Free The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead Page A

Ms.
    Terwiliger insisted I had a natural affinity for magic and had offered to train me. Why she wanted this, exactly, I wasn’t sure.
    She’d gone on and on about the potential I had, but I could hardly believe she’d want to train me without a reason of her own. I hadn’t figured out what that might be, but it didn’t matter.
    I’d refused her offer. So, she’d found a work-around.
    “Miss Melbourne, how much longer do you think you’ll be on the Kimbal book?” she caled from her desk. Trey had picked up “Melbourne” from her, but unlike him, she seemed to constantly forget that wasn’t my actual name. She was in her forties, with mousy brown hair and a perpetualy cunning glint in her eyes.
    I looked up from my work, forcing politeness. “Two more days. Three at most.”
    “Make sure to translate all three of the sleep of spels,” she said. “Each has its own nuances.”
    “There are four sleep spels in this book,” I corrected.
    “Are there?” she asked innocently. “I’m glad to see they’re making an impression.”
    making an impression.”
    I hid a scowl. Having me copy and translate spell books for research was how she taught me. I couldn’t help but learn the texts as I read them. I hated that I’d been ensnared, but it was too late in the school year to transfer out. Besides, I could hardly complain to the administration that I was being forced to learn magic.
    So, I dutifuly copied her spell books and spoke as little as possible during our time together. Meanwhile, I simmered with resentment. She was well aware of my discomfort but made no attempts to aleviate the tension, leaving us in a stalemate. Only one thing brightened those sessions.
    “Look at that. It’s been nearly two hours since my last cappuccino. It’s a wonder I can function. Would you be kind enough to run to Spencer’s? That should finish us out for the day.” The last bell had rung fifteen minutes ago, but I’d been putting in some overtime.
    I was already closing the spell book before she finished speaking. When I’d begun as her assistant, I’d resented the constant errands. Now, I looked forward to the escape. Not to mention my own caffeine fix.
    When I reached the coffee shop, I found Trey was just starting his shift, which was great—not just because he was a friendly face, but because it meant discounts.
    He began making my order before I even placed it since he knew the drill by now.
    Another barista offered to help, and Trey gave him meticulous instructions on what to do.
    “Skinny vanila latte,” said Trey, grabbing the caramel for Ms.
    “Skinny vanila latte,” said Trey, grabbing the caramel for Ms.
    Terwiliger’s cappuccino. “That’s sugar-free syrup and skim.
    Don’t mess it up. She can sniff out sugar and 2% milk a mile away.” I suppressed a smile. Maybe I couldn’t reveal Alchemist secrets to my friends, but it was nice to know they at least knew my coffee preferences backwards and forwards.
    The other barista, who looked to be our age, gave Trey a drol look. “I’m well aware of what skinny means.”
    “Nice attention to detail,” I teased Trey. “I didn’t know you cared.”
    “Hey, I live to serve,” he said. “Besides, I need your help tonight with that lab write-up from chem. You always find things I miss.”
    “It’s due tomorrow,” I chastised. “You had two weeks. I’m guessing you didn’t get much done in your cheerleader study session.”
    “Yeah, yeah. Will you help me out? I’ll even go to your campus.”
    “I’ll be up late with a study group—a real one.” The opposite sex was banned from our dorms after a certain hour. “I could meet you on Central Campus afterward if you want.”
    “How many campuses does your school have?” asked the other barista, setting down my latte.
    “Three.” I reached eagerly for the coffee. “Like Gaul.”
    “Like what?” asked Trey.
    “Sorry,” I said. “Latin joke.”

    “Omnia Galia in tres partes divisa