Page 6 of Queen of the Night
I walk to a nearby shelf that holds several tightly rolled maps and sift through them, speaking over my shoulder as I say, “Remember to forgo my title for the duration of the mission. I am simply another soldier until we part ways with Vera.”
I find the one I need and pull it from the shelf, unrolling the large map atop my desk and placing weights on corners that attempt to spring back.
Rhosse grabs a large fluffy roll and slices of roasted meat off a tray delivered a few minutes earlier. “Why the secrecy?”
Nadiette speaks before I can answer, an untouched plate of food on her lap. “Why bring home an originator? I thought you were searching for a Black Tulip. I have plenty of the best originators you could have chosen from.”
I ignore the hint of betrayal in her words and shake my head. “From the beginning I intended to hire an originator outside those currently employed by me. I need every single one of mine to continue to protect the kingdom. Hiring Vera to help is a step in the right direction. She’s powerful enough for the job, and it doesn’t take any originators from my soldiers who need them.” I hesitate to share the next part. “But she has a great dislike for kings and refuses to work for any of them, especially the high king. Which is the reason we’ll be referring to each other as merelysoldiers.”
Darvy snorts. Then the three men laugh so hard I’m sure the sound travels outside the castle walls. Even Nadiette’s lips tug up in a hint of a smile, somewhat smug, as she slips a bit of meat into her mouth and chews.
Darvy wipes his eyes. “Leave it to you to find the one woman who wouldn’t want to work with you when the rest of them throw themselves at your feet.”
I give him a bland look, not finding any of this humorous in the least, and I’m sure Nadiette doesn’t appreciate that comment, but I don’t look her way to confirm.
“She seemed to like me better when she thought I was a Class A criminal,” I mutter, needlessly readjusting one of the weights.
Rhosse chuckles deep and low. “Most women like the soldier types.”
I shake my head. “Not this one. In fact, I think it was harder to convince her to work for me as a soldier than it would have been if I’d kept the criminal facade,” I muse.
Jethonan evades Arrow’s attempt to snatch a piece of cheese from his hand. “So she thinks you’re simply a soldier on a mission for the king?”
I nod, watching Arrow as he eyes the rest of Jethonan’s plate.
“Why doesn’t she like us?” Darvy asks, appearing truly offended at the prospect.
“Keep in mind, it’s notus; it’s the titles we hold.” I like to think she rather likes me as a person, and that helps ease my guilt. There’s no reason she needs to know.
I take a seat again. “All that matters is she took the job, and I believe once she warms up to the two of you, we’ll make a team strong enough to retrieve the flower and survive the Lucent Mountains.”
Darvy and Rhosse nod in agreement.
Nadiette sets her plate aside, stands, and smooths her dress. “I must take my leave and attend to other business. I’ll see all of you at dinner tomorrow. I can’t wait to meet this… originator you found.” She looks me in the eye with a challenging stare, and I incline my head.
I look between the three men after she leaves, daring themto say something about Nadiette and me and the obvious tension between us. The three of them wisely sit silently, chewing their food.
I pull out my grandfather’s small leather journal and place it on my desk. “Now, we plan the journey.”
Chapter 4
Vera
I’ve never been great at navigation, so I’m pretty proud of myself when I locate the inn after askingonlyfour people for directions. I spot the sign first—a bright yellow bird wearing a hat with a red feather protruding at a jaunty angle atop its head.The Dapper Canaryis painted in scrolling, elegant script onto the wooden sign that swings above the entrance in the cool breeze.
I frown.
It looks like a fancy sort of place. I hesitantly walk up the stone steps as Rupi flutters to the windowsill, turning an eye to inspect the interior. We can both see the dining area on the main floor is full of well-dressed customers. It’s nothing like the rundown taverns I frequent in other parts of the kingdom. I bite my lip. Should I even enter? I know for sure I don’t have enough money to pay for a meal here, let alone a room for the next two nights. But the note said to come here, and Ikar is my boss—for now.
I deftly scoop Rupi up and instead of placing her back onmy shoulder, I open a deep pocket and drop her inside. She chirps in indignation.
“Stay quiet. This place doesn’t look like the type to appreciate pets,” I whisper and give her a placating pat as I pull the door open.
As soon as I step inside, fragrant smells have my stomach rumbling and reminding me that the small buttery scone I bought hours ago wasn’t nearly enough to satiate me. Patrons sit at round tables scattered artfully throughout the room, fine tablecloths drape over the edges, and straight-backed hardwood chairs wait for more customers to fill their seats. Small bouquets of fresh flowers grace the center of each table, and scattered sprigs of delicate greenery surround each.
I look down at my boots, almost expecting to see my old pair, but instead, new ones of the softest leather hug my calves with hardly a scuff on them. My nerves ease a bit. I’m more grateful than ever that I accepted Mama Tina’s gifts before I left.
A woman in a practical but noticeably expensive gown approaches me with a smile and hands clasped before her. “Welcome to the Dapper Canary; my name is Edna. What can I do for you?”
