While his grandfather was occupied, Dev wandered around the incredible living palace.There was an indoor bathing pool that had water which was heated ...y magic and there was a spout in one wall where fresh water fell, constantly replacing what was in the pool. Dev could not discover how the balance was maintained to keep the pool full, yet never overflowing and always warm.He also discovered that the elves had a stable behind the palace. The horses were magnificent and were all of a type he was. As the quarter hour chimed she heard the approaching car. Drivers rarely came this way at night, unless it was a local taking the short cut between two villages. The engine had a high pitched whine, rather like a death keen, then it spluttered and there was silence. Jo sighed and put down the book, marking her place with a worn leather bookmark. She made her way to the kitchen and filled the kettle, setting it to heat on the centre of the hot plate. Whoever was in the car would want tea on such. . Next weekend." And does my new bride have someplace in mind?" Uh-huh. I think we should visit your sister." And she smiled."So do we leave Friday after work or Saturday morning early?" I knew if she was proposing something, she already had her version of a plan."Saturday morning early," she said. "That way we can have a good night's sleep here, instead of getting to Louisiana at eleven and then..." Good idea, baby," I said. "Of course, the weather..." Of course, silly," she said. "There's. ———— I didn’t wake up until the next morning. I woke at 7am to the smell of something cooking. My stomach growled, which was rare when I was taking the pain pills, but I hadn’t had anything to eat since lunch yesterday. I got up, still in the same jeans and t-shirt and made my way to the kitchen. I was momentarily taken aback to see my mother sitting at the table with Paige. At least from behind, I could have sworn it was Paige. My mother stood up. ‘There he is.’ The woman turned and I realized.