Chapter 8 Sasha
CHAPTER EIGHT
SASHA
“The cakes,” I choked out, unable to stop my snicker from emerging along with the words. “I didn’t have tea.”
Dominic’s low laugh rang out, the sound countered by the seriousness in his eyes. “It’s food. Drink.”
We staggered back outside and almost raced to the bench we’d sat at earlier, Savory circling overhead, watching us.
Settling on the long wooden plank, we leaned back and let our laughter peal out.
Too long later, it slowed and came to a stop.
“That was horrible,” I said, my belly muscles still spasming from laughing.
“Truly,” he said.
A fart rang out from where Savory perched on the back of the bench on Dominic’s other side.
He shifted my way, waving his hand in front of his face.
Leaning close, he lowered his voice. “She should go roost in a tree for a bit, don’t you think?”
I heard that, Savory said.
“Then do it.” I grimaced as the smell wafted around us. “I told you not to eat any cake.”
With a huff, my companion swooped off the bench and landed some distance away in the grass. She started scraping at the grass, dislodging bugs. I hoped they’d aid her digestion.
I took in a deep breath, grateful for the fresh air and the reprieve from uncontrollable laughter.
“So, what did you glean in there?” Dominic said, his voice rough from laughing.
I frowned, replaying the visit in my mind. “Not as much as I’d hoped, honestly. The staff seemed genuine, their processes are sound, and everything appears properly stored and prepared.”
“But?” He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, giving me his full attention in a way that made my pulse sing.
“Some of the tea leaves felt different when I touched them.” I struggled to articulate what my magic had sensed.
“It wasn’t obvious. The color looked right and the texture seemed normal.
But there was something off about them. A subtle wrongness I couldn’t quite identify.
” Frustration leaked into my voice. “It was almost imperceptible. Like they’d been contaminated with something, or maybe they’d absorbed magic they shouldn’t have. I need to examine them more carefully.”
“Hence asking for samples to be sent to our suite,” he said, understanding dawning in his eyes.
“Exactly. If I can study them in controlled conditions, maybe I can figure out what’s wrong.
I’ll compare affected leaves to unaffected ones and test for magical signatures.
Look for physical differences under closer inspection.
” I was already planning the systematic approach I’d take.
“It’s possible the contamination is so subtle that it’s only affecting certain batches. ”
“And the cakes?”
“The cakes,” I said with a sigh. “We didn’t drink tea, so we’re looking at a broader contamination of some sort.”
I grimaced at the memory of losing control, of laughter bubbling up against my will. My body betraying me like that had been deeply unsettling.
That kind of vulnerability wasn’t something I could afford, not if I wanted to keep everyone safe. I shoved the unease down, focusing instead on how I could be useful, on piecing this puzzle together before it hurt anyone else.
“Whatever’s causing this could be in multiple food items,” he said.
My mind raced through possibilities. “A common ingredient, perhaps? Or someone with access to the kitchen is adding something to various preparations.”
His jaw tightened. “You think this is deliberate sabotage?”
“I don’t know what to think yet.” I touched my locket. “It could be accidental contamination from a common supplier. Or a magical experiment gone wrong. Or yes, possibly sabotage. I need more information before I can determine which.”
Though why would anyone taint food and beverages with something that would make people laugh?
Another small sound escaped Savory, mercifully too distant to affect us.
“Your companion certainly paid the price for her indulgence,” Dominic said with a smile.
“She knew better,” I said. “And now, so do you.”
His low, real laugh rang out.
“She’s never been good at resisting treats,” I said.
“I can relate.” His smile widened. “Those cakes were extraordinary.”
“They really were.” I found myself smiling back. “Even if they did make us giggle.”
Sitting beside him and working through a problem together, plus sharing observations and theories felt right, like the kind of partnership that could actually fix things without distractions getting in the way.
We had nothing more than good teamwork, I told myself, even while warmth spread through me that had nothing to do with the garden sun.
Better to keep it that way and stay focused on the facts.
“I should probably start mapping out what we know so far,” I said, already organizing information in my mind. “Create a timeline of incidents, catalog who was affected when, and track which foods could be compromised.”
“That sounds very strategic,” Dominic said warmly. “And helpful. It’s the kind of partnership I’ve been missing, someone to guard the details while I handle the rest. I’ve been too close to this problem, reacting to each incident as it happens rather than seeing the larger pattern.”
