Chapter 2 #3
The entertainments in the Faerie Market were often lurid or cruel. Many times, they would feature a human undergoing torture in some way. This push by Head Librarian Marco would replace as much of that cruelty as possible with the Court of Knowledge’s stories, poems, and other readings.
Beatrice shared a look with Brigid. The Wild Fae Primrose would likely strike the Faerie Market.
It was well known that those who took a captive human to a Faerie Market in the Court of Knowledge risked losing that human.
At least it had become so well-known and accepted that those who lost humans didn’t even bother complaining to King Theseus about it anymore.
Head Librarian Marco cleared his throat.
“The master librarians will prepare a rotation of those who will perform at the Market. While I understand some of you might be reluctant, all of you will have extra motivation, given what I am about to tell you.” The head librarian paused, as if to highlight the importance of his next words.
“The dual Midsummer Days are a sign that it is time for change here in the Great Library. I have decided to begin the process of stepping down from my position of head librarian and training my replacement.”
Beside Meg, Basil straightened, his eyes widening. Meg reached over and rested a hand on his arm as they shared a look.
Head Librarian Marco was something of a mentor to Basil. If not for him, Basil likely never would have gotten a spot at the Library, much less made it to master librarian.
Becoming the next head librarian would be a dream come true for Basil. But would he even be considered since he wasn’t from one of the noble fae families?
What if the next head librarian wasn’t Basil?
What if it was one of the fae librarians from a noble family, like too-arrogant Benedict?
That head librarian would be much more stuffy than Head Librarian Marco, and everything about the Great Library would change.
Would it remain a refuge that welcomed humans like Beatrice into its midst?
“The Library and I will be choosing my successor from among the master librarians on the second Midsummer Night.” Head Librarian Marco swept a glance over the crowd that was more sparkling amusement than the severity of King Theseus’s look.
“All master librarians, even those currently stationed at outpost libraries, will need to be present in the Library on that night to be considered.”
Next to Beatrice, Basil and Meg shared another look, Meg’s fingers visibly tightening on Basil’s sleeve.
Beatrice swept a glance over the other master librarians she could pick out of the crowd.
Master Librarian Demetrius wouldn’t be bad.
He was from a noble family, but he and his wife Helena were friends of Basil and Meg.
Master Librarian Lysander, another one of her sister and brother-in-law’s friends, would also be an excellent choice.
But then there were fae like Master Librarian Domitius.
He stood next to Benedict, his arms crossed as he glared at the gathering.
He’d spent the last eight years at a far-flung outpost library before being captured by the Court of Revels in the war.
Apparently, he’d returned from his capture just as stuffy and pompous.
Beatrice had heard that, before his exile to the outpost library, Domitius had harried librarians like Basil who weren’t from noble lines like he was.
How much worse would he be to human librarians if he became the next head librarian?
At least Benedict wasn’t eligible, as he was only a lowly apprentice librarian like her.
“Consider the next month your assessment period. The Library and I will be watching and weighing your actions and performance.” Head Librarian Marco’s eyes were twinkling along with the mirthful curve of his smile.
“This will also open up librarian positions down the line, so all of you, not just the master librarians, should be mindful that you are under scrutiny by myself and the Library.”
There would be an assistant librarian position opening up. Beatrice rocked back and forth on her heels to contain the excitement bubbling from her chest and all the way into her toes. She had to earn that spot. She simply had to.
Her gaze darted yet again to where Benedict still stood with the other recently returned prisoners.
He, too, wore a gray librarian coat, even though he was two years older than her.
He’d already been waiting for the promotion to assistant librarian for nearly a year when the war broke out and such things were put on hold.
He, too, would be eager to claim the assistant librarian position, and he wouldn’t be too happy if she beat him to it.
Especially since her sister Viola had beaten him to the last assistant librarian promotion.
His gaze snagged hers again. This time, there wasn’t an arrogant smirk. Just a solemn challenge.
Whatever happened in the next month, she couldn’t fail. That assistant librarian position had to be hers.