Page 8 of Nanny for the Minotaur

8

LYRA

T he bell above Maya's shop door chimes as I enter, bringing the familiar scent of dried herbs and fresh earth. Bundles of plants hang from the rafters, their shadows dancing across worn wooden shelves in the afternoon light.

Maya looks up from behind her counter, silver-blonde hair catching the sun. But her smile makes my heart leap.

She's practically my sister, having grown up together in the traveling band of humans where we both learned about herbs. But where I went on to heal, she started to garden, and we both ended up in the capital city, setting up our practices.

Her practical cotton apron bears fresh dirt stains - she must have just come in from harvesting. "Let me guess - another healing consultation?"

"Not exactly." I weave between displays of jarred remedies. "It's about Kai. His nightmares are getting worse."

Maya's gray eyes sharpen with interest. I've told her all about the family I'm helping, and even she seems invested now. She gestures me toward her workbench, clearing space among scattered leaves and stems. "Tell me more."

"He won't admit it, but I hear him at night. Some nights Theron has to sit with him until he falls back asleep." My fingers trace the edge of a mortar and pestle. "Last night, I found them both passed out in Kai's room. Theron was slumped in this tiny chair, looking so uncomfortable but refusing to move in case it woke his son."

"Mmhmm." Maya's knowing smile makes heat creep up my neck. "And how often are you checking on them at night?"

"That's not- I mean-" I grab a bundle of rirzed herb, focusing on the dried blooms. "I'm just concerned about Kai."

"Of course." Maya's scar flashes white as she reaches for her reference book. "Nothing to do with his very protective, very single father."

"Maya!"

"What? I've seen that look on your face when you talk about him." She flips through pages with practiced efficiency. "And the way his eyes lit up when you brought him in last week."

"He does not-" I stop myself, cheeks burning. I only brought him here so he knew where to get what he needed when I'm longer Mira's caregiver. "Can we focus on the herbs?"

"Fine, fine." But that smile lingers as she writes out a recipe. "Take a satchel-" She places a box of them on the counter before me. "Steep it in hot water before bed." She tears out the page. "Though I suspect having both you and his father nearby does more good than any tea."

I snatch the paper, stuffing it into my pocket. "I should head back. It's getting late."

"Give the children my love." Maya's voice follows me to the door. "And Theron too, while you're at it!"

I hurry out, pretending not to hear her laugh behind me. But my thoughts start to drift as I head back, the stars above lighting up the city and making me wonder if maybe…she's right.

The acrid smell of smoke hits me before I even reach the front door. My heart leaps into my throat as I rush inside, following the sound of Mira's sobs echoing through the halls.

I find them in Kai's room - or what's left of it. Black soot streaks up one wall, the elegant wallpaper Cassandra had chosen now curling and peeling. Theron stands in the center, his massive frame somehow smaller as he looks between his children. Mira clings to his leg, tears leaving tracks in her silver-white fur, while Kai huddles in the corner, making himself as small as possible.

"What happened?" I drop my bag, already moving toward Kai.

"The lamp." Theron's voice cracks. "He was having a nightmare and-" He gestures helplessly at the scorched bedding and charred bedpost.

I kneel beside Kai, careful not to touch him yet. His blue eyes - so like his mother's - are wide with fear. "I didn't mean to," he whispers.

"Of course you didn't." I keep my voice soft, steady. "Everyone has nightmares sometimes."

"But I ruined everything!" His small fists clench. "Mother picked all this out and now-"

"Now we have a chance to make this room yours." I glance around at the formal furnishings - all dark woods and muted colors, nothing a six-year-old would choose. "What if we cleaned this up together? Made it a place you'd actually want to sleep in?"

Theron steps forward, Mira still attached to his leg. "You'd help with that?"

"Of course." I stand, brushing soot from my skirt. "Kai, what's your favorite color?"

"Blue?" He uncurls slightly. "Like the sky."

"Perfect. We could paint the walls, get new bedding-"

"Can I help too?" Mira's tears slow as she peeks out from behind Theron.

"We need all hands on deck." I hold out my arms and she runs to me, burying her face in my dress. "Even your father can help, if he's not too busy being a proper merchant."

Theron's amber eyes meet mine, gratitude and something warmer flickering in their depths. "I suppose I could roll up my sleeves."

"Good." I squeeze Mira close, offering Kai a smile. "Kai, you can come sleep in my room and tomorrow, we'll set up your new space."

It takes a little more convincing, but soon, I've got Kai tucked in my bed with me curled into the armchair next to him. He sleeps fitfully, and I spend most of the time thinking in my journal of how to make him more comfortable in the house.

The next morning after breakfast, we tackle Kai's room like a well-coordinated team. The windows protest with years of disuse, but Theron's strength makes quick work of the stubborn latches. Fresh air rushes in, carrying away the lingering smoke and stuffiness that had permeated the space.

I gather the smoke-damaged curtains, which were too heavy and dark for this room anyway. Mira sorts through her brother's toys with surprising organization, creating neat piles of "keep" and "maybe" while humming to herself. Her silver-white fur catches the afternoon light, making her look almost ethereal.

