The Trouble with Hades

Chapter 37

Galeth looked at the list, glancing at Carsten.

"Did you read this list?"

The list was flapped wildly at Carsten, who remained stoic, staring at Galeth.

"I did."

"And you thought it was wise to let her proceed with this?"

My father smiled, almost looking as if he was proud that he'd created me. It was hard for me to think it was real, considering it felt as if my mother thought the opposite.

"She is an extremely talented spell creator, the likes of which you have not seen in at least two centuries. Creators like her don't just turn up every day. She is rare, and you want to ensure that her talents are not left to flail in the wind. You need her."

"You informed her to create a list of this," he grumbled, yet again waving the piece of paper at my father.

"It is an agreement, Galeth. If you do not like what Evelyn has requested, then you should negotiate with her. Are you brave enough to go against an untrained spell creator?"

"Her talents do not scare me, nor do your thinly veiled threats."

He huffed, straightening the paper.

"Category one, the house. To submit plans for the house that Evelyn and Anzide want on their choice of land. Subject to site inspection. For all children to be assured the same level of property. Two, transportation adequate to the situation and their growing needs."

Galeth glanced at me and, in particular, my stomach. He growled softly as his attention turned back to my list.

"Three, children. All children to be birthed in the portal, the best medical staff and private accommodation allowances for Anzide. For the immortal family and friends to be given the ability to visit after all births. I hardly think that's,"

When our eyes met, I gave Galeth a challenging look. Shaking his head dismissively, he lowered his gaze.

"The best education for all children. Four, Anzide's punishment is to be terminated immediately. Five, for Evelyn to review annually to ensure that she and her family are granted the best of everything, extending to her children when it comes to their time to negotiate their future. Six, Evelyn retains the right to inflict herself upon the Soldiers of the Hallowed Halls to ensure they know how valuable she is to them."

Galeth scowled at me, but all I gave back was a sweet smile as I fluttered my lashes. He was not impressed.

"I will take this list to decide with my peers and return within twenty-four hours. Don't be surprised if it has thinned considerably."

Galeth disappeared, and Carsten rolled his eyes.

"He acts like you asked for the world."

"Well, I kind of did. It also feels a little lacking. What if I missed something?"

Giving me a reassuring smile, he gripped my hand.

"That is the reason I suggested an annual review. It gives you the opportunity to renegotiate your contract and structure it to suit your situation. We constantly change in this world, Evelyn. There is no way to predict what you will want and need in fifty years or even in five years. As for Galeth, pay no attention to him. It was nothing but an attempt to make you wilt under pressure. He knows that it will not work, and he will take the list to his peers with the knowledge that you know what you want. That is what he expected of you."

"And yet he acted like a drama queen."

"That is standard for those who loiter in the Hallowed Halls. I hope you won't become like them."