“Sometimes you need fresh eyes,” I told him. “And a systematic approach.”
He studied me for a long moment, soft appreciation in his expression.
“I’m glad you’re here, Sasha. Not just because of your analytical mind, though that’s certainly valuable.
But because…” He paused, seeming to choose his words carefully.
“Because I think we could actually be good for each other. If we give it a chance.”
My breath caught.
“I’d like that,” I said before I could think it through.
His smile transformed his face, making him look sweet and carefree. “Good. That’s…good.”
Another fart erupted from Savory’s direction, and we both laughed.
“I really did warn her,” I said, shaking my head.
“To be fair, I’m the one who gave it to her, so technically, this is partially my fault.”
I can still hear you, Savory said.
As you should.
“She’s responsible for her own choices,” I said. “Even if those choices involve accepting contraband cake from my husband.”
The word “husband” felt strange on my tongue, both foreign and oddly right. Dominic’s expression softened further, as if he’d caught the significance of me using the term.
A breeze rustled through the garden, carrying the scent of flowers and growing things. I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the familiar comfort of green life settle over me. Even here in the fae court, surrounded by dying plants and mysterious giggling, there was still beauty. Still hope.
“I should let you get to work on that analysis,” Dominic said, though he made no move to stand.
“But would you like to have dinner together tonight in our private dining room? Not the formal hall or the informal one with everyone else. Just us. We could discuss what you learn from examining the tea samples.”
“I’d like that very much,” I said. The prospect of spending more time with him, getting to know the serious, thoughtful man beneath the courtly charm, held a lot of appeal, even when I should be keeping my distance.
“Wonderful.” He rose to his feet, extending a hand to help me up. His palm was warm around mine, and that same tingle sparked between us. “Shall we head back inside? I’m sure Alaina will have those samples sent to our suite shortly.”
I nodded, calling to Savory. My companion launched herself into the air, gliding back to land on my shoulder. She’d apparently found enough insects to settle her stomach, thank the fates.
“You’re certain you’re feeling better?” I asked her.
Better enough, she said. Though I maintain that cake was worth the temporary discomfort.
“You would think that,” I muttered, earning a curious glance from Dominic.
“Companion conversation?” he asked as we walked toward the back entrance.
“She says the cake was worth the consequences.”
“I have to agree with her on that. Though perhaps next time I’ll resist the urge to share treats with your raven.”
“That would be wise.”
We entered the manor house, the cooler air inside a welcome relief after the warmth of the garden.
Dominic paused in the main hallway. “I have a council meeting shortly. It’s nothing exciting.
Grain deliveries, tax assessments, budget allocations for the western district’s road repairs.
Terribly dull administrative matters. You’re welcome to attend if you’d like, but I won’t be offended if you’d rather use the time to examine those tea samples. ”
“I’ll pass this week,” I said, appreciating that he’d offered. “But I would like to start attending those meetings regularly, if you don’t mind. Understanding the court’s daily operations would be helpful.”
“I don’t mind at all. I’d welcome your insight. A fresh perspective could help with some of the issues we’ve been wrestling with.” He smiled. “Though I warn you, budget discussions can be remarkably tedious.”
“I’ll survive. I’ve sat through worse, I’m sure.”
“If you say so.” He glanced down the hallway that must lead to the council chambers. “I should head that way. The councilors get testy if I’m late.”
“Then go,” I said, though part of me wanted to keep talking to him, to extend this comfortable moment between us.
He seemed to feel the same reluctance because he hesitated before finally stepping back. “Until dinner, then.”
“Yes, dinner.”
“I’ll make sure we don’t eat anything that makes us giggle,” he said with a grin. “We’ve had quite enough of that today.”
“Agreed.” Though I wasn’t sure how we’d avoid it if all the food was tainted. Although, my breakfast had been fine.
Either way, dwelling on it wouldn’t help. I needed to map the incidents and trace the patterns. Anything to regain control and prove I could handle this without my judgment slipping.
He walked down the hallway, and I watched him go, admiring the confident way he moved and the breadth of his shoulders. When he glanced back and caught me looking, heat flooded my cheeks, but his answering smile held no mockery, only pleasure.
Once he’d disappeared around a corner, I made my way through the castle. I wanted to explore a bit more, familiarize myself with the layout.
If I was going to solve this mystery, I needed to understand the full scope of the problem.