Almost

Chapter 37: Coincidence

Katherine waited a long while before letting the bed next to Ezra's call her name. She carefully and quietly slipped on the tempering—it was risky, she knew, but she couldn't fight it anymore. She wrapped the red blanket around her hands as the bubble of rest took the place of her shield and her eyes drifted closed.

It was light out when a voice pulled her from her cocoon.

"Ms. Waine?"

Katherine's eyes shot open at the unfamiliar voice, but she was met by Mister Velern's balding head. The panic didn't subside, however, as she realized he had moved the blanket aside in his attempt to wake her.

She sat up, folding her arms in what she hoped looked like a sleepy posture rather than a means to hide the tempering. He doesn't know what it is, she reminded herself. They trust him with Crawley. He's already seen you shift. Trust him. Keep your head.

"I apologize," he said quietly. "It's very early, not even six, but I wanted to put in a breakfast order before the kitchens were too busy. Do you know what Mr. Crawley might be most likely to eat for breakfast this morning? He'll need the sustenance."

"He normally eats toast in the morning," she answered groggily. "But he loves waffles."

"Does he drink coffee?" he asked.

"Yes, just black."

"And you?"

She nodded. "I take mine black, too. Thank you."

He gave her a gentle smile as he stepped back into the storeroom. She leaned back against the wall and let out a striking breath, hoping not to wake anyone else. Before another close call sent her into cardiac arrest, she slipped off the tempering and shivered at the cold surge of static. It was rested, but still on edge from yesterday.

Angelina woke soon after, finding Katherine perched in the armchair from the night before with a cup of coffee Mister Velern had brought her. They kept quiet company, Angelina in the chair playing with Katherine's hair as she sat on the ground in front of her. The long tresses were hers, but still teal. She hadn't bothered to change her appearance when everyone here already knew what she really looked like. Besides, the papers would know soon enough.

"Do you think Roxy would like hyacinths?" Katherine asked casually as Angelina's fingers twisted and tugged at her scalp.

Angelina gave a soft click of her tongue. "I don't know what those are, but I'm sure she'll like whatever you choose."

"They smell good," Katherine mused, pushing the picture of the flower gently into the healer's head. "The florists found some really beautiful ones. But if she has a favorite, we could—"

"She's thrilled just to be included. Even if she doesn't always show it well."

Katherine leaned her head back on Angelina's knees, looking up to catch her eyes. "She's doing her best."

"Yes, she is," Angelina agreed. "As are you."

"I feel a little silly wanting them to like me so much. Not just Roxy and Fred, but all of them. Victoire might be a lost cause, though."

"She'll come around. Her ego's just a bit bruised."

"I don't see how she's jealous of me," Katherine continued. "She's so beautiful."

Angelina paused, though her fingers didn't miss a beat. "Being beautiful isn't everything. And no one wants it to be their only virtue. They've all had their places, and hers has always been as the oldest. As the protector. I think she doesn't quite know what to be now."