50. Chapter Fifty
Chapter Fifty
Astrid
The smell of scallions and oregano floats out of the kitchen accompanied by Embla’s soft humming. I’m consumed by the smell of roasting meat and herbs as I step into the kitchen my sister has taken over. Pots bubble on the stove, a couple of ovens glow with warmth as the yeasty smell of fresh bread coats the air.
“You know you don’t have to do this right?” I lean a shoulder against the doorframe crossing my arms over my chest. “You’re terrifying the other chefs.”
“It reminds me of home,” Embla says wistfully, it’s the first time we’ve talked since I told her she wouldn’t be allowed to leave the tavern. A timer dings and she’s scurrying to empty the ovens. She pulls on the black and white checkered oven mitts and pulls out four perfectly brown loaves of bread. The smell overpowering everything else.
“Look,” I say, rubbing the back of my head. “I’m sorry for forcing you to stay in the tavern, this just isn’t a safe place for you to be walking the streets as you like. We’ll be going to Scandes soon, and I’m starting to think you should probably stay here. I’ll go find the cure, and you’ll be safe.”
“I know all you want to do is protect me, but you didn’t even for once think that locking me in this place wouldn’t be worse than letting me explore alongside you. You’re letting the fear you feel after losing Erik control your decisions with me and that’s not the sister that I know. You’ve always been against those above you and rebelling but in small ways that still fit within the realms of Demendia’s laws. You’re no better than I am,” Embla hisses, moving around the kitchen as she starts to plate things for dinner.
“Look Em, I’m sorry—” I start.
“I know you’re sorry, Ash, and I’ll forgive you and I’ll always love you; I just don’t like you right now. Anyway, everyone else is seated in the nook, you should go sit, dinner’s just about ready.” Embla’s tone says, ‘end of conversation,’ but I said what I came here to say, and Embla gave me something to truly think about. We both need time to sort through our feelings.
Effie, Augustus, Roan, and Thea sit gathered around a table covered in empty dishes as they wait. Embla follows close on my heels, somehow managing to carry plated food on every inch of her arms that she neatly deposits in the center of the table.
“It smells great.” Effie reaches a hand into the potluck only for it to be smacked away by Em’s wooden spoon.
“It’s dinner, we have to say grace,” She takes her seat and holds out her hand to me and Effie on her right. Hesitantly, Effie gently grasps her fingers, and I can’t stop the embarrassment that burns my cheeks. Instead of speaking up, I let Embla have this small piece of home. So, we can get this over with and eat. My stomach grumbles its irritation.
“Malia, we thank you for this food we are about to receive. Please use it to protect and guide us through our days. Amen.” Embla lifts her head, smile beaming as she reaches for a large spoon to start dishing out food.
“How was everyone’s day?” Effie asks conversationally between bites.
“I had a productive day with Aine!” Embla says, her voice raising an octave in her excitement, “She can sit, stay, and she meows on command!” Embla chatters on and on about Aine and how smart she is, and I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face. I’m glad she found someone to keep her company here. A pet could teach her some responsibility too.
“I spent the day in bed,” I murmur, not able to meet Effie’s eyes. I peak up at Augustus from under my lashes and I can feel the heat that overtakes my cheeks for an entirely different reason this time as our gazes lock. His offering of the dark promises of pleasure once we’re alone again, send chills of anticipation prickling at my skin.
“It wasn’t your bed; I went looking for you there this morning and found it empty and made,” Effie says ,shooting a questioning look at me. After our night out at the club, I didn’t see the point of returning to my room when Augustus had everything I needed in his. The urge to hide away with him, and let his body get to know mine in the most intimate ways still pulls at my bones. I can’t wait to be done with dinner.
“No matter whose, I hope it was restful,” Augustus clears his throat a little, and Effie’s eyes twinkle with knowing as she looks between the two of us.
“I wanted to ask you if you know anything about a hall of scrolls. We found it hidden in the library yesterday, but the scroll I was led to was blank.” Frustration laces my words along with defeat.
“You should go visit Nonna, the Swamp Crone. She’s the oldest fae in the city , ” Effie says, getting up to walk around Embla and balance on the small sliver of chair I can offer to share.
“What’s a swamp crone?” My voice is soft, letting the others flow into their conversation as we speak quietly between ourselves. The boys begin to regale the rest of the table with stories of their adventures.
“That’s when a centaur came flying down the embankment,” Roan says, using his hands as models as the rest of the table roars with laughter.
“I swear she knows everything about this place,” Effie says confidently.
“Will you have time to take me tomorrow? I’m sure I could find my way if you have preparations to make for our journey.” I move the food on my plate around as anxiety worms through my belly making an appetite impossible.
“I’ll do you one better; we can go tonight. She can be a little... eccentric, and usually isn’t awake until the moon takes its place in the middle of the sky.” Effie offers me one last conspiratorial smile before sliding back into her seat. As dinner continues, all I wonder is what kind of elder is only awake at night? And what new oddities will I be introduced to in the coming days.