Page 28 of I Ran Away to Evil 2
“Thank you,” Bronwynn said sincerely. “I know you must have mentioned me to someone at the palace.”
Henrietta scratched her neck, embarrassed. She got a bit of dough on her collar but didn’t seem to notice. “I’m happy to talk about you. I’m proud to have such an amazing bard as a friend. Besides, you got me this job; it’s the least I could do to put in a good word.”
“When are you finished?”
“She’s been done for twenty minutes.” Jeff, a burly black-haired human with quiet eyes and a calm temper stuck his head in the back. “So you can stop gossiping in my bakery and go get some fresh air.”
“Perfect! Let’s go, Henrietta. I want you to hear my song set.”
The maid took off her apron and ran to join Bronwynn at the door. The bard reached out and picked the dough off her friend’s collar. It was important to hide any and all evidence, Brownie knew, or she might not see her friend for a long time.
She played and Henrietta listened until it was time to go perform her heart out for a bunch of nobles.
This was more than just finding part-time work in a bakery. It was the opportunity of a lifetime, and she wouldn’t have gotten it without the tiny maid she’d befriended.
And one day, Brownie swore, she’d repay the favor.
CHAPTER 13
If He Hurt Her
Rufus
The naga had built many different kinds of relaxing atmospheric rooms to cool down in while going between hot springs or massages or cold pools. Some of these rooms were designed to help meditation; others were perfect for napping.
I found myself in the latter. I’d showered to wash off the heavy minerals from the hot springs, and now I was laid out in a reclining chair. The room had gentle mood lighting and one wall made out of rock salt. I’d bought a pair of red-and-white striped shorts for my transformed self, and borrowed a soft, white housecoat to relax in. After nearly a year of running around in this human form, I’d grown more comfortable with it than before.
The air was crisp, and the temperature just right to drift off to sleep.
My nap was cut short by someone approaching and a sharp knock on the door.
“Commander general?”
The yawn was unstoppable, and I stretched, one arm over my head. “Yes?”
Elder Clarissa of Clan Lamia stood outside. “General Knolith has come out of closed-door cultivation and is asking for an audience. We’ve set him up with tea in the lounge.”
That had me up. “He’s here?”
“Yes, Minstrel Bronwynn discovered him on her walk.”
“Is she alright?” I jumped to my feet, stalking to the door. Knolith made it clear that anyone who disturbed him would suffer the consequences. “If he hurt her—”
Just before I could rip open the door, an unmistakable voice said, “I’m fine.”
Minstrel Bronwynn was standing outside with Elder Clarissa. My hand hovered over the handle.
There was only one thing Icoulddo.
I transformed back into my beastman self, my borrowed shorts ripping as I expanded in size. I kicked them off and pulled the housecoat as tight as it could go … which still left my majestic chest hair in full view. The arms were tight enough to pinch, but I couldn’t go around with just a towel tied around my waist, so it would have to do.
I opened the door.
“You’re sure you’re alright? He didn’t attack you?” I asked.
My idol stood there in a housecoat and fluffy slippers. She was beautiful and vibrant and still wet. Her hair was wet. I needed to calm my racing heart and my swishing tail. Damn this tail!
It was simplechemistrythat knocked people off their heels in high-stress situations. I was just worried about Bronwynn, and my heart was pounding and my mind racing and getting away from me because ofchemistry. I’d liked her since the first time I’d watched her perform, and I was maybe a bit obsessive over her music, but I didn’tlikeher.
