“It was Verin’s suggestion,” Baldwin said. “And after all, you are my sister, too.”
“That settles it, then. Diana will serve on the Congregation until she tires of the job.” Ysabeau kissed me on one cheek, then the other. “Just think of how much it will upset Gerbert when he discovers what Baldwin has done.”
Still feeling dazed, I slid the key back into my pocket.
“It has turned into a beautiful day,” Ysabeau said, looking out into the spring sunlight. “Let us take a walk in the garden before dinner. Alain and Marthe have prepared a feast—without Fernando’s help.
Marthe is in an extremely good mood because of it.”
Laughter and chatter followed our family out the door. Matthew handed Becca off to Sarah.
“Don’t be long, you two,” Sarah said.
Once we were alone, Matthew kissed me with a sharp hunger that gradually became something deeper and less desperate. It was a reminder that his blood rage was still not fully in check and my being away had taken a toll.
“Was everything all right in Venice, mon coeur?” he inquired when he had regained his equilibrium.
“I’ll tell you all about it later,” I said. “Though I should warn you: Gerbert is up to no good. He tried to thwart me at every turn.”
“What did you suspect?” Matthew stepped into the garden to join the rest of the family. “Don’t worry about Gerbert. We’ll figure out what game he’s playing, never fear.”
Something unexpected caught my eye. I stopped in my tracks.
“Diana?” Matthew looked back at me and frowned. “Are you coming?”
“In a minute,” I promised.
He regarded me strangely but joined the last of the family as they trooped outside.
I knew you would be the first to see me. Philippe’s voice was a whisper of sound, and I could still see Ysabeau’s horrid furniture through him. None of that mattered. He was perfect—whole, smiling, his eyes sparkling with amusement and affection.
“Why me?” I asked.
You have the Book of Life now. You no longer need my help. Philippe’s gaze met mine.
“The covenant—” I started.
I heard. I hear most things. Philippe’s grin widened. I am proud that it was one of my children that destroyed it. You have done well.
“Is seeing you my reward?” I said, fighting back the tears.
One of them, Philippe said. In time you will have the others.
“Emily.” The moment I said her name, Philippe’s form began to fade. “No! Don’t go. I won’t ask questions. Just tell her I love her.”
She knows that. So does your mother. Philippe winked. I am utterly surrounded by witches. Do not tell Ysabeau. She would not like it.
I laughed.
And there is my reward for years of good behavior. Now, I want no more tears, do you understand?
His finger rose. I am heartily sick of them.
“What do you want instead?” I wiped at my eyes.
More laughter. More dancing. His expression was mischievous. And more grandchildren.
“I had to ask,” I said with another laugh.
But the future will not be all laughter, I fear. Philippe’s expression sobered. Your work is not done, daughter. The goddess asked me to give this back to you. He held out the same gold-and-silver arrow that I had shot into Benjamin’s heart.
“I don’t want it.” I backed away, my hand raised to ward off this unwanted gift.