Page 33 of Death of the Glass Angel
“Of course,” Des said, glancing away. She’s gotten good at shadowing people, but could never fool Gemellus.
He always caught her.
“What was Felsin talking about?” Talon asked. “About Valeria, and being something’s only wielder?”
“I’m not sure. Valeria’s home to evoking college, and a hive of brilliant magical minds. Something related to that?” Des guessed. Finding a path of loose stones and window sills, she crouched to begin her climb down.
“Let me go first.” Talon swung over the roof and effortlessly climbed down.
Merchant. Right. Slipping over the side far more slowly than he, Des halted halfway down when she noticed Talon beckoning to her.
“Jump.” He called.
“Why? So you can laugh when I break my leg?”
“You wound me, my lady. I only wished to treat you as a princess deserves.”
Des could see the mischief in his eyes, even from up here. Closing her eyes and inhaling deeply, she prayed she wouldn’t regret this choice.
Releasing her handhold, she let herself drop.
Talon caught her in his arms gracefully. Cradled against his chest, Des almost found the moment incredibly romantic.
Almost.
Talon smiled triumphantly. “By the Gods. It’s an angel, fallen from the sky.”
Elbowing him, Des weaseled out of his arms and grabbed her shoes. She turned to see him laughing. “I thought you were charming.”
“I wasn’t trying to be charming, Des. I was trying to be funny.”
“We’ve already established you aren’t funny,” Des mumbled. “Come on. Kalid’s going to realize I’m missing.”
Talon offered her an arm. “Shall we court, or do you plan to sneak back?”
Des stared at his offered arm, tracing the black fabric of his coat up to his face. He smiled broadly, freckles pooling in his dimples beneath his brilliant purple eyes.
“Keep making fun of me, and I’ll bite back.” Des took his arm. “Watch your tongue.”
The amused expression shifted into an amorous smirk. “I’ll be sure to redouble my efforts, then.”
Flushing, Des glanced away, trying to hide her expression. The memory of Gemellus catching her practicing flirting in the mirror returned to haunt her, in tune with Talon’s wicked grin.
The palace was still packed when they returned, though several people were trickling out in pairs or groups. Felsin hesitated by the gates, awkwardly turning around and wandering toward a dead end that overlooked the mountains.
“Stay here,” Des said.
“As you say, my lady,” Talon said sarcastically.
Grabbing the hem of her dress, Des stopped a couple of paces behind the Altanese prince. “I thought you went out for drinks.”
Felsin slowly pulled his gaze from the starlit firmament to look at her. “Janus. Should you be out here alone?”
“I’m hardly alone.” Des gestured to the sea of guards around the promenade behind them. “What did you mean?” She pressed. “Were you mocking me?”
‘Do I speak to the princess or her shadow?’ He’d said.
Felsin tilted his head. “Oh, when I asked who I addressed?” He inclined his chin. “Look up. It’s a beautiful night. What do you see?”
