Page 72 of The Duke and the Disciple

She pulled her furs tight, puzzling over his earlier question. “Scholar Tindahl has, and I hope to soon. Tonight, perhaps, since we’ll be sequestered and starved for the rest of the day and evening.”

“Starve? Never. The kitchen will bring your meals up early,” Pieter said. His gait slowed. “I know you must feel very isolated right now, but Iamyour friend. Before, now, always.”

Aesylt smiled, her eyes locked on the tower ahead. The candles were burning in the topmost windows. “I know, Pieter. Thank you.”

He held the door open, his eyes following her as she stepped inside. “Anything you need, ask.” His eyes held hers with enough intensity to make her glance up the stairs for a moment of relief. “Stay warm tonight. Both of you.”

Aesylt breathed deep and forced a smile through her sudden discomfort. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

Pieter bowed as he backed away, closing the door.

For the past hour,Rahn had been poring over the stack of books Pieter had left. They were all about the Wintergarden. But it was the tome on top,The Aphrodisiacal Flora of the Wintergarden, that had him the most perplexed about the man’s intentions.

He’d sifted through the entire book page by page, all of which featured a different plant in the garden and how it could be used for enhanced sexual pleasure. Citrus, when consumed, was purported to make his semen taste more agreeable. There were several fruits listed that were said to change the physiology of a woman’s privates as well. He wondered if anything written had also been considered for the compendium, or if they should include it in their own submission.

By most standards, the book was not appropriate as a gift, but it was especially peculiar under the circumstances. Pieter Dereham hadn’t left it accidentally, but his true intention was hard to guess. Perhaps the man was just indulging his devious, playful side?

The door flew open, and Aesylt marched through. He heard her cloak snap when she tossed it over the rack, and he turned and found her flushed and serious. She passed him the briefest unconvincing smile before disappearing behind her curtain. The bedframe creaked as she dropped onto it.

Rahn pushed back from his desk and walked to their sleeping area. He paused, listening for any sign she was changing, but there was nothing, so he carefully stepped around the curtain and found her lying on her side, the wooden squirrel he’d commissioned for her cradled in her hands. The one that saidSquishon the bottom... the one he’d talked himself out of buying a dozen times before he’d finally handed over the coin. The one so like the hawk statuette someone—he couldn’t remember who—had gifted him in kindness before his life had upended.

What’s a squish?The merchant had asked when he’d jotted down Rahn’s request.

A reminder for someone dear to me. That strength is like branches in a tree, some harder than others but all part of surviving.

Right. Give me a full tick of the sun.

“Aesylt?”

She scrambled, pulling her legs up as she quickly sat. “Scholar.”

He gestured toward the end of the bed, seeking permission. She nodded without looking up. He couldn’t read whether it was solitude she craved or company. “Did you see Imryll?”

She nodded and shoved her hands, and the squirrel, under the folds of her gown. “Drazhan is afraid that sending dispatches to the Reliquary puts our location at risk and has asked us to hold off for now.”

“Ah.” He wasn’t surprised Drazhan had made the request, only that he hadn’t made it sooner. “How does Imryll feel about it?”

“I’m sure you can guess.” Her tongue passed along her lips and then she closed her mouth tight.

“How do you feel about it?”

“She sees a defeat; I see a challenge.” Aesylt’s shoulders lifted with her breath. “Then, I am radically disobedient at times.”

“No. You?”

Her mouth twisted into an almost grin. “Not everyone agrees with me that we should never hide from our fears but confront them, even if it leaves us quaking with the promise of the unknown.” She shrugged. “How are the books?”

“Illuminating... and confounding.” He told her what he’d found, watching her eyebrows slowly rise and then fuse. “Do you suppose he’s being cute?”

Aesylt blew out. “I... Perhaps? He wasn’t so mischievous as a boy, but I haven’t seen him in years.” She seemed to be holding something back. “But did you learn anything?”

Rahn blurted a laugh. “Oh, plenty.” He had the urge to grab the stack and join her in bed so they could read them together. But there was something in her expression he couldn’t ignore. “What’s really going on, Aesylt?”

“Nothing. I’m just tired.”

“We promised to be open with each other.”

Her hands moved around in the velvet of her skirt. She withdrew the squirrel and put it on her nightstand, her gaze lingering on it a moment before she spoke. “If I ask you an honest question, will you give me an honest answer?”

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