Em glanced at Robin before answering. “Aren’t you…like a princess or something? Sorry, I don’t know what goblins call their nobility.”
Theo’s mouth came open, but for a moment, she couldn’t say a word. Finally, she found her voice. “I’m not a princess. I’m not even nobility. I’m just a regular citizen of the realm like everyone else.”
“Oh.” Em looked at Gracie. “She’s one of us, then.”
Both women laughed, and Theo’s last remaining nerves disappeared. One of us. Had that ever been said about her before? Theo tried not to grin like a fool as she spoke to Em. “About this thrift shop. You can’t tell me the dress you have on came from there?”
“This?” Em plucked at the sleeve of her black, off-the-shoulder dress. It was incredibly sophisticated. Like something a movie star might wear. “It sure did. So did my shoes and my earrings.”
“Oh,” Gracie said. “Stella’s Bargain Bin is the bomb.” She tapped the shoulder of her pale pink gingham shirt dress. “This was eight dollars. And Stella threw in a pair of sunglasses and a bracelet. It was some kind of buy-one-get-two deal.”
Theo blinked. “I didn’t even know that was a thing. I definitely need to go there.” Her grin finally broke free. “This dress is a kind of a hand-me-down. It was left behind by…” Her smile disappeared as she looked at Robin. Maybe this wasn’t her information to share.
He looked right back, his eyes filled with amusement. “It’s all right.” He looked at Gracie and Em. “My ex left behind quite a lot of clothing and such. Fortunately, Theo was able to put some of it to good use. As you can see.”
“That was the queen’s?” Gracie’s words were half whisper, half exclamation.
Theo nodded. “Her shoes, too.”
“Was that her necklace?” Em asked.
“No.” Theo smiled again. “That belonged to my mother.”
“It’s incredible. I’ve never seen a diamond like that before.”
“It’s not a diamond. It’s a starstone.”
“Starstone?” Deacon suddenly chimed in. “Do we mine that here? That name isn’t familiar to me.”
“Nor to me,” Amelia said.
“We don’t mine it here,” Robin answered. “It’s not a gem that exists outside of Limbo, the goblin realm. Not that I’ve ever heard about, anyway.”
Amelia’s brows lifted as she turned to Robin. “Is that so? Why haven’t you told me about this stone before?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess…it never occurred to me.”
She looked at Theo. “May I see one closer?”
“Here.” Theo unhooked one of her earrings and handed it to Em, who handed it to her aunt.
Amelia lifted the magnifying glass at the end of the long chain around her neck and inspected the gems. “These are remarkable. Very much like diamonds, but that silver gleam is almost extraterrestrial.”
She passed the earring back before speaking to Robin again. “Do you have any starstone rough?”
He shook his head. “No, I don’t. I have a handful more that are polished, though.” He pulled his ceremonial dagger from the sheath at his side and handed it to her. “The narrow band of gems set just below the pommel. Those are all starstones.”
“They’re lovely, but they won’t work. I need a piece of rough.”
Theo cleared her throat softly, her hand on her necklace. “The starstone in my necklace is only polished on the front. The back is still rough.”
Amelia seemed to think for a moment, then nodded. “That ought to be sufficient.”
Robin leaned in. “Sufficient for what?”
“Well, if Theodora would be willing to part with that stone, I believe I could do something rather remarkable with it.”
Interest shone in his eyes. “Such as?”
She turned the dagger in her hands, looking at the stones with great interest. “Such as make Shadowvale the second location these beauties are found.”
Theo clutched her necklace a little tighter. The thought of giving up a piece of her mother’s necklace made her feel slightly ill. “I, uh—”
“That won’t be possible,” Robin said. “Theodora can’t part with that stone.”
Relief flooded her. She nodded in agreement, amazed that he’d stepped in so quickly.
“Ah, well. Perhaps I can try with one of the cut stones you already have, then.”
