Page 33 of Consort's Glory
No. Do not travel that road again. Resentment gets you nothing but misery. Move on.
Margot stood up from her seat and carefully placed her napkin next to her plate. Striving to sound normal, like the feeling of being alone in a dining room with a strange elf wasn’t about to make her hyperventilate, she said, “I’m sorry, I don’t think I caught your name. I’m—”
“Healer Goode, I know.” The elf had her hands on Margot’s upper arms before she could even think to step out of her reach. This time, there was no helping the way Margot froze, her fight or flight instincts battering against her rational mind.
“I’m Andy,” the elf said, a warm smile creasing her lovely face, “the Houserunner. I’m in charge of taking care of the entire Solbourne Household, which now includes you. Isn’t that wonderful? I’m so happy to finally meet you. Welcome!”
Margot made a reedy sound of opposition, but Andy didn’t seem to notice it. “Now, I believe Teddy has someone out sifting through the Healing House for your belongings — I am so sorry to hear about what happened, by the way! Goodness, an attack on a Healing House?Who would do such a thing?” She shook her head with a grimace that revealed delicate fangs. “But that may take some time and we won’t know the condition of things besides. In the meantime, Teddy asked me to arrange for a private shopping trip to get you the necessities.” Andy waved her hand with a jaunty wink. “And whatever else you like, I’m sure. Sweet boy does love to spoil us.”
Andy gave Margot’s stiff arms a gentle squeeze and leaned a bit closer to ask earnestly, “What do you need in the meantime? I have the basics, of course, but I’ve never had to think about a witch before. I don’t want to miss anything.” Her eyes wandered to the ruined dress Margot wore. “A change of clothes for the trip is in order, of course.”
Despite opening her mouth to deliver a laundry list of protests, starting with the fact that she was not a member of the Solbourne Household and ending with the fact that she could buy her own clothing, thank you very much, Margot stifled the urge.
For one thing, Andy had the air of soft earnestness that reminded Margot very much of her Noni Tula, and she knew from experience that saying no to that kind of person always left her feeling like a monster. For another… Well, so what if Theodore wanted to buy her clothing on his own dime? She was already a de facto prisoner. He might as well clothe her.
Besides, she did have one very specific, extraordinarily pressing need Andy could fix.
“That would be amazing,” Margot answered, forcing a smile. “Thank you so much for thinking of me, Andy. I mostly only need the basics that you’ve already given me. But if you could get me a couple bottles of Noscent body wash, I would be very appreciative.”
Andy’s auburn brows rose with surprise. “Noscent? The scent blocker? Whatever for?” She leaned forward, nostrils flaring, and Margot couldn’t help her instinctive need to move backwards, her heart leaping into her throat.
“You smell lovely, Healer Goode. Like a summer storm.” Her smile was warm, if a bit baffled, when she added, “And something else, too, though I can’t quite put my finger on it. I wonder…”
It was a miracle that Margot’s voice didn’t come out shredded when she replied, “It’s a healer thing. Please, I would really be much more comfortable if you could get me some, Andy.”
“I…” The elf made to lean in again, her expression growing more confused by the second, but Margot took a quick step backward and out of her loose hold before she could take a closer whiff. Blinking quickly, Andy cleared her throat. “Of course. A few bottles of Noscent. You’re sure that’s what you—”
“Yes,” Margot answered, swallowing a jagged lump of fear in her throat. “I’m sure.”
