Recipe for Magic by Agatha Bird Read Free Book Online

couple of times,” Connor said. “It’s not a big deal. Are you going to help me with this translation for condensing flames or not?”
    When Landyn sat down next to him at the table, it seemed as though he pulled his chair closer than usual. Connor didn’t mind, especially not when Landyn leaned forward to point out a translation error that Connor had made and their hands brushed together.
     
     
    O NE NIGHT , nearly a week later, they stayed so late in the library that they missed the last serving in the dining hall.
    “Well,” Landyn sighed as they stood in the dimly lit corridor outside the closed and bolted doors. “We should probably skip the arena tonight. We won’t have the energy to conjure.”
    “Don’t be an idiot. Come on,” Connor said. He grabbed Landyn’s wrist and dragged him along with quick steps.
    “The kitchens? What are we doing here?”
    “Getting fed,” Connor replied and knocked smartly.
    The door swung open to reveal Josephina’s plump, scowling face and her gray, frizzy halo of hair. “What?” she growled.
    “Madame Josephina—” Connor started.
    “Missed dinner, did you?” Josephina said in her croaky voice, sizing them up through a one-eyed squint. “And you’ve dragged another young delinquent along, I see. All right, get yourselves inside.” She pushed the door open wider and turned around.
    Connor quickly followed, pulling a wide-eyed Landyn behind him. “Keep up,” Connor said, nudging him. “Josephina might not look it, but she’s spritely.”
    “That’s the head cook,” Landyn whispered fiercely back. “She’s allowing you into the kitchens!”
    “She likes me,” Connor said.
    “She tolerates you,” Josephina corrected, wiping her hands on the stained apron that covered her ample belly. “You can take what’s left over from supper,” she said, gesturing at the long wooden tables laden with cutlery, dishes, and food. Then she wagged her finger at him. “I’ll not prepare anything for you.”
    Connor threw her his best charming smile and watched a flush darken her round cheeks and plum-colored nose. “We can make something edible, though it will pale next to your skill.”
    “Scamp,” Josephina said, swatting him as she passed. She reached over his head. “Here, take this pot. Now, fetch me some water from the sink to fill it up.”
    “I can help there,” Landyn said, leaning over the pot and muttering a few words. Clear water rose inside, filling the pot halfway. The water gave off a crisp, clean scent, like standing at the base of a waterfall.
    Josephina’s thin gray eyebrows lifted. “I’d keep you in the kitchen if I could, my lad. This looks fresh as spring water. All right, then, I’ve already turned the ovens off for the night. Connor, put yourself to use.”
    “Yes, ma’am,” Connor said. He rubbed his hands together and then held them above the pot, watching small bubbles form on the bottom as the water heated. Before long the water was boiling away.
    “Good,” Josephina sniffed. “There are some leftover vegetables on the counter and meat in the cooler. I’m off to bed. Make sure you lock the door when you go.”
    “Thanks, Josephina,” Connor said.
    “Don’t make it a habit,” Josephina said severely and ruffled Connor’s hair to soften the words. “Enjoy the meal with your young man.”
    “Yes, ma’am,” Connor replied without correcting her. “We’ll clean up after ourselves.”
    “See that you do.” With that last admonition, she trundled out the door, shooting one last fond look over her shoulder.
    Landyn turned to Connor. “I can’t believe she’s leaving us here unsupervised.”
    Connor shrugged. “It’s not the first time. She trusts me.”
    Landyn made a noncommittal noise and hopped up on a stool, swinging his long legs back and forth.
    “You don’t look like you’re getting ready to work,” Connor said. He grabbed a handful of carrots from a sack and quickly set to work peeling and cutting