Chapter 2

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Hecate tried not to flinch at hearing what would be her new title. It felt wrong to be addressed in such a manner that rightfully belonged to Ada. While she felt honoured that Ada trusted her and held her in such high esteem, it was a title she hoped she would never have to bear. The fact of the matter was she would be only accepting the offer so not to disappoint Ada. If it meant that the school continued to run the way she and Ada had always envisioned, then she would just have to power on through it and cast any doubts she had to one side. She had no idea how the rest of her colleagues had taken the news, she hoped Ada would have already informed them.

"Is everything alright, Hecate?"

Hecate tried to give Ada a reassuring smile, "Everything is fine. There is just…"

A knock at the door caused Hecate to take a step back missing the look of hurt in Ada's eyes as she ordered the person to enter.

"Sorry to interrupt, but his Greatness has arrived. Everyone is waiting for you in the Great Hall." Dimity said looking between Ada and Hecate feeling the tension simmering between them.

"Thank you, Miss Drill. We will be along momentarily." Ada replied softly as Dimity gave a nod and turned to leave the office.

When Ada was sure she was gone, she turned back to Hecate only to see she had moved behind the desk once more creating a barrier between them.

"Now, what was it you were going to tell me before Miss Drill arrived?"

"It's nothing important and it can wait until after the ceremony."

Ada wanted to press the matter further but decided against it. Hecate would tell her when she was ready.

"If you're sure, Hecate."

"I am. Now we had best not keep his Greatness waiting." Hecate said trying to keep her voice neutral, but Ada heard the disdain when she said his title.

"No, but before we go there is something else I need to discuss with you."

"Very well, what is it you need to discuss?" Hecate tried not to panic, wondering what else Ada would spring on her today. She didn't think she could take any more surprises.

"As you are well aware, when one becomes Headmistress and is unmarried, you are given a ring as a symbol of your status and title," Ada said holding up a hand when she saw Hecate was about to interrupt her. "I know you aren't one for wearing jewelry Hecate, but I'm afraid it's unavoidable."

Hecate looked down at her fingers, wondering what sort of ring would be given to her. She had avoided jewelry not because she didn't like it, but because it was impractical when working with potions on a daily basis. She wondered if she would be able to juggle her new role and teach at the same time. She would need to appoint a new deputy, and perhaps hire a new potion's mistress to teach the girls. Hecate felt a pang in her chest at the thought of someone else taking over her potion's lab. It had always been her domain and she didn't want to have to give it up.

"I understand, I only hope that the ring his Greatness has chosen isn't pink."

Ada's eyes lit up remembering Hecate's comment last year, about how 'witches don't really do pink.'

"I understand which is why it wasn't him that chose it."

"What do you mean?" Hecate asked confused seeing Ada walk behind the desk to open the top drawer.

"I've had this for quite some time," Ada said picking up the black box and presented it to Hecate. "There were many times when I wanted to give this to you, but I never could quite find the right moment."

Hecate wordlessly took the box from Ada and slowly opened it. Her eyes widened when she saw the ring staring back at her. She took it from the box and inspected it closely. The ring's design was simple and elegant. She had never seen a ring quite like it. The band had a black leaf and vine intricate design that was accompanied with a pattern of small; yellow, dark blue and purple gemstones on either side that were met with a small single red stone set within in the black rose in the centre. Hecate couldn't deny the ring was beautiful. It was clear that Ada had put a lot of thought into its design. Her fingers traced the gemstones, the red stone she knew was ruby and the purple was amethyst but she had no idea about the yellow or the dark blue stones. Ada must have sensed her confusion when she felt warm hands on top of her own stopping her movements.

Her eyes met Ada's own seeing the gentle and loving smile reflecting back at her. "May I?"

"Of course," Hecate answered warmly as Ada took the ring from her hands.

"Before I tell you, I just want you to know that the past twenty years of working by your side, have been the best years of my life. Without you, this school wouldn't be what it is today. When my mother passed down the title of Headmistress to me; I was scared and unprepared. She ran this school like clockwork and I feared I wouldn't live up to her expectations or keep the standards up." Ada admitted, "that was until I had you by my side. Whether you are aware of it or not, but it was you who gave me the strength and courage to not be blindsided by my mother's shadow. You believed in me even when I doubted myself and my decisions. You risked your own life to save the school, the girls and myself from Agatha last year when she trapped me in the painting. Your loyalty, friendship, and love mean more to me than you can ever know, Hecate and it's something I will always treasure."

"So the ring..." Hecate felt a lump in the back of her throat realising what Ada had done.

"Is to remind you that should you ever doubt or lose faith in yourself, you'll know that I'll always be here to support you, even if I can no longer be here in person. I guess what I'm trying to say is; do not fear failure, Hecate. You were a great Deputy, and you will make an even greater Headmistress. This school is lucky to have you, and so am I."

"And the stones?" Hecate whispered trying to slow her beating heart before it burst from her chest.

Ada pointed to the first stone suddenly feeling nervous. "The yellow stone is known as yellow citrine. I chose it as a symbol of our friendship and the happier times we've shared over all these years." She moved to the next stone. "The purple stone I'm sure you've already guessed is amethyst. I chose it to symbolize your power and new status, even though I've always held you in such high regard. The dark blue stone next to it is spinel to symbolize your loyalty, but it is also the rarest of gemstones and there is no other quite like it. It's to remind you of how just special you are, even if you don't believe it yourself. And lastly, we have…" Ada whispered trying to hold back her tears.

"Ruby." Hecate finished seeing Ada nod knowing she was trying to keep her emotions under control.

"Yes, for your strength, but more importantly to symbolize our love." Ada swallowed looking up at Hecate through tear filled eyes.

"I don't know what to say," Hecate muttered placing the ring back in its box ensuring it would be kept safe until it was formally presented to her during the ceremony.

"You don't have to say anything," Ada reassured placing her hands back over Hecate's. "I just wanted you to know how much you mean to me and this school."

"Thank you, Ada, for everything."

Ada tried to remember how to breathe realising that this would be the last time she would have Hecate this close. They would have the holiday's and regular contact during term time of course, but she knew it wouldn't be the same. Still, she would power through it, just like she had always done when faced with the inevitable.

Ada gave a shaky smile, "It's been a pleasure, Hecate. Now, we don't want to keep his Greatness waiting a moment longer."

Hecate felt Ada's hands leave her own, already missing her warmth. She could already feel her emotions threaten to crumble around her. She wondered how she was going to get through each day without Ada's warmth; her touch, hearing her voice, their conversations, the way Ada would hold and kiss her after a long and stressful day. She had grown accustomed to their private interludes that she wondered how she had managed to survive without them before meeting Ada. Could their relationship even survive after today? Hecate mentally scolded herself for thinking such a thought. Ada didn't need her to fall apart right here in front of her. She needed to be strong. Everything she agreed to do today was for the one woman who meant everything to her. The last thing she wanted to do was let Ada down after she had put so much faith in her to lead and manage the school and ensuring the girls reached their full potential.

A small cough brought her back to the present seeing Ada waiting patiently.

"We really should get going, we are already going to be late."

Hecate nodded and summoned her hat and ceremonial robes and tried to make herself look somewhat presentable even if her instincts were telling her to flee to the safety of her rooms.

"I believe I'm ready."

"There is just one thing." Ada reached up and straightened the hat on Hecate's head with a smile. "There we are, perfect as always."

Hecate forgot how to breathe as she wondered what lay ahead for her in the Great Hall. She had never been one to show fear but as of this moment, she was terrified.