My Salvation - Page 102

Cas reached into the bag that held their chicken tenders and pointed to where one of the fae set up a stand for clay creations.

“Let’s look over there.”

The queen’s request for fae volunteers had turned into a craft exposition. In addition to the line of men and women waiting to register talents with Darian for the defense of the city, many of the artisans set up impromptu booths to showcase new items created with the Dim in mind.

Cas approached the booth and was amazed. “They’re beautiful.”

The fae man behind the counter smiled. “We have been working with young Kincaid and Zoe in bespelling items like stones. These clay vessels are designed to hold and radiate heat in a fashionable way.”

Cas eyed one piece in particular, glazed in a bright grass green. “I’d like this one, please.”

He nodded. “To be billed and sent to House Illiya,” he asked for confirmation. He cleared his throat. “Did not mean to sound presumptuous, but you look like your mother.”

“I find that to be a compliment.” She smiled. “And yes, to House Illiya would be wonderful. I can’t wait to add this to our bedroom.” She looked around. “Do you have anything in navy?”

He pulled out a mid-size vase from under the counter. The center had a spiral cut from it to allow one to see the interior stone’s glow. “Took three applications of paint, but I finally got this deep blue you see.”

Cas ran her hand over it. The edges were perfectly smooth. “Bill this one to House Illiya, but please send it to the warrior villa for Priest Vi’Aerdan.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He nodded and began wrapping each piece in protective paper.

Cas gave her thanks and looked to see what the next stall contained. At her side, Priest followed, a smile on his face. The man was ridiculously easy to keep happy. “Did you like the one for our room at the warrior villa?”

He nodded. “I never would have picked out anything like that, but I can easily see it going with the other decor you ordered from Baba.”

“Lady Vi’Illiya, can I interest you in some light catchers?” a female voice called out.

Cas grinned, and she walked over. “Bellia, I’m surprised you remember me,” she said, greeting the woman warmly.

Bellia pointed up to Cas’ eyes. “You look just like your mother.”

Cas felt happy at the comparison. She looked down at what the woman was selling. “Light catcher?”

Bellia nodded. “These have been magicked to catch and reflect light. Keeps spaces bright and cheery.”

After going through an entire box of stock, Cas finally found a half dozen in colors she could use. “These are amazing.”

The woman shrugged. “Necessity is the mother of all invention. We have all been adapting.” She said, pointing to the other crafters. “You want these sent to House Illiya?”

Cas nodded. “I’ll sort them for each house later.”

She said goodbye and grabbed her mate’s hand. “Where do you want to go? I feel like I have monopolized our time.”

Priest just smiled. “Anywhere is fine as long as I am with you.”

She looked around. “How about we see what Gage and Zoe are up to?” she asked, pointing across the courtyard.

He nodded. “Let’s go.”

Walking up, she noticed Zoe was talking animatedly with an older gentleman. Ame and Yuki were playing with tiny crystals happily, and Gage was watching his mate with an adoring expression. Glancing over at Priest, she saw he was watching her with an equally adoring expression. Maybe it was a unit warrior thing?

“Good afternoon, Zoe, boys,” Cas greeted.

“Hi Cas! This is my good friend Dirk Vi’Eirlindol. He does amazing work with crystals,” she gushed.

The old man just grunted.

Cas inclined her head. “A pleasure to meet you, I’m Cassandra Vi’Illiya.”