Love's Labor's Won by Christopher Nuttall

Author:Christopher Nuttall [Nuttall, Christopher]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Magic, Magicians, sorcerers, Fantasy, alternate world, Young Adult
Publisher: Twilight Times Books
Published: 2015-03-15T15:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Two

“THERE’S A LETTER ON YOUR TABLE for you, your ladyship,” Janice said, as Emily stepped into the Great Hall. “I think one of the young men left it for you.”

Emily frowned. The Great Hall was almost empty. Most of the guests were either sleeping in after a night of hard dancing, or had gone straight down to the Faire. Only Jade, Alassa, Imaiqah, and Frieda were seated at the High Table eating breakfast. Emily felt an odd pang as she met Jade’s eyes, but told herself not to be stupid. There was nothing to be gained by shouting at him, too.

“Thank you,” she said.

A simple cream envelope lay atop her empty plate, she noted after she sat down next to Alassa. She checked it automatically — some letters she’d received at Whitehall had nasty spells attached — and discovered a privacy spell, but nothing actually harmful. Slitting it open, she discovered a note from Steven, apologizing for being called away at short notice. It must have been very short notice, Emily thought sardonically, as she placed the letter in her pocket, but she didn’t really mind. After last night, the last thing she wanted was a delicate conversation with Steven.

“Emily,” Jade said. “I’m sorry. I...”

“Don’t worry about it,” Emily said. She didn’t really want to talk to Jade, either. “I don’t have any grounds to complain about you and...Alassa. I hope you will both be very happy together.”

And not forget me, she thought, silently. Imaiqah had been right. No matter how she looked at it, a part of her felt abandoned. Alassa might not even return to Whitehall after Fourth Year, leaving her and Imaiqah behind. And who knew what would happen then?

“Thank you,” Jade said.

He looked relieved, Emily noted; beside him, Alassa gave her a reassuring smile. In hindsight, it was clear just how close she and Jade had become. And yet, Emily wouldn’t have to stop being friends with either of them, because of their relationship. She shook her head ruefully. Perhaps she should try and pay more attention to emotional undercurrents in future.

She sighed, knowing it wouldn’t be easy, and ate her breakfast as quickly as she decently could. There was nothing on her schedule for the morning, so she intended to see if she could sit down with Caleb and rewrite the proposal until she knew it backwards. Imaiqah intended to go back to the Faire and assist her father, while Alassa and Jade planned to explore on their own. At first, Frieda looked down at the table, but rather than seeming excited after Imaiqah asked her if Frieda wanted to go down to the Faire too, looked doubtful. Indeed, she seemed oddly subdued.

“I’ll take you there in the afternoon,” Emily promised. She didn’t know how long she’d have to spend with Caleb, but she had a feeling she would need a break afterwards. “Or we can go for a walk in the city.”

“Everyone will know you there,” Alassa reminded her. “Don’t forget to use a glamor.

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