. Due to the longevity of immortality, most families are wealthy from centuries of accumulating money and land. And Meri is Fae. I don’t know of one area in the land of the Fae where someone might go hungry. Even in the country, where the Fae live simpler lives, food is still plentiful.
Is she still poor? I think about the times we’ve spent together. She’s bought drinks and food for us both many times and never said anything.
She comes back in the room and slowly puts a bottle of wine on the counter. Leaning her hip against it, she folds her arms over her chest. “Yes, I’ve gone without food. Sometimes because we were poor, and other times… Let’s just say my guardian didn’t like it when I rebelled.” She shrugs, conveying her lack of concern. “I’m not poor now, and I can take care of myself and splurge on my friends. So no, you don’t need to pay me for the wine and cupcakes. Feed me, and we’re even.” She stares defiantly at me.
“I’m sorry.” My voice is soft when I reply. “You never talk about your past, so when I hear something significant, it throws me. And I’ve never heard of any Fae going without food.”
She tenses, but answers my unasked question. “I didn’t grow up in the land of the Fae. Far from it.” She pauses before letting out a long sigh. “My guardian isn’t Fae, she’s a demon, a sorceress, and liked to move around a lot. If she found work, we had food. If I behaved, I was fed. From everything I’ve heard from you, I wasn’t quite as lucky in the guardian lottery.”
Digesting the words, both what she said and didn’t say, I slide the finished sandwich onto the plate. “That sucks,” I tell her truthfully. Putting the spatula down, I give her a pointed look. “I don’t want our friendship to only be about me. It’s about us both. And I want to hear all about you, good and bad. Okay?” I wait until she nods, albeit a bit unhappily. “And as far as guardians are concerned, I’m happy to share Solandis and Vargas with you. I’m sure they’ll adopt you within seconds anyway.”
She snorts in disbelief. “I’m not exactly the type of friend someone takes home with them.”
“Ha! You’re exactly our type but telling you won’t convince you. When you meet Solandis and Vargas, you’ll see,” I reply. Holding up the plates, I motion to the chips with my chin. “One grilled cheese for you, and one for me. Grab those chips.”
She trails behind me to the elevator. A minute later, we’re in the garden.
Meri steps out, wonder on her face at the scene in front of her. For once, she’s speechless. I chuckle, knowing I must have done the same when Daire brought me here the first time.
“What in the world?” she exclaims, reaching down to touch the grass. “I never would have guessed this place had a garden. Dungeons, a couple red rooms of pain maybe, but definitely not a garden. I’d live up here.” She spins around and around, laughing.
I choke out, “Red rooms of pain? What on earth are you talking about? And I didn’t say we didn’t have a dungeon. Who knows with the cadre? Knowing them, a dungeon is highly likely. But I’m not sure. They haven’t taken me on a tour of the entire place. Yet.”
She waves a hand. “Wow, you have been sheltered. You know, a sex room with lots and lots of toys? I’m quite sure Astor’s got something like it around here. And why are you waiting for a tour? I’d have snooped in every corner after I moved in here.”
“Some of us were raised with manners,” I joke.
Her face is sad for a second. “Where are we eating?”
I jerk my chin to the grass on the left. “This is a great spot.”
She conjures up a blanket and sits. “Mmm, it’s such a rush to use your powers. Now give me a sandwich.”
Handing her one of the plates, I plop beside her and inhale my sandwich. “Okay, where was I?”
While I don’t tell her everything that’s happened since I’ve arrived, I hit the highlights from my arrival until the placement ceremony. “The book you gave me was a huge help. I didn’t realize it when I read it the first time, but after Valerian mentioned the MacAllisters, I realized there were seven families, not six. When I saw the original tapestry with six branches and a spell woven over the top of it, I realized someone had covered up the seventh one. Later, my mother’s letter told me I was the Rowan, witch of all seven bloodlines, and my task is to find the MacAllisters’…history. Which helps me with the council too, because, according to Caro, I need to prove I’m a MacAllister to retain my current seat on the council.” I roll my eyes, and she laughs.
I don’t tell her about the blank paper and the journals. Some things feel too personal to share right now.
“Out of curiosity, where did you find the book?” An idea pops into my head as I ask.
Meri hesitates, then answers, “The dark Fae king’s library is open to all Fae. It’s one of the biggest libraries in existence, and my guardian often sends me there to find rare books for her. When I got a vision of your book, I recognized the location. Why?”
“I’m searching for more information on the MacAllisters and hoping the library can help,” I reply absentmindedly, my brain busy adding this to the to-do list.
“The Rowan, huh?” she asks, tapping her finger on her chin. “What does that mean?”
“I only know it means I’m a witch of all seven bloodlines. Beyond that, I’m not sure. I’m hoping once I uncover more information about the MacAllisters, I’ll understand,” I reply. “Or maybe my father will know. If I can find him.”
She sits quietly for a second, nose scrunched up, before letting out a large sigh. “Nothing. I tried to use your seer power to find the next step, and nothing appeared. Have you been able to tap into the power yet?”
“It’s only been a couple of days, but no visions,” I say with a huff, frustrated with the lack of change. “And my father’s powers haven’t manifested either.” I lie back and stare at the blue sky.
