The Enchanted Greenhouse(122)

“That would be perfect,” Rijes said. As Terlu headed for the door, Rijes said, “Terlu? Sending you here … I wish I could have done more, and now I am here to impose on you.”

“It’s not an imposition,” Terlu said. “It’s an honor.” She meant every word.

“Alyssium was my home for decades. I expected to die, gladly, between the stacks of the Great Library, a servant to the knowledge and wisdom collected by an empire.” She sighed heavily. “There isn’t a place for me there anymore.”

“You have a place here,” Terlu said firmly. “For as long as you want. Forever, if you’d like.” She meant it. If she could do for Rijes what the head librarian had done for her … “This is the perfect place for new beginnings.”

Grinning, Marin elbowed Rijes. “Told you so.”

“I know,” Rijes said, “but it is a lot to ask of anyone.”

Terlu couldn’t imagine saying no, and she wasn’t going to let anyone else on the island say no either, though she doubted they would. This wasn’t just a sanctuary for plants, not anymore. “You saved my life.”

“By sending you away from everything and everyone you’d ever known,” Rijes said. “It was the best I could do, under the circumstances, but I fear I placed an unfair burden on you, without any hint of what I hoped you would achieve. Are you … Are you happy here, my dear?”

That was an easy question to answer. Terlu smiled. “Yes. I am.”

“Then I’m glad.”

“You risked so much … And you barely know me.”

“I did what I believed was right,” Rijes said. “It’s my duty—in fact, I believe it’s every person’s duty, especially those in power—to reject unjust laws. To choose kindness and empathy, whenever we can.”

“I don’t know how to even begin to thank you.”

“You already have.” She indicated the tower and, more sweepingly, the island beyond.

Smiling, Terlu left the head librarian to settle in, with Marin to help, and she headed outside to ask Yarrow if he could bake an extra loaf or two tonight. She’s here! At best Terlu had hoped that Marin would find Rijes and thank her. This, though … She hadn’t imagined she’d be able to offer Rijes a second chance in return.

As Terlu approached the cottages, she saw the other new arrivals with Birch and Ambrel. She waved, and they waved back, looking happy. The child, wearing a new hat and mittens, was skipping through the snow. They must have been told they can stay too. She was glad for it and also unsurprised—Yarrow’s family knew what it felt like to be refugees, forced to hope for kindness from others. She knew they’d welcome Rijes as well. They’ll all be happy here.

The community on Belde was growing faster than she could have ever expected. It was the seed of a village now, and that was a good thing. This place didn’t need to be isolated to be safe—Laiken had had it all backward and mixed up. The only way the island would survive—the only way they’d all thrive—was together.

She liked that thought very much.

Hurrying, she burst into the cottage, where Yarrow was working on his sugar glass. He looked up. She knew she was smiling so broadly that her chilled cheeks almost hurt. “So much to tell you,” Terlu said.

“There’s tea already warm,” Yarrow said.

“I love you,” she said.

Those weren’t the words she expected to come out of her mouth, but they did.

“I guessed that,” he said.

She felt as though she’d stepped into the sun. The words were out there, and they felt right. And he was still here, smiling at her, as if he felt the sun too.

“Tell me everything,” he said. “I’m listening.”

She launched into a description of the new arrivals: Marin, the refugees, and most importantly Rijes, the woman who’d saved her. “I thought she could live in Laiken’s tower?”

“She’s welcome to it,” Yarrow said. “Everyone will be glad to have it occupied by something other than memories. Do you think she can help you with his spells?”

“She seems interested,” Terlu said. “I promised to bring her the codebook.”

He studied her for a moment. “There’s more.”

She grinned. “There’s more.” Waving the letter in the air, she showed him. “My family wrote back. I’m currently imagining it says all the things I want it to say—that they forgive me, they understand me, maybe they’re proud of me?”

“You haven’t read it yet?”

“I was hoping you would.”

After shedding her coat and boots, she plopped onto the bed with the new spellbook that Marin had gifted her. Curled on the blankets, Emeral made a squawk in protest. “You can keep sleeping.”

He stretched his paws out, readjusted his wings, and closed his eyes.

“Ever heard of Caltrey?” Terlu asked Yarrow.

He shook his head. “Is it north?”

“Could be.”

“You’re sure you want me to read it? Out loud?” He untied the bow around it, and Emeral launched himself forward to pounce on the ribbon. He flew up to the rafters with his prize.

“Silently,” Terlu said. “And then tell me if it’s going to make me happy or sad.”