Page 21 of Changeling
Was that rude? I hadn’t meant it to be. “Sorry.”
“Apology accepted.” He perks up and heads back into his room, beckoning me over his shoulder. “Let’s see what it is, shall we?”
I don’t see why I need to be here for this, yet I follow as if summoned by a siren’s call, curiosity piqued.
Sebastian sits in the small wooden chair by the table and sets the package in his lap. A fond expression crosses his face. “I can’t believe Rizpah has gotten me a present.”
He ought to believe it. She’s probably the most generous person I know, but then again, they’ve only just met.
Glancing around the room, I lean against the bedpost as he unties the twine from the package. His messy nest of blankets smells like him—sugared sweets and freshly baked bread. I inhale. Delicious.
Sebastian slowly peels back the paper to reveal a brightly colored knit scarf folded neatly into quarters. He lifts it up for inspection, his face the picture of delight. Tassels dangling from either end, the scarf is a lively blend of teals and purples fading in thick stripes from one color to the next.
A wide smile spreads over Sebastian’s lips as he runs his fingers over the garment. “She made this forme?” His whisper holds awe.
His entire reaction is annoyingly charming.
“Rizpah has many talents. Knitting has long been a hobby of hers.”
Neither of us mentions it’s early September and far too warm yet for a scarf, but he wraps it around his neck all the same. Perhaps it will be a keepsake to remember his time here when he’s braving his first winter up north.
“It looks nice on you.” Did I say that out loud? His grin is now aimed firmly at me. I must have. Whoops.
“Thank you.” Sebastian preens, fluffing the scarf over his chest. “I’ve never had one of such fine quality. It even smells good.” He sniffs the fibers. “Like lemon and honey.”
“Rizpah always smells like that. It’s her favorite hot drink.” I love her scent. Fresh, clean, and full of comfort, just like the woman herself. She’s going to be so disappointed when this thing between Sebastian and me doesn’t work out.
We gaze at one another until I snap out of my daze and look away. What am I still doing here? I have chores to finish before we open tonight.
“You look nice too.” Sebastian’s voice halts my imminent departure. “White suits you.”
The flowing top of eggshell cotton with matching breeches is made for ease of movement, not to impress. It’s what I wear before clients arrive, cozy and light. I smooth the fabric over my hips as a rare flicker of self-conscious worry comes and goes. My tail coils around my waist. Why do I care that he likes how I look?
Nodding my thanks, I ignore the way he stares at my tail. “Time for me to get back to work. Those curtains won’t beat themselves.”
Sebastian stands. “I can help.”
My brows arch of their own accord. “That’s not necessary.”
“I don’t mind.”
“No, really.” I edge closer to the door. The last thing we need is to spend more time together. This was exactly what Rizpah had in mind.
“I was about to go out anyway.” He walks through the doors and ushers me out of his room. “I’ll just lend a hand before I go. Which curtains?”
Well, I guess I’ve acquired an assistant.
* * *
Sebastian
Dominus looksas magnificent in plain clothes as he does in his fancy silks. Though I should have guessed as much. That physique could make a burlap sack appealing. His tail swishes behind him in a graceful arc. His horns stand proud atop his head. He presents a striking silhouette, lit by the yellow glow from the parlor beyond.
The more he tries to avoid me, the more I long for his company. Even though he says he hates faeries, Dominus hasn’t been unfriendly to me since Ivaz left. It’s become rather obvious he’s a kind person, and his compassion seems to extend to me from a distance. He’s had Rizpah bring meals, extra blankets, and a deck of playing cards to ease the monotony. He’s thoughtful, even if he’d rather not come near me.
I planned to head back to the river and watch the boats as the fishermen come in with the day’s catch. Maybe linger by the blacksmith’s to smell the familiar scent. But delaying to help with The Twig’s chores is the least I can do for the free room and board Dominus is providing.
The slightest sting of guilt for trapping him in my company—he could hardly say no to my offer—stabs me, but it’s worth it to get to know him better. The man is intriguing beyond words.
