Since Cinn had no idea how to get herself back to the Castle of Dark Dreams and was definitely not leaving without Vince anyway, she sat.

Airmid folded herself gracefully onto her chair and then smiled at Cinn. “Now, we’ll discuss how you can get back into my good graces.”

Okay, Cinn was confused. “You’re a goddess. I’ve ticked you off. So why are you discussing it with me? Don’t you have more violent ways to change my mind? I thought bringing down the store around my head was rather effective.”

Airmid’s laughter was a musical tinkle. “I lost my temper. I try not to do that very often. But I’m sure we can reach an agreement.”

Cinn’s common sense shouted, “Don’t make her mad.” She decided to give her common sense a listen-to this time. “What did you have in mind?”

“Good. You’re willing to listen.” The goddess rearranged her long flowing gown. “First, you have to abandon these ridiculous experiments. You’re embarrassing me in front of the other immortals.”

Temper, temper. “Perhaps we can compromise.”

“Compromise?” Airmid looked as if the concept was beyond her understanding.

“Yes. I’ll only experiment on healing plants in order to enhance their curative powers.” Of course, Cinn would get to decide what curative powers needed to be enhanced.

Airmid stared at the fireplace mantel for a long time. “Hmm, that seems like something I could agree to.”

Cinn kept her hands folded in her lap so the goddess wouldn’t see how they were shaking. She didn’t have any experience negotiating with goddesses. “Anything else?” She knew her smile was a total failure.

“You need to destroy the plants you’ve twisted into things they never should be.” Airmid reached out to stroke one of Vince’s leaves.

Oh, hell. “Umm, I don’t think I can do that.”

Airmid rose and paced to a window, where she pointed at the plants resting on the sill. “These are plants, Cinn. They use sunlight and water to grow, not sexual energy. They don’t feel emotions, they don’t think, they don’t talk, and they certainly don’t go into jealous rages with each other. They are simply here. And when I need a few leaves for my healing potions, I simply pluck them.”

Ouch. Cinn winced.

With each word, Airmid’s long hair lifted in that silent wind Cinn was beginning to associate with an incoming temper tempest.

Cinn tried to ease the tension building in the room. “How do you know your plants don’t have emotions? Have you ever tuned in to them?”

“Why should I? I am the goddess of all healing plants. I have no need to ‘tune in’ to them. Of course they don’t have feelings.”