“Absolutely,” Robin said. He smiled at Theo before looking at Amelia. “Hopefully it’ll work just as well.”
Chapter Twenty-five
Robin considered the evening a success, even though it wasn’t over yet. The rest of the dinner was spent the same way it had begun, with endless conversation about a wide variety of things. The topic of starstones came up repeatedly, but he made sure to keep it away from Theo donating her necklace.
He knew very well that would be too much to ask of her. He’d seen instantly by the look in her eyes that the very idea upset her. And why wouldn’t it? That necklace clearly kept the memory of her mother close.
Thankfully, there were other topics of conversation. Mostly the food, which was amazing. Mrs. Applestock had prepared a standing crown rib roast of pork with onion gravy, apple and sage stuffing, potatoes au gratin, glazed carrots and parsnips, piping-hot yeast rolls with butter, and of course the dessert that would soon be served, the nightberry tart.
Not that any of them had room. They’d all eaten far too much, but it was virtually impossible not to when the food was so delicious. The menu and Mrs. Applestock were highly praised. So much so, he thought the woman deserved some kind of bonus.
He also overheard enough snippets from the other end of the table to know that Em and Gracie were planning a day out with Theo. Shopping and lunch and a tour of the town. He made a mental note to be sure she had whatever funds she’d need for that adventure.
Elswood entered the dining room, pushing the silver serving cart. In the center sat the evening’s finale, the nightberry tart. The glazed berries gleamed under the chandelier. The serving platter was decorated with more sugared berries and sprigs of rosemary. A silver serving bowl filled with fresh whipped cream accompanied the dish, along with an urn of fresh decaf coffee, goblin style.
The tart was sliced up, topped with whipped cream, and served to much oohing and aahing. Then there was quiet as they all dug in.
“Robin, what on earth is this delicious thing?” Amelia shook her head as she went back for a second bite. “I’ve never tasted anything like this.”
“Nightberries. They’re a goblin favorite.” He smiled at Theo. “I didn’t even know they were growing in my garden until Theo pointed them out. This tart is her mother’s recipe.”
Amelia looked at her. “I am so very glad you came to Shadowvale.”
Theo grinned. “Me, too.”
Deacon lifted his cup. “This coffee’s pretty tasty, too, and I’m not one to like fancy coffee.”
Robin laughed. “It’s not fancy coffee. That’s just how we make it.”
Deacon nodded. “I see. Like the vampires and their chicory.”
Robin knew that was how coffee was served in New Orleans, a place he’d only read about. He supposed the vampires favored that style, although that was purely speculation. Regardless, he nodded. “Yes.”
“The coffee is good,” Amelia said, turning back to Robin. “But you must get me cuttings of these plants. I need to try my hand at growing some of these. I’ve already started rooting a few of those purple roses you sent over.”
Em set her fork down. “You should really tell Nasha about these berries.”
Deacon turned to her. “You’re the barista over there. You should figure out this coffee blend. I could drink this again.”
“If Robin will give it to me, I’ll happily add it to the menu,” Em said. “But I’d still love to see what she could do with these berries. Not that this tart isn’t amazeballs, but Nasha has a way with baked goods. I mean, obviously.”
Robin shook his head.
The name was familiar, probably from one of Amelia’s stories, but he couldn’t recall who Nasha was. “Remind me who she is again?”
“You know,” Em said. “Nasha Black. She owns the Black Horse Bakery in town. That’s where I work. I’m the head barista there. Anyway, her father is one of your neighbors here in Dark Acres, although I’m not sure where his house is. If there’s a place with a stable, that’s probably it. He’s one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, so he’d need a spot for his horse, naturally.”
He shook his head again. “I’m sorry, I don’t know her or her father, although I have heard horses going by. I’ve never been to the bakery.”
Too late, he realized what he’d said.
To their credit, Deacon and Amelia said nothing, but Em and Gracie looked at him as though he’d lost his mind.
