Page 76 of Feathers of Ash and Hope

The green dress matches my eye color. It hugs my body, revealing and highlighting my small waist, where my uniform is loose to hide it. I still wear my daggers, but the flowing skirt and sleeves hide them from sight. My hair is unbound, the golden strands flowing in waves down my back, nearly reaching my hips. I look softer and more my age.

Disguised, I resemble more a boy than a man, my body not as broad and rather gangly against most runners and riders. The missing beard growth and my big eyes emphasize the effect. I sigh.

Damn, I like being a girl.

Remembering the fun we had so far and the dangers waiting for me next week, I have the urge to enjoy this evening to the fullest and live a little, as Calix advised me.

“Let’s go out tonight,” I say, meeting Sloan’s gaze in the mirror, with a big smile on my face.

“What? No!” She shakes her head. “What if someone recognizes you?”

“I’m just a girl enjoying a night out with her friend. Nothing suspicious about that.” She still doesn’t seem convinced. “No one will recognize me,” I promise.

“Tamara Blackstone, have you officially lost your mind? No!” She shakes her head.

“They haven’t seen me like this,” I try to convince her. “and no one knows about me—well, except Joel and Tate.” She still shakes her head, so I plead with my eyes. “Please?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” She narrows her eyes. “And who is Tate?”

“Please. Let me enjoy being a girl for one night before I go back to that.” I gesture toward the clothes I piled on her desk, ignoring her question. I’m reluctant to share Tate with her. Even if there isn’t anything to share.

She sighs. “Alright, but don’t blame me if you get caught.”

The night air is freezing, and my legs feel oddly exposed in a skirt, even if it nearly reaches the ground. It’s been a while since I’ve worn a dress.

Bruce, their butler, looked at us strangely on the way out, but I hope he doesn’t mention it to Sloan’s parents. We pretend to take a stroll around the neighborhood and get away without taking anyone with us.

The streets are only sparingly populated because everyone is hurrying to get home. Not the best weather for taking a walk.

We pass three taverns before I feel like we are not going to chance running into anyone we know. The houses around us are simpler and smaller but well maintained. We are close to the docks by now and a good distance away from the academy, so we should be safe from run-ins with any riders, too.

Since it’s my fault we are halfway across town, I promise Sloan to see her home later.

The taproom is a little darker and seedier than I would have liked, and Sloan steps closer to me. Turning around right away will send the wrong signals, so I drag a reluctant Sloan to the bar and push her toward the last two open seats.

“I feel like everyone is watching us,” Sloan whispers, leaning into me. I look around.

“Maybe because they are,” I tell her. Apart from a group of older women in one corner, we are the only women. “Relax, I’m armed, and I won’t let anything happen to you. They probably only gawk because we are new here,” I reassure her.

Half an hour later, we are still in the same seats. The glasses of wine in front of us are reasonably clean, the room is warm, and after sending three men on their way, we are left alone. Even Sloan relaxes.

She is filling me in on an accident at the last dinner party her parents hosted that ended with pudding in the elaborate hairstyle of a lady we both can’t stand when I feelhimenter the tavern.

I know his magic well enough by now to recognize it without a doubt, but I still pray I’m wrong. How can I sense him when he’s on the other side of the room?

Fighting the urge to turn, I consider my options.Why did they have to pick this tavern… tonight?

There is shuffling and chairs scraping over the floor, clearly audible over the murmurs of the other patrons. After a few seconds, I chance a look over my shoulder. Yep, it’s him and five of his flight—well, our flight at the moment—all of them settling in at one of the tables across the room.

Tate sits with his back to the wall, which puts me right in his line of sight. Awesome. I watch his lips move while he talks to Jared. He looks up, and our eyes meet. A jolt zings through my body, setting my skin on fire.

The way I react to this man is ridiculous.

I fight the urge to duck and instead turn slowly back to Sloan, cursing my stupidity and lack of restraint. The room is sparsely lit, and there is a sea of strangers between us. My hair is down and I’m wearing a dress. He didn’t recognize me. Right? I groan.

“What is it?” Sloan looks alarmed.

“Some men I know just dropped in.” I fight the urge to look over my shoulder again.

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