Delphinium, or A Necromancer's Home (TCoLaD Book 2)

Fairy Boots

~ Hexday, 18th of Aprilis, 11831 ~

A knock on his door. Pierre sighed and put down his pen. His guards were supposed to keep everyone away from him this evening. Truth be told he was still angry at his advisors and wanted to be alone. Elwin and Rhianu had only stayed one day and left that morning, their talk not quite as productive as it could have been. It would take more than a talk to solve years of tension among the fée and people of Clandestina though.

So he did not answer the door, waiting until his guards would do their job and tell Vivien, or Renaud, or whoever was at the door to leave.

Instead the door opened.

Elizabeth entered, poking her head in shyly at first, but upon seeing him smiling and walking in without an invitation. She shut the door behind herself.

"Pierre, we are going out tonight."

"Lizzy—"

"It is your nephew's birthday," she interrupted. "We are going to celebrate his young highness."

Pierre could not think of a reason to argue. While he had much to do it was Ancel's forth birthday. A good a excuse to get him out of his chambers and among the people he had been refusing to see.

"Alise is—"

"Doing very well, as you know. You spoke with her this morning. And I just checked her with Wolfram an hour ago. Of course by all means go see yourself, but she is happy, not in pain, and getting ready to sleep for the evening."

She had come prepared. Pierre could not help but smile.

"I have not bought Ancel a present yet..." he admitted, starting to give in.

"I am sure he will not mind if it is late. I will help you pick something out. Síofra is waiting to help me get dressed, I will meet you in half an hour, or a little longer if you check Alise. Oh, and we can also pick up my new shoes!" She blew him a kiss and left.

Pierre looked down at his notes. He had taken to doodling in the margins, unable to concentrate. There was no reason to refuse Lizzy's offer.

He sighed and looked around, spotting Pluta laying on top of a chair. "Pluta, shall you go fetch Wolfram for me, please? It seems I have a date tonight with Lady Elizabeth."

***

He did check Alise. He passed by her rooms on the way to his chambers from his office and met with her parents as she was already asleep. They confirmed she was feeling much better and wanted to go home soon because she feared she would miss all of the little bunnies that had been born in spring.

"Lady Elizabeth has come by to sit with her every day for at least an hour, sometimes talking and sometimes just reading while holding her hand. The incision is nearby invisible now." It had still been red this morning.

"I will look tomorrow. If things continue like this I am sure you will be on your way home early next week."

Wolfram helped him dress quickly, already knowing from Lady Elizabeth that she planned on taking Pierre out tonight. The duc chose formal clothes, taking a regular top-hat with a crimson band around the cylinder and dark red gloves to match.

"Thank you," he told Wolfram. "For this and for help with Alise. You performed well. I have not had as much time to look into Salome's illness with everything going on, but I have an idea we may discuss later."

"Of course, Your Grace, my lord. I have been reading some as well, the library here is full of every subject imaginable. Whenever you have the time, I am doing well by myself."