Lords of Trillium by Hilary Wagner Page A

her head. “You always put things into perspective, Juniper. Here I thought it was good for her, but perhaps I
have
been a bit iron-handed. I only thought I was helping her.”
    â€œYou
have
helped her,” said Juniper, “but it’s high time she stood on her own two feet.”
    â€œAgreed,” she said, reaching for two teacups in her small cupboard. “Standing next to Clover will be a special reward for Texi. She has earned it.”
    â€œYou’ve earned it as well,” said Juniper. “Without you as a teacher, Texi could not be the self-assured rat she is today. Elvi, you should be proud. You deserve it.”
    She grinned broadly. “You’re right. I
do
deserve it.” She set a teacup in front of Juniper.
    â€œOh, no, thank you,” said Juniper, holding up his paw. “I must admit I feel more energized lately, more lucid. Probably just happenstance, but it all started when I stopped drinking tea.” He chuckled. “I know it sounds foolish, but for that reason alone I’ll politely pass.”
    Taking the teacup, Elvi slowly turned back to the cupboard, concealing her resentment in a taut grin. She gritted her teeth as she spoke. “Where, then, does Maddy see our Texi standing in the wedding party?” she asked stiffly.
    â€œWell, Clover asked her to be the maid of honor, and though I don’t know much about these affairs, I suppose Texi will stand beside the happy couple.”
    With much effort, Elvi controlled her shaky breath and trembling paws as she replaced the teacup in her cupboard. The anticipation was almost too much to bear. Time was drawing near. Soon everyone in Nightshade would know the name of Hecate.

CHAPTER SEVEN
Payback
    T HE BELANCORT QUARTERS BUSTLED with energy. Mother Gallo whirled around Clover, checking and double-checking every inch of her perfectly pressed yellow silk sash. Mother Gallo’s older sons were supposed to be keeping Julius and Nomi calm, but their own excitement only led to more bedlam. Hob, Tuk, and Gage dashed about the quarters, chasing Texi, Julius, and Nomi, who screamed in blissful terror each time one of them reached for their tails.
    Juniper walked up behind Clover as she regarded herself in the mirror. He rested his paws on her shoulders. “You look stunning, my dear.” He sighed. “But are you certain you’re ready for this? You don’t
have
to get married, you know. Vincent will wait.”
    â€œI’ve never been more certain of anything in my life,” she said decisively. She laughed, smiling at her uncle in the mirror’s reflection. “Besides, you love Vincent.”
    â€œYes, that’s true,” agreed Juniper, “but aren’t all dotingfathers expected to try to talk their daughters out of marriage just before they walk down the aisle?”
    â€œI suppose so,” said Clover.
    â€œBarcus would love Vincent too, but knowing my brother, it’s exactly what he’d say to you if he were here.”
    Clover glanced up. “I’ve a feeling he is here . . . and mother and my brothers. I can feel them all around us.”
    â€œSo can I,” said Juniper, giving her shoulders an encouraging squeeze.
    Clutching a needle and thread for last-minute mending, Mother Gallo rushed up beside her husband. “Now Juniper, you aren’t expecting to wear that mucky cloak and ragged old satchel to the wedding, are you? Why, you look like a vagrant! Please, for Clover’s sake, take them off.”
    Chuckling, Juniper kissed the top of his wife’s head. “Anything for you, dear.” He reached for his leather bag, about to take it off.
    Clover spun around. “No, Uncle,” she said firmly. “Stay just the way you are.”
    â€œOh dear,” said Mother Gallo, aghast. “You don’t want your uncle dressed like this at your wedding, Clover.”
    â€œActually . . . I do,”