Page 50 of My Eternal Light

Cord continued. “Receiving a second element would instantly elevate a witch to a lower noble status. If we were to use human British equivalents, they would be the same as a Baron or Viscount. Or in paranormal terms, a member of a Noble House.” He pointed to the kitchen and their surroundings. “House Eirson is a Noble House.” He then pointed to Kincaid. “Those who receive three elements were treated the same as a Marquess or Duke, or a Founding Family member.”

Zadie watched as Kincaid lifted his wine glass with a shaking hand and also took a generous gulp.

“If Kincaid ranks as a Founding Family member, technically you should be in a larger home,” Cord said, smiling.

“No! This is too much already,” Zadie fussed. “How the hell does anyone keep a place this size clean?”

Cord smiled. “With help of course. I took the liberty of posting for a squire for House Eirson. Even with someone watching the children, the home, as you have pointed out, is its own full-time job.”

Zadie began to calm somewhat. Knowing that someone else would be managing this place made her breathe easier.

“Cord, I’m not a Founding Family member,” Kincaid protested. “I’m just a lower city kid from Storm Keep. I don’t know how to do any of this.”

Cord’s expression softened. “Kincaid, if Ari can manage to be of House Lionhart, I have every confidence that you can comport yourself properly,” he teased.

Kincaid chuckled and eased back in his chair. “He does make it look easy.”

Cord turned his attention back to her. “Now, even if we were to ignore Kincaid’s rise in status, your profession alone warrants great respect Lady Zadie. We do not normally have schools in our world, usually, we do not have a lot of children born at the same time. That is why parents will homeschool their children and apprentice them off in their chosen profession when they turn one-hundred. To us, children are rare treasures.”

Zadie looked down into her wine. “Those kids weren’t seen as treasures.” When she looked back up Cord’s expression had tensed.

“What happened with those children is an aberration. At the time, I agreed with our queen when she chose to give mercy to the mated women of House Eirson. Lately, I am finding I am inclined toward little Meryn’s way of doing things.” He shook his head. “Never doubt your worth to us, My Lady. You will guide those children through their hurt and pain and onto paths as honorable members of our city. How could we possibly put a value on that?”

“Teachers are not regarded that way in the human world.”

Cord sniffed. “I have heard much of the human world from little Meryn, I am not entirely sure I care for it.”

Zadie grinned. “We have some good things too.”

Cord bowed. “Of course you do. Yourself being amongst them.” He picked up the now empty basket, then pointed to a large crystal set in the wall. “We had that installed this afternoon. Tap on it and it will connect you to the other crystals shared by the squires.” He smiled broadly. “What a wonderful invention. Anyway. Leave the dishes there tonight. I will pick them up in the morning when I drop off breakfast.”

“And coffee?” she asked hurriedly.

He chuckled. “Of course. Gods only knows what would happen if you ladies did not receive your coffee.” He gave another bow. “I will let myself out. Enjoy.”

Zadie watched him leave then looked at Kincaid. In unison they both downed their wine. Kincaid reached for the bottle and poured them a second glass each.

She looked down at her plate and her stomach rumbled loudly.

Kincaid patted his own belly. “Me too. I swear lunch was a lifetime ago.”

“It feels that way, doesn’t it?”

He nodded and placed his napkin in his lap. “Everything was different and yet, what we have, us being together, being here, feels as right.”

She picked up her fork and eyed the tiny potatoes. “It’s like yesterday was a dream and now we’re awake.”

He pointed his fork at her. “It’s that exactly. I don’t want to say the past didn’t count, but it feels…”

“Fuzzy.”

“Yeah. Fuzzy.”

She took a bite of her potatoes and almost moaned. “Oh my god, I think he boiled these in butter.”

Kincaid speared two and ate them quickly. “Gage is gonna hate me. He’s the only one living at the villa with no squire,” he chuckled lowly. “I can’t wait to tease him.”

“So, we get a like a version of Cord?”