Page 31 of Seducing Jenny
“In honor of the friendship of our fathers, I would like to visit with him.”
“I’m afraid he is not accepting visitors at this time.”
Jade’s expression faltered slightly, then turned to regret. “That is a shame. I had hoped to speak with him in my father’s stead. Edict is no longer well enough to travel himself. He wanted me to relay a message to him personally.”
Volatile hesitated. “An honorable request. I am sorry to deny it.”
She paused for a moment, then shifted tactics. “I am given to understand the faith is now treason here.”
His fingers twitched for a moment. “It is. Though there are those who practice in secret.”
She tipped her head. “A dangerous prospect, given Justice’s stranglehold on the populace, don’t you think?”
His eyes narrowed. “That is a striking characterization. Almost as though you believe his power has overstepped its bounds.”
It wasn’t a question, and Jade smartly remained quiet.
“Do you believe this?” he pressed.
“Perhaps it was a childhood spent off-world, learning the customs and cultures of all sorts of peoples, that has left my tongue looser than it should be.” She bowed her head slightly. “Apologies, if I have cause offense.”
His amber eyes were full of thoughts before he spoke. “I believe Edict has raised a prudent daughter.”
“I thank you, Volatile. Prudence is a virtue.”
“Do you consider yourself virtuous in all aspects of your life?”
She laughed easily. “Certainly not.”
“Thank the gods. I had hoped for anentertainingvisit, not a virtuous one.” He smiled warmly, then motioned to one of his servants who delivered more neneed. Once our small glasses were filled, Volatile raised his and said, “To new friends.”
We drank, then he turned his attention to me. “How is the Orne clan these days?”
“Doing well, last I heard,” I replied in a respectful tone. “Though it has been a long time since I have had contact.”
“You’re likely better off that way,” he said, not unkindly. “I don’t mean to malign your family, Tiger, but theyarea superstitious lot.”
He wasn’t wrong, so I merely nodded.
He leaned in, intrigued. “Do you consider yourself to be, as well?”
“Not at all. Doing what I do, I tend to trust only what I can see.”
He studied me for a long moment. “And what, precisely, would you say you do?”
“I have gone from mechanic to scout to guide,” I replied with a slight smile. “But I do whatever needs getting done.”
He gave me that look, the one that I received from nearly every classed person. Pity, mixed with a hint of awe. “A factotum. A useful man to have around. I have a few in my employ. You’ve chosen well, Jade.”
“Thank you,” she said sweetly.
“You must stay here for the evening,” he insisted, standing. “My man, Hard, will see you to your rooms.”
“We require only one room, thank you, Volatile,” Jade said politely.
A flash of judgement passed over his face, but surprisingly he kept his opinion to himself. “Very well.”
He nodded to Hard, his gardener, who had barely stopped watching me since we’d arrived.
