Daughter of Ethos: The Negotiator Book 3 by L.M. Lacee

Author:L.M. Lacee [Lacee, L.M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-07-29T00:00:00+00:00

THIRTY-FOUR:

Sometime later, after Relic and Clover had investigated a walled-in garden that housed flower and vegetable beds, they entered the house through the arched doors that were adorned with carvings and metal accents. She vowed she would find the artisan who made these and ask him to talk to Matt.

Opening the door, they were both stunned at the opulence that greeted them. ‘Oh, my!’ whispered Clover.

The entrance had a majestic feel to it, thanks to the high ceilings and exposed beams accentuated by the ornate chandeliers that cast a warm and inviting glow over the entire foyer. Relic looked down as she crossed the marble floor that reverberated under her boots. Clover whispered, ‘It is like it is welcoming us home.’

‘Perhaps it is,’ replied Relic.

A female around Esther’s age walked out from a lift and raised her eyebrows when she saw Relic and Clover. ‘Greetings, and welcome to Stoneel House. I am the House Manager.’

Clover threw her cloak over herself while Relic stroked her back in comfort. ‘Thank you. How are you addressed?’

‘As Manager Stella.’

Relic felt Clover tense as the female introduced herself. She passed her hand over her again. If asked, she would have said she had taken an instant disliking to the female, not that she could say why. It was a feeling she got when she was in the presence of someone or something that carried ill-intent within themselves. She told Matt once, it’s as if their needar called out in warning. It seemed Clover was having the same feelings.

‘Greetings, Manager Stella. I am sister to the Negotiator and her First Commander, Relic Wallace.’ She gently pulled the cloak off Clover and continued, ‘This sweet Lady is Clover, who is going to be brave and politely say greetings.’

She smiled encouragingly at Clover who nodded and softly said, ‘Greetings, Manager Stella.’

The female inclined her head in what Relic often referred to as a sarcastic bow and ignored the barely concealed expression of disgust when the female looked at Clover. Instead, she said, ‘We are both overwhelmed with the beauty of the house, are we not, Clover?’

Clover saw the expression and, taking her cue from Relic, ignored it as well and agreed, ‘Yes, but I liked the gardens.’

Stella gave a proprietary smile as she said, ‘Yes, we are extremely proud of the work that has gone into the grounds. It is as you can imagine, or not, I am unsure where you come from…regardless, keeping flowers blooming at the edge of the sea is a constant battle.’

Without giving anything away, Relic smiled and said, ‘I am sure it is, and the foyer is just magnificent. We really like the staircase, don’t we, Clover?’

‘Yes, it is beautiful.’

Stella inclined her head. ‘Most people do. It is what makes one stop and sigh with delight when seeing it for the first time.’

‘Or anytime,’ murmured Clover.

‘Ahh… yes, she is right.’

Relic overlooked her hesitation as her eyes traveled the sweeping stone staircase. ‘It’s not only a feast for your eyes, but makes you want to place your feet on every step.

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