Page 73 of Beneath the Cursed Veil

“You two know each other? How interesting.” She brought a cigarette to her lips, inhaling deeply before blowing out a ring of smoke.

I blinked. Her accent soundednothinglike Lou’s. Thank the gods. Fate was already taunting me by throwing another leprechaun in my face. I just hoped she was easier to deal with. Considering Galpin’s warning and glancing atmy surroundings did little to encourage that thought. She just might be worse.

A group of fae at a large table were hitting their limit, sloshing ale over the sides of their mugs as they sang and clanked glasses, groping their paid partners. Women sat on their laps, rubbing their client’s chests, and laughing with fake enthusiasm.

I waved away the cloud of smoke as it neared my face, keeping my tone casual. “We’re acquainted. Didn’t expect to run into him here.”

Irene’s eyes sparkled, and she tapped the cigarette against the edge of an ash tray. “So, Meera, is it? Tell me. Why did Galpin show you in? Are you”—she waggled her brows—”looking for work?”

“What? N-no,” I spluttered, utterly shocked at the proposition.

“Oh, I see. It looks like we have a judgmental princess in our presence.” She turned to an associate that sat next to her, his face obscured by the incline of his brimmed hat, speaking to him in a low voice while looking at me.

I shook my head quickly, taking a seat at her table. “Not what I meant. I’m not judging anyone’s profession here. Honest work is honest work, as long as it’s what they want to do,” I said, pinning her with a look. “It’s just not for me.”

She chuckled, her cleavage jiggling as her chest moved. “Okay, princess. Enlighten me. What can a madam like me, do for a chaste girl like you?”

Chaste. Hmpf. I officially didn't like her. If she kept calling me princess, I was going to pick up that ashtray and throw it at her.

“Galpin said you might be able to help me find a way back to Brumlow.”

“Brumlow,” she cooed. “So youarea princess.”

It was irritating simply because it was condescending, but now it felt uncomfortable, if only because Vareck was royalty, and we were . . . I don’t know. Together-ish? How would one label our relationship? The way that Corvo looked at me indicated I needed to move on.

“I don't know what you mean by that.” It was an odd assumption truthfully. I didn't look anything like a noble, and there were plenty of impoverished fae living in the main city.

“A lady from Brumlow with your beauty has money.”

I chuckled, adjusting my second-hand cardigan in an effort to draw her attention to it. “I can assure you I don't.”

She looked me up and down, assessing. “Well you're not dressed like you're from the King’s city; I'll give you that.” She waved at a waitress and pointed at the table holding up two fingers.

She had a mocking laugh when she’d said it, but it didn’t bother me. It was true enough; I just thought it was rude.

“I'm from the human realm, but I was on business in Brumlow. I need to get back.”

The server came back, setting down a tankard of ale, a small glass of brown liquor, and a small board with bread, dried meat, and cheese on it.

Corvo jumped up to the table immediately and began walking between the glasses wrapping his tail around the mug that sat in front of me, caressing it as he walked by. I could have sworn his eyes changed color again in a deep glow, but at this point, my mind could have been playing tricks on me. The smoke and haze that settled in the room was heavy. He pawed at the board, speaking in a pathetic voice. “No treats for me Irene?”

She reached beneath his chin and scratched, baby-talking to him when she said, “Haven't you had enough chicken treats?”

“I thought you wanted to spoil me,” he said, curling up on the table and nudging my hand. I petted him absentmindedly.

Irene sipped her liquor, gesturing for me to take a drink. “Business, huh? How did you end up all the way out here in Warwick?” Her tone was skeptical, like she was trying to catch me in a lie. I didn’t like it. Her questions felt like bait.

I considered my words carefully. I was capable of lying, but was she capable of sniffing that out? It wasn’t worth the risk. It’d be better to give a vague, but partial truth.

“Another business deal. That one fell through.” I took a gulp of ale and swallowed, remembering to take it slow. It wouldn’t be long before the effects hit. I’d already had one drink, and my stomach was still empty. I grabbed a hunk of bread that sat on a cutting board on the table, wrapping it around a piece of cheese and eating before I continued. “Galpin said a trade cart won’t be headed for Brumlow for another two weeks, and there are no portals around. So, I need your assistance.”

“I can’t make a portal, princess,” she said, tilting her head to the side. She picked up the coin again, rolling it over her knuckles.

I sighed. I don’t know why she thought she was crafty. She was just playing hardball. Irene had no idea I worked with a leprechaun more times than I could count. So, I played along. I placed my hands on the table, pretending to stand up. “Sorry to waste your time?—”

She held her hand out. “Sit down, princess. I didn’t say Icouldn’thelp you.”

Settling back in, Irene gestured for me to continue mymeal. I grabbed more food, taking sips of the ale to help me swallow each mouthful. “So how can you help me?”

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