Em snorted softly. “You’ve never been to Black Horse? It’s only the best bakery in town. I’m not just saying that because I work there either. How long have you lived here and you haven’t visited?”
Gracie nodded. “They made my birthday cake. It was the most delicious thing you’d ever want to put in your mouth. Well, outside of this tart.” She laughed. “I can’t believe you haven’t been.”
Theo looked almost as uncomfortable with this conversation as she had concerning the one about her mother’s necklace. He took a little breath and made himself smile. If he was really going to make a new start, he had to be able to tell people the truth. No matter how humiliating it was. “I can’t really leave my property.”
Amelia put her hand on his arm as if to stop him. “You don’t have to—”
“No, it’s all right.” And it really was, in that moment, sitting with these people who’d suddenly become dear friends after breaking bread together. “Some of you already know this, but I can’t go much beyond my property because that’s the curse my ex-wife put on me.”
“It’s unbearably cruel,” Theo muttered.
“What?” Em looked at her aunt. “You must be able to do something. We could take him to the grove, or Deacon, you could—”
“Child, don’t you think I’ve tried? Don’t you think Deacon’s tried?” Amelia frowned. “The queen who cursed him is a full-blooded fairy, and her magic was created in another realm. Nothing I’ve done has worked. Deacon couldn’t do anything either.”
He heaved out a sigh. “Did everything I could think of, too.”
“That’s just awful,” Gracie breathed. She looked like she might cry. Robin had heard she was tenderhearted. Instantly, he felt bad.
“It’s all right,” he said. “Believe it or not, the boundaries have begun to loosen a bit lately.”
Amelia looked at him. “What? When did this start? How loose are we talking?”
He explained what he and Theo had discovered, how they’d actually driven off the property. “It was really something. Gave me hope.”
“So just yesterday, then?”
He nodded. “But I went for a drive again today and—”
“You did?” Theo asked. “Without me?”
He shrugged one shoulder, smiling sheepishly. “I knew you were busy working on that dress. As much as I wanted you along, I didn’t want to take up all your time.”
She shook her head. “You should have asked. How far did you get?”
He couldn’t keep the smile off his face. “I’d say half a mile farther, at least.”
“Wow. That’s great.” Theo pressed her hands together. “Did you try walking around outside? Or the path to the mines?”
“No, just the drive.”
“But that still proves you don’t need me along for it to happen. I’m obviously not the reason the boundaries are shifting.”
Amelia held her hand up. “Wait now. I wouldn’t be so sure about that.”
“Oh?” Robin glanced at her. “What makes you think that?”
“Well, for one thing, the timing is suspicious.” Her eyes narrowed. “There was something I came across in my research, but I couldn’t see a way for it to happen naturally, so I never said anything about it.” She sat back. “I still shouldn’t. Forget I said anything.”
“Aunt Amelia,” Em started. “You can’t drop a bomb like that and then not follow through.”
“Agreed,” Deacon said. “That’s a fire that needs putting out.”
Amelia frowned, her mouth bending in a hard line. “My telling you could have a negative effect.”
“On me?” Robin asked.
Amelia looked at him, then Theo, then back to him. “Yes. But on Theodora, too.”
He couldn’t imagine how that was possible. “How on earth would she be affected?”
“I can’t explain it without—I just don’t think I should say anything.” Amelia picked up her fork and pressed it into the remaining tart crumbs on her plate, gathering them up. “I’m sorry. Let me think about it for a day or two. Then maybe I’ll tell you.”
Robin wondered if he might get it out of her in a private conversation. It could be that she just didn’t want to share the information in front of everyone. He let it go. “Whatever you think is best, Amelia.”
“Thank you.” She folded her napkin and set it alongside her plate. “This dinner has been a delight, but we should go before we outwear our welcome. It was kind and brave of you to open your home, Robin. Thank you so much for your hospitality. I hope soon to extend the same to you.”
