Chapter 10
Leon, Nueena, Mimi, and I head down a narrow spiral stairwell, my anticipation for the evening growing with every step.
A floating crystal light guides us through the dark passageways ’til we reach an entrance, secret to most, at the base of the palace. There sits an unused kitchen Nueena and I have used for years to prepare the provisions for the mortals each month.
Leon sits Mimi on the counter as she eats the last bite of a soft cheese and spinach pastry, dressed in a warm gown borrowed from Nueena’s youngest sister, Kaylena. She watches the little crystal light float around the ceiling, the flaky crust falling into her lap.
Nueena opens the back door to the kitchen, letting in wisps of cool early-evening air from the Merawood Forest, where Tavien waits with my horse, Onyx.
We all set to work.
I pour some dried goods into jars: purple rice, large beans, and finely ground brown flour. A task that is familiar and comforting. For the past ten years Nueena, Tavien, and I have prepared the provisions for my travels to the mortal realm, but tonight everything is different.
The elixirs’ creation was triumphant, but this could end in joyful tears or tragedy.
Of course, I worried for myself when I slipped into Adreania on each full moon, but I knew no one was searching for me and my true identity was unknown. Tonight, though, Viella carries precious cargo with her, and I fear more for her than I ever did myself.
Tavien finishes wrapping up chocolate rolls in small blue handkerchiefs as Leon moves on to packing potatoes and I pour oils and spices into traveling containers.
Nueena hums to herself while she wraps the last of the crusty rosemary bread loaves in soft white fabric, tying the tops with strips of silk.
I’ve seen plenty of the mortals making use of the fabric we wrap the food in to make new garments, or for ribbons in their hair.
She smiles nervously at me; white flour streaked across her cheek.
Once we have enough wrapped, we bring it all outside, where Onyx is hitched to the small wooden cart that will make the journey to Adreania.
I hold out an apple to my sweet boy, and he happily devours it. I worry about his safety, too. Pressing my forehead into his cheek, I whisper, “One last quest. Bring her home safely.” His soft snort is probably a request for more fruit, but I’ll pretend he understands.
Once everything is packed up, all of us step into the forest to load the waiting cart Viella will be taking with her.
After a soft knock at the small kitchen door, Lillian and Viella join us under budding stars. Lillian with bags under her eyes, Viella’s hand tucked into hers.
Poor Lillian.
“It’s quite heavy, Vi. We can take out some of the bigger jars,” Nueena says as she inspects the cart, prodding the bags of apples, potatoes, and leafy greens. “You have much to do. I do not wish for you to be slowed down.”
Viella shook her head. “Absolutely not. If I’m going there, we must bring everything we can. What good would it do to heal them and give them nothing to begin recovering from their malnutrition?”
Leon pulls out a letter and hands it to Viella. “You will find a mail bin right outside the orphanage. I understand if it’s not possible, but if you could place this there, I would be most appreciative.”
She nods, sliding it into her cloak’s pocket.
I look at him curiously, but he only offers me a half smile instead of answering my unspoken question about the letter. Not that he has to tell me of his correspondence, but I find it impossible to be indifferent. Maybe he is missing a friend in Adreania? One of the princesses?
Everything we’re sending will be left at Cyanna’s orphanage for the citizens of Beggars’ Row since going up and down the streets with food would draw too much attention. I secure the cart, placing a dark cloth over it to hide it from view.
Lillian and Viella stand close together, foreheads pressed together. “My mate.” Viella says it so low I barely hear it.
“Yes, mate,” Lillian replies, not quite with the adoring tone of her lover but with a hint of bitterness that surprises me.
Whatever Lillian is feeling fades quickly and an unexpected softness returns to her.
We give them a moment to linger in their love before Lillian helps Viella mount the horse with a reverent look in her eyes. Lillian gives her calf a squeeze before coming to stand next to me.
I wrap my arm around her waist, and she slumps against me.
She is taking this much harder than I would expect. Viella is capable and bright, trained in slipping in and out, unnoticed. Something much deeper is happening before them.
Viella gently places a satchel over her shoulder. The vials of the elixir have been wrapped up with care; Nueena enchanted the glass to never break.
“Ellova’s grave, Vi. Please, be safe.” Lillan’s voice vibrates with distress, earning her an enthusiastic nod from Viella.
“I know Izadella has safely brought provisions to the mortals every full moon for years, but I cannot calm my worries. Grayden is looking for her, for the crown, demanding a war, and there is a traitor from Ellova still free. It was hardly safe before, and now it is even more dangerous.” Lillian does not need to warn her of that, but I know by the desperation in her eyes she needs to speak of it anyway.
“As soon as I can see the palace again, I’ll light up a fire sphere, so you know I have returned, safe and sound,” Viella says gently to Lillian.
Leon passes Mimi up to Viella, who nestles the little girl in front of her, ensuring she is comfortable.
“Remember, you must listen to Viella,” Leon tells her. “Whatever she says, you must do. She is going to make your whole family feel better. She's here to help.”
Mimi nods, her little hands playing with Onyx’s mane. “I will.” She bounces slightly with a wild grin, delighted to be riding.
Nueena mirrors Lillian’s worried expression but makes an attempts to send Viella off with a wobbly, encouraging smile. “If you run into Grayden’s men, get Mimi home, but then you come right back. No matter what. Leave the cart. Leave the elixir. Nothing is more important than your return.”
Tavien wraps his arms around Nueena’s shoulders before whispering, “Ellova will protect her.” We all bow our heads, sending out a silent prayer.
“I’ll return swiftly.” Viella softly snaps Onyx’s reins, my beloved horse propelling the cart forward into the forest.
Lillian watches ’til they have completely disappeared. A lantern of crystal lights hangs near the door for Viella to find her way back. The moon’s brightness fills the night sky with a soft glow that will make her journey easier.
“I’m going to wait here, if that’s all right,” Lillian says, staring into the forest. “I will secure the door after her return.”
Nueena nods and we make our way out of the kitchen and back to our rooms.