Page 66 of Death of the Glass Angel
As they returned to the safety of civilization, Des glanced over her shoulder, studying the vast mountains rising behind them. She’d spent years tailing Evander or practicing voices in the mirror, but had never conducted a real investigation. Today had been fun. Thrilling.
She whirled around, grinning. Talon was staring back at her, smiling. It was a thin smile, barely noticeable, but Des noticed something in the expression.
That was a genuine smile. The first he’d worn since they’d met.
17
Janus
I remember the night in the southern mountains, gazing at the stars. You’d already drained the only bottle of whiskey. That was the first time you fed my turtle, wasn’t it? And the first time we truly came to understand one another, I think.
-Private letter from Alfaris to Gemellus Instigo
Yesterday was foggy. Janus’ feet hurt, and she recalled leaving her manor, but little else. Kalid rode ahead of her, escorting her to Weisskopf’s stables.
When they arrived, Janus spotted Felsin waiting for them, several Altanese guards at his back.
“Last chance to back out,” Felsin said as he wandered over. “It’s going to be an all-day affair.”
“I need to meet Alfaris. He’s my only clue.” Janus said. “You’re sure he’ll be willing to see me?”
“Yes.” Felsin cocked his head.
“What?”
“Last time you went out with me, assassins tried to take your head.” He grinned devilishly. “I’m not sure I’d want to risk it again.”
“Why? You were the best part of that day.”
“Was I?” Felsin raised an eyebrow and mounted his dark mare.
Realizing what she’d said, Janus bumped into Taniyn’s side and struggled to climb onto the saddle. Kalid ran over to help her.
So many elegant ladies had glided across the dance floor like water. Janus shared none of their qualities.
“Where’s Sors?” Janus asked, riding alongside Felsin.
“Cats are hardly fit for travels like this,” Felsin said. “Besides, Alfaris is allergic.”
“Why’d you bring him on the hike, then?”
“That’s entirely different.”
“If you say so,” Janus looked away, preferring to stare at the trees rather than the man riding beside her. “If you’re not a fortune teller, what do you do?”
Felsin’s eyes darkened. “The Royal Chief’s children are expected to become delegates when they come of age. The parent looks inward, their child outward.”
“I take it you don’t like your job?”
“My mother has made it very difficult.”
“You two, um, don’t get along, then?”
“We used to.” Felsin sighed. “But we don’t agree on anything anymore.” He leaned forward in the saddle. “I used to lead a small team, overlook border squabbles. You know how Athelstanis are.”
Janus did not know how Athelstanis were, but she nodded nonetheless.
“She pulled us all back without notice and has me sitting idly in the palace. At this rate, I will become a fortune teller for lack of anything better to do.”
