Page 45 of Evergreen Academy (Society of Magical Botanists #1)

Chapter Forty-Four

“ A pparently, I missed the memo about a Floral Fete where I’m supposed to present something,” I said to Callan as we sat on a large tree branch, practicing a Floracantus that would extract willow bark without causing any damage to the tree.

According to Callan, it was an important ingredient in the medical field.

Yasmin had filled me in on the upcoming festivity, which would fall on Valentine’s Day.

“Yep, all lead floral affinities make something. I’ve seen perfumes, floral sculptures, even food.”

I sighed, racking my brain for something I could pull together by the weekend. My affinity studies were spread so thin that I couldn’t imagine finding time to do a whole project on such short notice, let alone one that was going to be on display for the entire school.

“Focus, local,” Callan prompted .

“ Cortex removi ,” I murmured. The bark gave a little shudder but stayed in place.

“Make sure you’re focused while you’re saying it. The tree knows your mind is on flowers, not it. Cortex removi ,” he said, and the bark peeled away in perfect curls that flew into his hand, the section of tree they had come from instantly growing back.

I sighed. I was never going to be a natural at this. My brain had always had trouble focusing on just one thing, which was one of the many reasons drawing appealed to me. I had to focus completely on that task. It helped drown out everything else for a short time.

“You’re always drawing.” Callan nodded toward my notebook, seeming to read my mind. “Do something with that?”

“For the Floral Fete? How is that going to be interesting to anyone?”

“Draw some of the flowers here. Show us how you see them. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but nothing is.” He bumped his shoulder against mine gently. “And I promise I will like it, so you’ll have at least one fan.”

I rolled my eyes but was inwardly grateful for the suggestion.

I wasn’t sure if it would rise to the level of expectation for the other floral affinities, but at least I could show I was making an effort.

It was practically impossible to fit in with all of the affinity groups, but it didn’t hurt to try.

“One fan? How could I say no?”

“He’s a very impressive fan.” His voice was as smooth as a river on a calm day.

“Then I’d better make something worthy of his interest,” I mused.

But my chest squeezed at the fact that my art might play a role at Evergreen Academy and that Callan might be interested in it.

Reluctantly, I rose. “I have to run. I’m on Kitchen Botany rotation and in charge of setting out the evening tea and snacks. ”

“If you make honeysuckle and orange blossom tea tonight, I’ll love you forever,” Callan called out casually as I made to leave the tree house.

“Asking for favors now, Rhodes?” I teased over my shoulder, though I was secretly thrilled at his words.

“Just some good old-fashioned cronyism, local. Heavy on the honeysuckle, please.”

I left the tree house with a roll of my eyes and a grin.