Page 150 of Bull Moon Rising

She doesn’t seem to notice my choice of words. Her hands smooth down her plain dress and she leans toward me, her voice low. “You should have joined us for dinner. Perhaps then he wouldn’t have lectured me as if I were a foolish child.”

I want to tell her that I tried to join them for dinner, but it’s just as well. People have been lecturing me for days now on taking advantage of a noblewoman. Of my shameful morals in daring to marry a holder’s daughter while being Taurian. I can miss out on hearing it (again) from her father. “I’m here now.”

Aspeth squints up at me, and then touches the bright red sash across my coat, studded with golden pins. “And you look very fine, too. Red suits you.”

“You approve, then?” I offer her my arm.

She takes it, gazing up at me as we exit the inn. “Why wouldn’t I approve? If anyone deserves it, it’s you. I’ve seen how much you do for the guild.”

Things are different now, though. She’s seen it through the eyes of astudent, a hopeful who dreams of joining the guild. Someone who put everything on the line to join and has now been banned from it entirely. I know Rooster’s decision and I hate it, but the king supported it. I know Aspeth must be crushed inside. She had her reasons for joining—to save her father’s hold—but I also know that she’s dreamed of and studied the ruins of Old Prell so extensively that it’s been more than just a recent plan. No one loves Old Prell half as much as Aspeth Honori, and now it’s been taken from her.

And it makes me feel helpless, because I don’t know what to do about it. If you need brute force, I’m the one. If you need an expert on the maze of tunnels beneath Vastwarren, I’m the bull you need. Taurians have a keen sense of smell and an innate ability to always know where we are going. That’s why we’re perfect in the Everbelow. I can handle that, just like I can handle teaching students how to become part of the guild.

What I can’t handle is the thought of my wife’s crushing disappointment. I don’t know what to say that will make it better.

So I’m silent as we walk through the sloping, cobbled streets of Vastwarren. It’s dark, with flickering lamps lighting the streets. Someone’s horse snorts nearby, and I neatly move Aspeth out of the way of a particularly muddy patch on the street, but other than that, we walk in silence.

“My father has a new heir,” Aspeth finally says, her fingers playing on my sleeve as we walk.

“Ah.” Dark God’s five hells, what am I supposed to say to that? Not only has she lost the guild, but she’s lost her inheritance? This is just getting worse with every step.

“I’m sorry it’s not us. I hate to disappoint you.”

She’s thinking about me? I turn to look down at her, surprised. “I haven’t given it a single thought, Aspeth.”

Now she’s the one who looks surprised. “No? Most people marry a holder’s daughter because they want power. They dream of what they can do with the hold in their control.”

“I didn’t know you were a holder’s daughter when I married you, remember? All I was thinking about was how uncomfortable the upcoming Conquest Moon was going to be if I didn’t have a partner. And if I recall correctly, you propositioned me.” I shake my head. “It’s never beenabout your hold.” When she simply nods, her expression distant, I try to change the subject. “Besides, I’ll be busy here.”

“Because you’re a guild master.” She reaches out and touches my chest, and the sash proudly displayed across it. It’s not something I’d normally wear around the city, because I hate pretentiousness, but Aspeth seems to like the sight of it on me. If she touches my chest one more time, I’m tempted to find the nearest alley and fling her up against a wall with her skirts over her head.

Hells, I’m tempted to do that anyhow.

“Are you happy?” she asks me, her voice soft.

I consider this. Am I? It’s something I both wanted and assumed I would never have. “I am. It gives me more of a voice. It lets me pave the way for other Taurians. It lets me train fledglings the way I think they should be trained…and I’ll make coin if they graduate. So aye, I’m happy.” I flex my hand, the magicked one. “And I got Rooster to waive my debt for this.”

Her eyes go wide. “You did?”

“Aye. He can’t very well take it away from a guild master, can he? That wouldn’t look right. I used his love of bureaucracy against him. Told him it’s a far better show of his leadership to have strong, competent masters who are loyal and wield the artifacts that they teach about…that, and I’d put in a good word with the Taurians when it comes time to reelect the head guild master.”

Aspeth grins up at me, but then her expression fades. “Have you seen Magpie since she left the courtroom?” she asks. “Was she very upset?”

I don’t know if she’s avoiding a hard conversation with me or if there’s simply too much to cover, but I’m surprised she asks about Magpie. After all, the woman tried to get her killed. “I have not. Rooster dealt with her prior to today. For all her courtroom dramatics, she knew she was in danger of losing her position simply from the drinking and how many classes she’s had fail in the past few years.” I pause. “She actually told Rooster he needed to promote me, though. That if she was giving up her spot, it should be given to me.”

“She’s right.”

I sigh. “It’s just always complicated with Magpie. She does something unforgivable, and then turns around and tries to make it better. I can’tlook past that she tried to have you killed, though.” I shake my head. “She’s destroyed any friendship we might have had.” I pull Aspeth a little closer to me.

“And the others? Gwenna? Lark? Kipp? Mereden? Were they devastated at failing?” Her tone is careful, but I know just how much her Five means to her.

“They’re drinking away their sorrows,” I tell her. “They’ve joined the repeater ranks. It’s not a bad thing, though. They’ll get more guild experience, and after hearing what was found in the crypt, I think more teachers will be eager to pull them in….” I wonder if the next part will hurt her feelings, but decide to say it anyway. “I’ve let them know I would be happy to teach them again.”

“I’m glad. You’re an excellent teacher and they deserve the best.”

I wait for her to say more, but Aspeth falls silent again. We make it to Magpie’s nest—my nest, now, I suppose—and pause in front of the door. The lights are out, and no one is inside except a big orange shape in the window. Aspeth makes a choked little sound of happiness at the sight of her cat, and I suddenly get tired of dancing around the topic I really want to ask about. “What about you?”

She looks up at me, her eyes dark and glossy in the moonlight. “What do you mean?”

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