Chapter 36: Foraging

Lavinia had hoped that preparations for Marco and Arabella’s ceremony would feel like a point of normalcy. She thought that surely the process could not be that different from events she had been to in the past. Mr. Brogan seemed to be treating the whole affair like a wedding. But nothing could have been farther from the truth.

Sonia’s event planning was unlike anything Lavinia had ever seen. Instead of choosing decorations and matching centerpieces, she bound herbs and lit candles, guiding Arabella and Lavinia through the motions.

That afternoon she led them into the surrounding forest. Lavinia had never seen woods like these. In the confines of the city, there was almost no plant life. It was only near Astor manor that she had ever seen any density of plant life. This area was something entirely new. Trees grew wide and tall, their roots overlapping in a matted tangle on the forest floor, overrun with ferns and thick patches of leafy shrubs that Lavinia could not identify. Though there was no clear path, Sonia led the three of them deeper into the woods with confidence.

As they walked she pointed out plants, instructing Lavinia to pick them. Wormwood, yarrow, rosemary, all plucked from the root. Arabella looked uncomfortable as Sonia braided the stalks into her hair, weaving an intricate headpiece of blonde and leaves. As they hiked the mass became more herb than hair, a crown of green foliage. Sprigs of mint were stuck upright, becoming peaks. Lavinia thought it could have been a tiara, but they looked too unnatural in the way they stuck out like sharp spines.

There were no flowering plants in the mix. Only varying leaves and brown vines. In fact, Lavinia quickly realized that none of the plants here seemed to be flowering. The closest she saw were the purpled corollas at the top of lavender bushes.

Sonia, between offering instruction and weaving Arabella’s hair, kept up a steady stream of questions about Isaac.

“So, has he ever seen someone?” she asked.

“I would actually consider him to be a bit of a rake,” said Arabella casually. “He was always fooling around with someone after he turned. Though, since our mother has been pushing the marriage agenda he has been much more guarded.”

“What type of girl does he prefer?”

“I would not consider him that limited, but I would say that the girls usually have dark hair, dark eyes, basically the opposite of him. A little short with a little bit to grab onto.”

Sonia laughed uncomfortably, looking Lavinia up and down, taking in her brunette hair, dark features, and curvy stature. “I see…”

“I wouldn’t call it a rule. After all, there were quite a few times he brought home a-”

“What about recently?” Sonia interrupted. “Has he confided in you any particular fancies? Any special preferences from his ball?”

“He hasn’t said anything to me, Sonia,” Arabella said pointedly.

“What about you, Vini?”

Lavinia was surprised at Sonia’s casual use of Arabella’s nickname. “He hasn’t said anything to me.”

“Surely you must know. As his personal aid? You must see who comes and goes from his room.”

Lavinia shrugged. “I suppose he’s just private about that.”

“Or,” Sonia suggested, “He’s keeping a secret.”

“Why would he be doing that?” asked Arabella, acting incredulous.

“Maybe he’s already picked someone and is worried that your mother will disapprove.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

“Mrs. Astor acts like she doesn’t care, but we all know she wants him with Cordelia. After all, think of the empire they would build. And the children.”

“Gross, Sonia. He’s still my brother.”

“Oh, but he’s gorgeous. Don’t you think so, Vini?”

“I- I hadn’t really thought about it,” Lavinia lied.

Sonia scoffed. “Please. I’ve seen how you look at him. How close you try to stand to him. How- oh.” She tilted her head to one side. “Oh, I see.”

“What?” Lavinia came to a stop, Sonia slowly advancing towards her.

Sonia’s posture changed, she leaned forward, her footsteps becoming silent, almost a prowl. She sniffed quietly, her exhale blowing Lavinia’a hair back lightly. “I see why he keeps it a secret.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t lie to me. A mortal? Really?” Sonia growled. “He had his pick of anyone, heiresses and specters, he could have ruled with an immortal bride. But instead… Well, he always has enjoyed breaking his toys.”

“It’s not like that,” said Arabella. Lavinia whipped her head towards her, panicked.

“Oh, so I am right,” said Sonia smugly. “It’s not like that, how is it?”

“Please don’t say anything,” Lavina said.

“Why not? Why shouldn’t I expose you?”

“They’re not doing anything to you, Sonia,” Arabella insisted. “Let them be.”

“Not doing anything- she,” she pointed at Lavinia and for the first time the sharpness of her nails became apparent. They looked more like claws than fingernails. “She is taking away my prospects. You of all people should realize that. Second borns have nothing unless they marry up.”

“This wasn’t my intention-”

“I don’t care.” Sonia, pulled her fingers through her hair, cracking her neck to one side. As she did so her body seemed to elongate, her gown pulling at the seams. Her growl became low and guttural and she began to transform, her intention clear.