Chapter 41: Strains of Discord

“I know your art history work backward and forward, but I didn’t know you sculpted too,” Reesa said to Lyra as they roamed through Gemma’s rose garden. Attention wandering from one flower bed to another, she admired the accompanying trios of statues. “They’re flawless. How marble can look so lifelike is beyond my comprehension.”

Lyra, who’d kept an arm around Reesa’s waist during their outing, gently pulled her into a side hug. “I don’t see them as flawless, but I’m happy you like them. When Gemma commissioned these, I was walking wounded. Sculpting was part of my healing.”

At Lyra’s direction, they sat on the bench nearest the fountain.

“I suspect that there’s symbolism everywhere. Am I wrong?”

Lyra smiled. “Not at all. Gemma designed this garden to celebrate love, and the details reflect that, right down to the subjects of my sculptures. Do you have a favorite set?”

“Oh, Pygmalion, Galatea, and Aphrodite, although I guess I should call Aphrodite ‘Venus’ here.”