Magi's Path (Aether's Revival Book 3) by Daniel Schinhofen (motivational books to read txt) 📕

came flooding back to Gregory and he went crimson. “Did Dia hear us?”

Yukiko giggled. “Maybe. You did your best, as did Jenn. Come on, I’m sure she’ll never mention it.”

Jenn slipped from the bed, looking a little uncertain. “Greg...? Was it okay?”

Gregory blinked. His worry about Dia hearing him was torn away when he saw Jenn’s sudden vulnerability. “Yes. It was amazing.”

Jenn exhaled, looking pleased. “I did everything Yuki taught me. I’m glad I could please you.”

Gregory sat up and pulled her to him, holding her. “You did that.” His eyes went to Yukiko across the room, who was starting to dress. He put his lips next to Jenn’s ear and spoke as quietly as he could, watching Yukiko to see if she was listening to him. “When dinner is over, help me get her back?”

Jenn kissed his neck and nodded against him so she wouldn’t speak.

“Let’s get going,” Gregory said. “I don’t want to keep my new wife from her wedding feast.”

Chapter Twenty

 

Entering the private dining room, they took their seats. “Sorry for the delay, Dia,” Yukiko said.

“You’re not late,” Dia smiled. “You must have rushed your bathing.”

“We hurried, but we made sure to do it properly,” Jenn said.

“Very well,” Dia replied. “Brown should be—”

The knock on the door cut Dia off, and Brown opened it a moment later. “Ah, good. The food doesn’t have to wait.” He wheeled a cart in and began to offload the covered platters onto the table. “I prepared several dishes, so there should be something for everyone. I have the desserts in progress. When you can only eat a little more, just call for me.”

The moment the first cover was removed, the scent of grilled koi made Gregory’s stomach growl. Brown chuckled as he continued to unveil each dish. By the time he’d finished, all four of them were ready to dig in.

Gregory reached for the koi, taking a small helping. Yukiko went after the steamed rice with pickled purity plums. Jenn was taking a large ladleful of soup, smiling the whole time. Dia watched them all with a soft smile before snagging half of the koi.

Dia waited for them to finish filling their plates before she cleared her throat and held up her glass. “Jenn Pettit and Gregory Pettit, this meal is to commemorate the special occasion of your wedding. It might have been different than you had envisioned it would be, but I have the feeling it is still a day you will treasure for years to come.”

Jenn was all smiles as she raised her glass back to Dia.

“Your union will be celebrated again when we return to the academy, as I know your friends in the clan will wish to do so. I will do everything I can to see you three posted in the same place during your adept and magus years.”

“Thank you, Dia,” Gregory said.

“To you, on behalf of the clan,” Dia said, raising her glass a little higher before drinking.

The others sipped at their wine in honor of the toast.

“Now, let’s enjoy the feast that’s been prepared for us.”

They had barely started when a knock came on the door. Dia frowned and was in the middle of turning to look at it when the door opened and Magus Yang gave them all a broad smile.

“I just heard that two of your apprentices registered their marriage,” Yang said. “I came to offer my congratulations. It is a beautiful thing to see two young magi already pledging themselves to each other.” The smiles at the table dimmed when Yang shut the door behind him. “I also brought a gift, from me personally, to you both.” Coming over to the table, he reached into a pouch on his hip and pulled out a small box. “There you are— properly prepared koi jerky, guaranteed to help your aether grow or recover.”

They couldn’t rightly ask him to leave after he presented the gift, so Dia said, “Magus, that is a truly extravagant gift. I’m sure my juniors will enjoy it in the future. Would you care to join the meal?”

Yang waved off the offer. “No, no. I can see this is a clan affair, so I will not stay.”

The three apprentices felt relief at his words, but they smiled and bowed their heads to him respectfully.

“If you are free after dinner, though, Ursinda, I would love to talk some more.”

Dia lowered her head fractionally. “Will you be in the main room?”

“I was thinking,” Yang said with a widening smile, “that you might come to my home. I know your time here is coming to an end shortly, and I haven’t had you over yet.”

Dia’s smile became fixed. “I shall be over, Yang.”

“Good, good.” Yang beamed and he moved toward the door. “I’ll make sure my carriage is here to bring you.” He looked back to the apprentices. “Congratulations again, and I wish you a delightful evening.”

When the door shut behind him, Dia’s smile fell away. “We’re here for a few more days. If I don’t show, it will strain things.” Tsking, she gave them an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry that this celebration was dimmed in that manner.”

“It’s fine,” Jenn said. “Is koi jerky really that rare?”

Dia nodded. “It is. Proper preparation of koi jerky is something only a true…” Trailing off, Dia looked pensive. “Brown.” Without saying more, she pulled the rope behind her chair. “Please go back to enjoying your food.”

They did as she bade them, but they waited, as they knew Brown would be coming soon.

They didn’t have to wait long, and when Brown arrived, he looked a bit unhappy. “I’m sorry, but the dessert is still—”

“This isn’t about dessert,” Dia cut him off. “Did you ever prepare koi jerky for Yang?”

Brown blinked, unprepared for the sudden curveball. “It’s been