Everyone started to rise and say the same things. Robin was a little sad to see them go, but at the same time, thrilled the evening had gone so well.
And that he would get to be alone with Theo now.
He and Theo walked their guests to the door, said more goodbyes, then, in a matter of seconds, were alone again.
She smiled up at him. “That was a great dinner party.”
“It was. I am so glad you made me do it.”
She laughed. “I didn’t make you have that party.”
“Well, you strongly encouraged me. How about that?”
With a smirk, she nodded. “All right. I’ll accept that much.”
He pulled her into his arms. “I ate enough for three people.”
She leaned her head on his chest. “I’d say I’m so full I won’t need breakfast tomorrow, but I know that would be a lie.”
“I wish I felt like going for a walk in the garden.”
“Me, too. All I really want to do is kick these shoes off, get out of this dress, and fall into bed.”
He chuckled. “Your room or mine?”
She swatted him playfully.
He grinned. “I wouldn’t mind getting out of this suit.”
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me about the boundaries moving again.”
“I meant to, but then I fell asleep while you were doing my hair, and I just forgot. You want to go for another drive with me tomorrow?”
“Absolutely. I really hope we get even farther.”
“Me, too.” He held out his arm. “Come on, I’ll walk you to your room. And I know after a meal like that, we should take the stairs, but how about we take the lazy option and go by elevator instead?”
“My feet vote yes on that.” She took his arm.
He’d never been happier. Sure, it would have been nice to know what Amelia had found that might be influencing his prison, but he’d call her tomorrow and try again. It didn’t matter in the moment, however.
Because the moment was perfect. He’d had company in his house, and it had been wonderful. He’d had conversations with people who weren’t paid to talk to him. And now, after a successful evening, he had the woman he was crazy about on his arm.
Life couldn’t be better.
Theo hissed and leaned heavily on him.
He stopped. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, I’m fine. I just think these shoes aren’t really the right size after all. Maybe I’ll take them off here. We’re almost to the elevator, right?”
He scooped her into his arms, cradling her against his chest. “
Almost.”
“Robin!” His name was clearly spoken in protest, but her smile went all the way up to her eyes.
He ignored the protest and focused on the smile. “Your mother’s tart was a huge success.”
She wrapped one arm around his shoulders. “It was. That was nice. Are you really going to give Amelia cuttings from the plants?”
“Sure, why not?”
“Just wondering. Will you tell the woman at the bakery about them, too?”
“I suppose. Is there a reason not to?”
“No.” She laughed. “I think it would be kind of amazing if nightberries became commonplace in Shadowvale. They should be enjoyed by everyone. Not just people with money or a title.”
She went silent as they reached the elevator.
He pushed the button. “What’s on your mind?”
“Just thinking about Amelia wanting to start a mine of starstones. How would that even work? They’re not a mined stone. They come from elestia tree sap.”
“I don’t know. I should explain that to her. But don’t worry about it. She won’t ask again about your mother’s necklace.”
The elevator doors opened, and he carried her on. She gave him a look. “You could put me down, you know.”
“I know.” He bent a little to push the button for the second floor.
She snorted, then shook her head. “What if I did give her the starstone? Would I be…compensated?”
The seriousness of her tone told him how much her father’s debt must be weighing on her. Especially if she was even considering such a thing. “When Vesta and I came here to build this house, we gave Amelia some uncut stones. Opals, amethyst, tourmaline, iolite, sapphire. All kinds. She created the Dragonfly mine with that rough. Because of our contribution, I get twenty-five percent of the mine’s profit.”
Theo’s eyes rounded. “Is that a lot?”
“In a year’s time? It’s more than the kingdom of Limbo is worth.”
Chapter Twenty-six
With Robin’s good-night kiss still lingering on her lips, Theo carefully took off the earrings he’d given her and put them back into their box for safekeeping. She took one long look at them before closing the lid. Starstones really were beautiful.
Moody And The Beast (Shadowvale Book 4) Page 19
