Chapter 68.
Cas had hoped that Rowena would take a benevolent interest in Lydia's situation and he was not disappointed. She listened to the convoluted tale of Lydia's difficult life and the recent demonic involvement and she asked perceptive and intelligent questions.
Crowley, wandering around the room, picking up or touching various objects and casting an occasional speculative look at his mother, offered a few quiet interjections on the subject, confirming that the librarian was genuinely powerful and explaining the demonic conspiracy. Rowena seemed uninterested in the latter, but Cas knew she would be taking it all in.
At length, he decided she had enough information and he said quietly, "Can you help her?"
"Oh, send her to Hell and she can be my number one student." said Rowena, then, obviously noticing the horror on his face, she said, "I'm joking. I can do better than that. You remember the root woman in Burr Oak?"
"Zorah Franklin?"
"That's the one. Not the most powerful witch on the planet, but all her power is her own. She's beholden to no demon and she has a kind heart. You take the girl to her, with a letter from me and she'll take care of her, teach her the basics and know where to send her for the rest. Most importantly, she can help her to conceal her power. I'll keep my people away from her, but Hell is a nest of vipers, factions against factions and everyone with an eye to the main chance."
"Tell me about it!" said Crowley.
"Of course, you did little to remedy the matter."
"Better they should be stabbing each other in the back than plotting against me." said Crowley.
"Well, now I have to clean up your mess, just like old times."
"Or you could hand Hell back, if it's all getting to be too much for you."
"Are you mad? For the first time in my life, I have a real challenge. I am loving every second."
They looked at each other, their glances laden with looks that a human might be able to decipher. Castiel could not, but he did not feel that they were exactly enemies, nor exactly friends. A long history lay between them and bitter memories, but he saw more regret than hatred between them. They reminded him a little of Sam and Dean, in the bad times, wading through remorse and resentment in search of their broken brotherhood.
Rowena turned to look at him. "Jack thinks I can control Hell."
"Jack has no doubt of it." he confirmed.
"And you, so powerful now, his right hand."
"Yes. I don't understand his choice, but yes."
"I do." she said, "He needed someone he could trust. If I had so devoted a friend, I would also want to keep him close. Power is lonely. Absolute power must feel quite forsaken."
"I hope he never feels that way." said Cas.
"He has you. He never will. He's a sweet boy. It's good that he has you." She came over to him and gazed up at him. She turned to Crowley. "Leave us, Fergus."
"What?" said Crowley.
"I'll see you in Sioux Falls." said Cas, sending him there with a wave of his hand.
She returned her eyes to him. "You're more beyond my reach than ever." she said, "As archangel, the right hand of God, I can do nothing to tempt you or to fight you."
"You managed to tempt Gabriel." said Cas.
"Gabriel came to me fairly well-corrupted already. You know ou are more powerful than him, yes?"
"I'm aware." he said.
"And committed to your hunter."
"To all my hunters." he said.
"So that sweet kiss I stole will be the extent of our liaison." she said.
"There was never ... " he began.
She pressed a finger to his lips. "Castiel, leave me my illusions." she said before moving the finger away.
"Illusions are what you throw at others." he said, "Very little ever fools you."
"I can be a fool if I want. So, we will never be lovers."
"No, we will not." he said.
"But you have a fondness for me and Jack desires that we cooperate."
"Yes, to both." he said.
"So we may be friends."
"As long as you never threaten those I love, we are friends." he said.
"And you won't prevent me from teasing my son that there is more between us?"
"I don't understand why you feel a need to mislead him when it clearly distresses him."
"You may have noticed that I'm a little twisted. Besides, he certainly has it coming."
"Yes, but ... "
"And you didn't rush to tell him we only shared a single kiss."
"I wasn't sure, under the circumstances, that that little fact would improve his opinion of either of us."
"Is that really why?" she said.
He found himself smiling. "It's possible I am a little twisted too."
"When your hunter dies ... "
"Jack has promised death will not part us." he reminded her.
"Eternity seems like a long sentence."
"'I love you.' seems like a short one, but it is eternal, for me."
"So, it really is love? Such a human folly, Castiel."
"Not my only one."
"I'm not judging you. I can't. I fell into the same trap. I'm only trying to understand you, my sweet enigma."
"For me, it's not a trap. I am happy. To look into her eyes and see her love for me, to know that she sees all that I am and loves me anyway, there is no feeling like that in this world or any other."
"And are the Winchesters not jealous?"
"Honestly? No, not in the least. They rejoice in my joy. They treat her as their sister."
"And Sam is to marry the hunter Eileen Leahy."
"Yes." said Cas, "Soon, at the Nexus, which doubtless you have heard of."
"Doubtless." she said, "It's a fine family the three of you have gathered around you. I envy you."
"There's no need. We've long considered you a part of it."
"A black sheep."
"More of a brindled lamb." he said.
"Is the bunker warded against me?" she asked.
"No, it's not. Sam will want you to attend the wedding."
"Are you sure?"
"Quite sure." he said.
"But I will not be welcome at yours?"
"Jules and I consider our current commitment eternally binding."
"You are living in sin? I hardly think your father would approve." She seemed inappropriately delighted at the thought.
"What sin is there in love? I no longer seek or desire his approval. I have Dean's and Sam's."
"You have mine too, if that matters. I'm glad your folly turned out better than mine. Even if I could harm your hunter, I would not try. You've earned a little happiness in your bungee jumps between fall and redemption."
"Could we discuss Jack's thoughts on Hell now, please?" said Cas.
"Do I still make you uncomfortable?"
"Intensely so." he said.
"You could end me with a thought."
"Rowena, I can't even end the thoughts of you with a thought." he said.
"Flatterer!" she said with a smile.