#Chapter 99: Toxin

Olivia POV I had achieved a kind of patience while waiting for Iris to finish her analysis. Rodin was quietly helpful, and Brady had returned from her errand to organize getting Iris whatever equipment she needed. I was so impressed watching her. How nice it would be to have a demonstrable skill, something like being a good gardener or a decent cook. I was hardly without skills, of course. I knew the bloodlines of all the politically significant families; I knew the importance of placating political interests without giving the religious lobby too much power. I knew the law, both in books, in court, and behind closed doors. But political knowledge was so ephemeral. As Luna, I would develop my skills with the Moon Goddess, and I hoped I would develop the wisdom and compassion needed for the position. But watching Iris as she worked with her reactive solutions and muttered about Breonadia salicina under her breath, I felt true envy. That settles it, I thought. I need a hobby.