"These tapestries are ridiculous," Theron mutters, yanking at an elaborate hunting scene. "Who puts scenes of bloodsport in a child's room?"

"Someone more concerned with appearances than comfort." The words slip out before I can stop them.

His amber eyes meet mine, understanding passing between us. "Help me with this one?"

We work in tandem, his height and my dexterity making short work of the heavy fabric. As we reach for the same curtain tie, our hands brush. His fur is surprisingly soft against my skin, and neither of us pulls away. Heat blooms where we touch, spreading up my arm and across my chest. Time seems to stretch, marked only by our breathing and Mira's quiet humming in the background.

As I pull away, my hand tingles with phantom warmth where his fur brushed against it. Instantly, I miss his proximity, the way his massive frame made me feel simultaneously safe and breathless.

But I shake that off as I go to get herbs to help with any lingering smoke smell. I pause in the doorway, watching how Theron studies the walls with an intensity usually reserved for trade contracts.

"We should redo the whole house." He turns at my footsteps, his massive frame blocking the sunlight. "Not just Kai's room. Make it less..." He gestures at the formal decor.

"Less like a museum and more like a home?"

"Exactly." His amber eyes light up. "The children should be able to run without worrying about breaking some priceless vase."

As if summoned, Mira races in, her silver-white fur glowing in the morning light. "Can I pick my room color too?"

"Of course, little one." Theron scoops her up with one arm, making her giggle. "What color would you like?"

"Yellow! Like sunshine!"

Mrs. Bramble appears in the doorway, arms laden with cleaning supplies. "I heard talk of redecorating." Her eyes twinkle as she sets down her burden. "About time, if you ask me. This house needs more life in it."

We split into teams, evaluating each room. Somehow Theron keeps ending up wherever I am, his broad shoulders filling doorways as I measure windows for new curtains. He reaches above me to pull down dusty decorations, his chest brushing my back. Each time, my breath catches.

"Lunch!" Mrs. Bramble's voice echoes through the halls. She's set up an impromptu picnic in Kai's half-finished room, complete with sandwiches and fresh lemonade.

Kai sprawls on the floor, carefully arranging his toy soldiers in formation. "Can we put up my drawings instead of the tapestries?"

"An excellent idea." I help Mira wipe juice from her chin. "Your art should be the first thing people see."

By sunset, Kai's room has transformed. Gone are the heavy curtains and formal furniture, replaced by bright blue walls and shelves displaying his treasured collections. His drawings create a colorful border near the ceiling, and his bed sports new covers decorated with stars. Even his toy chest has been repainted, though Theron's attempt at artistic clouds looks more like wool tufts.

"It feels different." Kai touches the walls wonderingly. "Like it's really mine now."

"That's because it is." Theron rests his hand on his son's shoulder, pride evident in his stance. Mira has fallen asleep in his arms.

I step back to admire our work, only to bump into Theron's solid chest. His hands steady me, lingering longer than necessary on my waist. The warmth of his touch seeps through my dress, making it hard to focus on anything else.

"Do you think…" Kai looks to me. "Do you think I won't have nightmares anymore?"

It hurts my heart, and I think we need to talk. "Let's have some tea before bed."

Kai goes with me to the kitchen while Theron lays Mira down before joining us. Steam curls from our mugs as I stir honey into the tea, the spoon clinking softly against ceramic. Warm lamplight softens the edges of worry on everyone's faces. Kai sits between Theron and me at the worn wooden table, his small hands wrapped around his cup.

"Kai, why don't you tell us what it is you are having nightmares about?" I lean forward, drawing soothing circles on his back.

"I keep seeing her." Kai's voice barely rises above a whisper. "Mother. She's standing in my doorway, looking at me like..." He swallows hard. "Like I'm not enough. Never enough."

Theron shifts in his chair. "Son, they're just dreams-"

I touch his arm, feeling the tension in his muscles. "Dreams often tell us what our hearts need to process." My fingers linger on his fur before pulling away. "What else do you see, Kai?"

"Sometimes Mira's crying, and I can't reach her." Kai's blue eyes fill with tears. "I try to run, but my legs won't move. And Mother just watches, saying I'm too common to be any real help."

"Night terrors give voice to our deepest fears." I lean forward, meeting Kai's gaze. "They're not just random dreams - they're your mind trying to make sense of difficult feelings. Missing your mother, wanting to protect Mira, feeling pressure to be perfect - these are heavy burdens for anyone, especially someone so young."

Theron's breath catches. His massive frame seems to collapse in on itself as he pulls Kai into his arms, cradling both children against his chest. "I never knew... I should have..."

"You're here now. We're both here now, and you don't have to be afraid Kai." I reach across the table, squeezing his hand. "That's what matters."

Later, we tuck Kai into his new bed, his frame dwarfed by the star-covered blankets. Kai's eyes meet mine as I smooth his covers.

"Will you stay? Just until I fall asleep?"

"Of course." I settle into the chair beside them, aware of Theron's solid presence behind me. "As long as you need."

And I realize, I'm starting to really mean that. They have me, have stolen my heart, and I think it will be permanent.