Page 177 of Insolence
It’s only the second time in four years I’ve encountered someone from my life before. What are the odds they both crop up in the same year?
“Don’t pay her any mind,” Deirdre’s saying. “She’s a troublemaker and not worth a second thought, really. At any rate, you were saying?”
I tear my eyes away, casting about inside my head. “Uh…”
A clatter comes from the alcove before I can answer.
Whether by accident or on purpose, Lydia’s dropped one of the box lids. It bounces off the table, landing on the floor with abang. She hustles to retrieve it, her intense gaze fastened on me.
Bursts of color suffuse her aura. Fearful alarm and something resembling excitement. Hope maybe? Realization strikes me like a bolt of lightning:she recognizes me too.
Did the ritual not work on her either? Is that why they’re punishing her?
A shiver wracks my spine.
“Did you have anything to say on your own behalf?” Deirdre spins the cigarette case on the table, looking bored. “Or are you going to hide behind Maida’s advocacy?”
“Right…” Heart hammering, I refocus. “Until Maida mentioned it, I wasn’t aware crossing the dome was something you’d permit, your reverence. But Eisha has sent me consistentomens, so I can only assume there’s urgency to them. It’d be blasphemy to walk away from her gift without first doing everything possible to understand her message. Besides, I’m worth far more to you with my Second Sight awakened.”
“How do you figure?” Deirdre studies me through the reeking haze.
“Come now, Mother.” I fold my hands in my lap.
Lydia looks up from the prep table. She’s removed a heap of leafy plants with blue flowers from a box, her hands working through them. An odor like sulfur creeps across the room, mingling with the spicy stench of Deirdre’s cigarette.
“With my Second Sight awakened,” I force my eyes back to the prioress, “you have the option of selling me off as a seer, don’t you? You don’t have to. I can stay and teach like Maida, if that’s what you wish. I can still benefit under your tutelage.” That bit I add purely for the sake of persuasion. “It’s your choice, of course, but you’d have options.”
Lips twitching, she plucks a piece of lint from her robes. Watches it drift to the floor. I’d appreciate being able to read her aura right about now, but she shrouds it with Signet Silver.
“I agree with Maida that the acolytes should accompany us. What better way for them to see what awaits them if they apply themselves? Well, and hopefully come into strong Second Sight themselves. More seers means more money for you. Makes the temple look good.”
Finished with her cigarette, she stabs it out. “This talk ofblasphemyand the sordid business ofmoney, Elodie.” She flings a scornful look my way. “Naturally I’m going to part the barrier and let you go. As if I could do anything else! And all right, fine. Bring your charges too, since you and Maida see value in it. I’m not sure I do, but I merelyrunthe temple. What do I know?” She huffs. “I have to admit, I was curious whether you’d try toconvince me or cower behind Maida’s authority and let her call the shots.”
You manipulative cunt.I sit up a little straighter. Muster my brightest tone. “Your generosity and wisdom know no bounds, Mother Prioress.”
“Well, now you’re laying it on a bit thick.Ugh!” She slaps the small wooden table so hard the ashtray jumps.
So do I.
She stands, whirling around. “Damn it, Lydia. Those thistle lilies arefoul. They smell like rotten eggs. I told you to make sure they were dry before bringing them in here, didn’t I? Not damp, not moist, butbone dry.”
Lydia nods, her hands hurriedly working the flowers.
“Somehow you couldn’t follow one simple instruction.Wonderful. I am amazed.” Deirdre throws her hands up. “That really is impressive, youstupidgirl.”
Lydia flinches, her eyes flicking to me. She’s stripping and stuffing flower petals into a ceramic pot like her life depends on it. The hot sulfur stench thickens in the air.
“Take the waste directly to the compost when you’re done, if you think you can follow that direction.” Deirdre shakes her head. “It’ll take aweekfor the blasted stench to go away.”
How she can smell anything after that abomination of a cigarette is beyond me.
Then again, the thistle lily odor is bordering on suffocating. I gag and glance at Lydia again, who’s wincing while processing the flowers. I can only imagine the reek of it where she’s standing.
Deirdre turns to me, gaze sharpening. “Isaidyou can have your important little trip, Elodie. Seeing as it’s so essential, you’ll leave in ten days, if that is acceptable to your holinesses. I sent a missive to Heliotrope House as soon as Maida left for class this morning.”
“Thank you, Mother Prioress,” I stammer, taken aback.
“Thankme by keeping your girls in line. I’m holding you and Maida personally accountable for safeguarding the temple’s reputation.”
