Page 14 of Boy of Chaotic Making

“Please,” said Lady Helen—Merritt was fairly certain that would be the correct way to address her—“allow me to introduce you to our dear friend William Blightree.” She gestured behind her, and the man in dark colors stepped forward, nodding his head in greeting. “He is a royal necromancer, here to help us with discussions.”

The termnecromancerimmediately put Merritt on edge. He’d met only one in his life, but Silas Hogwood had been more than enough for a lifetime. Still, Merritt found himself erring on the side of politeness and extending his hand, which Blightree graciously took in both of his own.

“It is very nice to meet you. Both of you.” His gaze drifted to Owein, who seemed more interested in the prince’s shoes than in the introductions.

Prince Friedrich placed a hand on Blightree’s shoulder and, perhaps sensing Merritt’s hesitation, said, “He is a good man. The best of wizards. He saved my life when I was only seven years old.”

Merritt nodded. “I am glad to hear it. I ... don’t suppose you’re the necromancer Her Majesty spoke of in her letter?”

Blightree smiled. “The very one. I am aware of the situation at hand.” He reached for Owein, who retreated behind Merritt.

He smells like licorice,Owein said.

Merritt chuckled. “I don’t suppose you’ve been in contact with any anise today?”

Blightree leaned back. “I ... have, actually.” He pulled back his hands and sniffed his fingertips. “Does it bother you?”

“Owein merely commented on it.”

All three of them paused. Blightree passed a glance to Adey. “You said he was a wardist!”

Holding up his hands in mock surrender, Adey said, “The intelligence is not perfect.”

“Communion?” Lady Helen asked with a grin. “Do tell me you’re a communionist. Or are you a psychometrist? Would that work with a human soul?”

Merritt was unused to speaking so openly about his still-new abilities, and yet their enthusiasm was enticing. “They can, but I am no psychometrist. Communion and wardship, yes. A very little helping of chaocracy—”

Lady Helen gasped.

“—which I inherited, indirectly, from him.” He jutted a thumb toward Owein.

“Really!” Her hand flew to her breast. “What an excellent mixture! And”—she glanced at his left hand—“you’re not married!”

His skin warmed. “Yet, my lady. With any luck, my fiancée will be joining us. Though I’m unsure how long we’re staying ...” He glanced at Adey, who merely shrugged.

“Oh, oh yes, I’ve been too forward.” She batted at the air like the action alone could clear it. “We’ll discuss it all in good time. And there is so much to discuss! I’m sure dear William is eager to move forward”—she tipped her head to Blightree—“but manners are manners. Please, come in, the both of you. And, Owein, dear, if there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to let us know. It will be so good to have a translator here! And ... relative?”

“He’s my uncle,” Merritt filled in, “a couple of times removed.”

Prince Friedrich clapped his hands together. “Fascinating!”

I need the grass,Owein pressed. He needed to relieve himself.

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Merritt replied,Now?

Owein answered with a whine.

“I will personally give you a tour of the hall”—Lady Helen gestured to the house—“and show you to your rooms. Are you hungry? I can have a tray brought—”

“I am terribly sorry to interrupt.” Hopefully being American would let Merritt get away with that. Lowering his voice, he continued, “But my dear uncle is in need of a lavatory.”

“Ah! Yes, right this ...” Lady Helen paused. “That is ... well, it’s not quite built for dogs.”

“Any bush will do,” Merritt assured her.

Lady Helen deserved credit—she moved with the changing current well, her countenance barely flickering as it hurried to catch up. It wasn’t easy to mesh a canine in with polite society. “I have a most excellent bush. Right this way. Or, Friedrich, perhaps you should lead the way? Since Owein is ...” She merely circled her hand around.

Merritt bit down on a smile. It wasn’t like a terrier had any real sense of modesty; he didn’t wear clothes. Everything to be seen was, well, easily seen.

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