“Thank you.” Warna got to her feet. “I’m sorry, I can’t remember your name…?”
“Lottie,” the woman offered.
“Lottie,” Warna dropped her rags in the bucket, tired of thinking. “You’re right. Let’s see to that kav.”
Chapter Thirty-Five
The women had gathered round the tables, ladling bowls of soup to the children, who eyed the waiting treats in the baskets of sweet rolls. Warna saved a bowl about to spill from tiny fingers. She smiled at the little girl who stared at her with big eyes.
“What’s your name?” Warna asked.
“Lily,” the blonde girl whispered.
“Let me help you,” Warna whispered back, sitting on a bench and pulling the girl into her lap.
She sat in their midst, and listened to the talk as the children ate. There was no discussion of their plight, not with little ears listening. The women focused on the food, making sure that the soup was actually eaten before handing out the sweets.
Lily managed the entire bowl, and half the bun before she was full. Warna smiled, hugging the child close. “Done?”
The tiny one nodded, her blonde curls falling in her eyes.
“Then outside with you,” one of the women said. Warna opened her arms, and Lily slid from her lap to run through the door. Around her, the women were herding the children outside to play.
“We’ll have a bit of peace with our own meal,” Lottie ladled out another bowl of soup. Warna took it and gave Lottie a grateful nod of thanks.
There was a clatter of heavy boots in the outer hallway. “Is that our men?” Lottie asked, looking toward the door, ladle poised over a bowl.
“It is,” An older man stepped in, and greeted her with a kiss. “Is there enough for us?”
“Oh yes,” Lottie said. “We’ve been well provided for.”
“That’s good,” He settled in at the table as others followed him into the room.
“The children are all playing,” Lottie said. “No better time for news. What says the Lord High Baron?”
“You’re the Lady Warna?” The older man focused on her as he settled on the bench opposite.
Warna nodded. Around them, the other men began talking to their womenfolk, taking up bowls of soup and settling at the tables.
“Well enough,” he said. “I am Mayth.”
“What news?” Lottie said sharply, placing soup and kav before him.
“Can’t I get a bit of food first?” He grumbled, then reached up to stroke Lottie’s cheek. “Patience, wife. The Lord High Baron sat with us a good long while, and we talked options. We’ve decisions to make, true enough, and we’ll do that tonight, with all of us gathered.”
“Options?” Lottie settled next to him.
“Aye,” Mayth sighed. “He’ll aid us if we wish to rebuild, but none of us are sure that’s wise. He’s offered to see us relocated, but that brings its own pain. In the meantime, he’s offered shelter here, and time for us to decide.”
Lottie let out a breath, and closed her eyes in weariness. “Mayth,” her voice was just a whisper of pain.
“I know, sweetling,” Mayth leaned over, and put an arm over her shoulder. “Eat something with me, eh? Put the heart back in you.”
Lottie nodded against his shoulder, then straightened her back. “Only if you do the same.” She nudged his elbow.
Mayth picked up his bowl.
“If Lord Verice made that suggestion he did so with your best interests at heart,” Warna said quietly.
