Chapter 12Alec led Eleuthereia inside and offered her a seat by the hearth. Its green flame leapt up at her presence, dancing in the hollow hearth in excitement.
“Your tree likes me,” Eleuthereia smiled in wonder.
“She does. And I like you,” he agreed.
“Do you mind if I stayed? After, I mean? I would like to settle nearby. He is all I have.”
“Of course. Would you like to stay in my guest quarters until we find a proper home for you? Em usually stays with us in the winters. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind if you use her room.”
“Thank you.”
As Alec led her to the nest of his guest quarters, Eleuthereia’s face fell. Kneeling within the soft grasses, she picked up a discarded cloak and gathered it close.
“Is this…hers?” she dared to ask.
“Em uses that as a blanket,” Alec nodded. “I’m sure s
