Page 60 of Death of the Glass Angel
16
Des
Our first adventure carried us into old ruins, crumbling and decrepit. Gemellus was intent on showing off, heavens knows why, leaping into every danger he could find. We emerged bruised and bloody, idiot kids who knew no better. Do you remember?
-Private letter from Sir Penna to Professor Aevus
Des gathered her hair into a bun and pinned it back with the hairpiece Gemellus had sent her. Her eyes never left Talon as he hummed to himself, pulling on his boots and coat before smoothing back his hair.
He messed up a few strands purposely and flashed her a roguish grin. “You’re going to be miserable.”
“Does that delight you?” Des folded her arms tightly.
“Only the thought of you squirming.” He sighed. “Do you really have no control over which. . .you, you are?”
“No.” Des pursed her lips. No one understood her condition. Not even the doctors.
“Try to have fun.” Talon encouraged, flipping up his collar. “You’d be amazed what juicy tidbits slip through in quiet gossip.”
“Oh, I’m well aware,” Des promised him. “I had a mentor for this very occasion.”
“For tea parties?”
“For political games. For seeing past sweet smiles to find the knife hidden under the table.” She smiled. “I had a good teacher.”
“Clearly they didn’t teach Janus.”
“They did. She just didn’t listen.” Waving a hand idly, Des shooed him away. “Well, go on then. If you see anything interesting at the market, bring it back.”
“As you say, my lady.” He bowed his head exaggeratedly and walked away.
“Talon?” She called, and he froze by the door. “I think I know who wants my head. It’s not Heras. It’s her son.”
Talon nodded. “Stay away from Brand. At least, not without me there to punch him in the mouth.”
The door to the manor swung open and shut. Kalid fastened the lock and came over. “You’re going out? I thought the meeting with Alfaris was tomorrow.”
“It is. I’m going to take a nap today.”
Kalid bowed his head, electing not to ask about her lie, and returned to his post. Walking into her room, Des closed the door and quietly locked it. Working as quickly as possible, she changed into a simple black tunic with tightly-fitting black trousers. Swinging a cloak over her shoulders, she grabbed her satchel and peered out the window.
One of her guards patrolled the gates. Des watched him pass and opened the window, slipping outside. She hastily closed it behind her and jumped the fence, slipping behind the neighboring suite before the guard turned around.
Taking an unconventional route to avoid her men, Des looped back onto the main road, quickly catching sight of Talon. Slipping behind a pair of men, Des watched him closely. He seemed more on edge than usual, repeatedly glancing over his shoulder. Dipping behind the pair of broad men in fur cloaks, Des eluded his gaze and continued trailing him.
Countless nights, Des had practiced shadowing Evander through the palace halls. An effort that paid off.
Wherever Talon headed, it was not the market. He was smooth, but Des had been taught by the best; subtle signs gave away a lie. She had found the truth not in his mannerisms, but in the map he’d stared at this morning over breakfast.
His eyes had studied the western edge of the map, not the central market district.
Brand had appeared with assassins disguised as Altanese soldiers. Felsin had led Janus to the remote location. Nobody could be trusted,least of all the lying ‘merchant’ who had met with Dinu that first evening.
Gradually, the crowds thinned, and Des paused to read the Altanese glyphs on the arch overhead: Stone Quarter. This was a slum neighborhood, wasn’t it?
What an uninviting place. Ramshackle wooden huts haphazardly lined dirt lots, some surrounded by low stone fences. A veritable maze of cramped homes sprawled before them, weaving and winding, with no street lamps to light them come night.
Talon fished a paper from his bag and unrolled it, stepping aside and leaning against the archway to read. Figuring she had him cornered, Des snuck up on him. Once she came within five steps, Talon reacted to the sound of footfalls and grabbed a dagger hidden beneath his coat as he spun to face her.
