Page 7 of The Danger Kiss

"Yes," I finally managed to get past my throat. "Of course he will."

"Yes," he echoed, soundlessly replacing his empty cup on the table. "I have always had a penchant for watching you in action, Blanca. It is a pity that you don't accompany me in missions. You are by far a more interesting companion than anyone else in this family. That aside, yours is one of the most creative Manifestations I have ever come across. A credit to the Zola name.”

"I’m not so sure a lot of people would agree.” I kept my voice as level as possible. Discomfort was beginning to create a churning sensation in my stomach, no matter how hard I tried to keep my reactions at bay.

"Zolas never care for such things.” His reply was just as level.

I didn't answer as I finished the rest of my tea. The sweet taste had suddenly become bitter in my mouth.

"Haven't you gone up yet?" I asked as I set down my cup back onto the tray, making my voice as casual as possible.

"No. You have always made the best tea. Why should I miss out on that? Father had always said that a Zola should have nothing less than the best."

"That he did," I murmured. "However, you have always preferred the triple-dose ginseng."

"I know."

"What gives?" I rose, gathering the tea implements.

“Variety, dear sister. A...recent associate said that it is healthy to find new interests every now and then. Until I encounter something contrary to that theory, I find no reason not to try it out."

His words were strange to my ears. Was he really referring to my tea flavors? I highly doubt it.

"And you chose to try out a different flavor of tea," I said, sounding very stupid even to my own ears.

"Whyever not?"

I could only shake my head as I turned away and walked to the sink. He had always liked spouting his elegant word traps.

I have no time for his games.

I need not know his motivations, or the thoughts of his associates. I have no need of philosophies and lifestyle theories. The nuances of the outside world didn't matter because I wasn't meant to take part in any of them. The world beyond this mountain could turn all upside down but I would always have my duties.

Memories, scattered and distant, are all I have of the outside world.

"I have completed a fresh batch for you about a week ago," I said, referring to the poisons for his needles, as I unloaded the tray into the sink. "I had them taken to the mansion and placed in your supply cabinet. If you need any more, just ask."

"I will. And I also got my one billion commission from your Santoso job in my account shortly after you left last time. For the next batch, I'll be charging one and a half billion. The Dead Dodo Essence has been very difficult to acquire lately, just in case you need the same preparations."

He nodded as he slowly got to his feet. "I shall keep that in mind."

"You do that."

"Thank you for the tea, Blanca."

I nodded. "How long will you be staying? I have three more mixtures, all purely herbal and water-based this time. Maybe you could try them out, while you're here."

Rukko shrugged, his hair rippling with the controlled motion of his shoulders. "Perhaps for a day or two. I'm only here to pick up some things." His mouth quirked again, this time in a contemplative curve. "That would up the number to a hundred and fifteen, yes?"

"Yes." I felt myself smile. A hundred and fifteen was no easy feat. Before I became the chemist for the family arsenal, the number of secret poison recipes only amounted to forty-two.

A hundred and fifteen.

“I’ll see you later."

"Good day, big brother."

I watched him turn and leave the greenhouse. This place was a mile's walk away from the mansion, affording me proximity and isolation alike.

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