Page 68 of Grimoires & Glamoury

“You texted and told me the grimoire was destroyed.” I shrugged. “I didn’t expect any more from you than that.” Which was as big of a lie as I’d ever told.

“Didn’t you?” he asked quietly.

To stall, I took another sip of water before speaking. “You’ve made it abundantly clear that our alliance was over.”

“Alliance?”

“Our working relationship. The quest for the grimoire…” I trailed off with another shrug. “Whatever.”

“The truth is,” he began, “that these past two weeks have been more personally and politically challenging than I expected.”

I set the glass down on the counter. “Meaning what exactly?”

“There were negotiations between the local Vampires and with the Fae. And I became a part of that as the magickal representative of Birmingham—whether I wanted to or not.”

“Excuse me?” I blinked at that news.

“The Fae kingdoms often respond better to a male during negotiations—”

“—than a female,” I finished for him. “You’re right they do. So, you stood in as the representative for the entire magickal community of Birmingham, the Witches and Magicians.”

“That is correct.”

“And what was the outcome?”

“In a nutshell? The Olarescu House has put sanctions on the Light Fae court. The Olarescus also made sure that the Fae who killed Tadd was dealt with.”

“Dealt with?” I asked.

“Executed for the unsanctioned and brutal killing of a blood-bound mortal.”

“Good,” I said.

He seemed startled by my reaction.

I tossed up my hands. “Did you expect me to cringe over the news of the Fae’s execution? I am very aware of how violent and medieval their race can be.”

“Also, you should know that the Light Fae are no longer allowed in Birmingham for any reason. If there is a diplomatic need, then they must petition both the Ozark Council of Supernaturals and House Olarescu to gain approval.”

That news had me breathing a bit easier. “When did this all happen?” I asked.

“It was finalized only this morning,” he said.

“Which is why the Dragos family came to see me today,” I said as the pieces began to fall into place. “They didn’t just visit Birmingham on a whim. Damien was already in town, working.”

“Yes.” Charles nodded. “Damien was a part of the negotiating team. I understand that he personally gave you the news about Sawyer.”

“He did,” I said briskly.

We stood there and stared at each other for a long moment. Finally, I broke the silence and said, “Well, thank you for dropping by and filling me in on all of the pertinent details of the Supernatural community’s political situation. As the Magistra of Birmingham, I do appreciate it.”

He stepped a bit closer. “Don’t do that, Lorna,” he said. “Don’t make this all about the community and brush this connection off that we have as if it were nothing.”

“Connection?”

He nodded. “You felt it as did I when we were in the hollow. There’s something between us. Something that I want the chance to explore. I figured that you sensed it. That you already knew…”

“You figured?” My breath huffed out. “Damn magicians, you assume that a girl will magickally sense your emotions instead of doing the work, speaking up and putting your feelings out there…”