Page 27 of Changelings
“Oh?”
Ysera’s long tail twitched agitatedly. All in the village hadquickly learned that the key to deciphering harpy feelings—if they weren’t being yelled straight at you—was in the tail. When unfurled, the inky blue-black feathers created a fan of plumage at least five feet long. Unfurled usually meant happiness, flirtation, or at least good humor. Bundled tight as Ysera’s tail was, Balar knew she meant every bit of that scowl she pinned him with.
Thankfully, harpies lacked beaks like birds, so he avoided any angry pecks, although their row of sharp teeth was nevertheless formidable. She lifted her wing-arms to plant her taloned fists on her hips, brooking no nonsense. Harpies had such wing-arms, not just a wing and not just an arm; they resembled wings most, with long feathers, but included a four-fingered hand.
Her overlarge violet eyes narrowed on him. “She’s driving me mad.”
“Who is?”
“Maritza. What were you thinking, making her vice-mayor! She’s going mad with power!”
Balar tried not to laugh, but then Ulmo, Ema, and Briseis all made sounds of agreement.
“If you don’t do something soon, this village is going to be called Feathertown,” Briseis said gravely.
“Absolutely not!” cried Ulmo. “She’s been told no one approves—”
“Those without wings don’t approve,” Ema corrected.
“You see? Half the village is nearly up in arms against the other!” Ysera shrieked, her gray-blue cheeks darkening to a dusky blue. “And then there’s the argument over the new cesspits—and what to do with the north field in spring.”
Rubbing his eyes, Balar conceded, “Yes, I can see that there are some things to take care of.”
Ysera nodded. “There are. And you’d better take care of them soon.” Leaning in close, she said, “Or else I might just murdermy sister.”
“Ysera, you can’t just say things like that to the mayor,” Briseis muttered.
“Why not? It’s true.” Pinning him with another glare, Ysera said, “Fix it, Balar.”
Reluctantly, Balar agreed. Seemingly mollified, Ysera accepted a cup of cider, and Balar allowed Briseis to refill his own. Still, the sweet liquid sat sour on his tongue.
He needed to see to his people today—which likely meant no visiting Imogen. He had meant to try flying to her cottage to see how much time that would save him, but under Ysera’s watchful eye, he didn’t think any escape was possible today.
Balar sighed into his cup.Ibás,why had he even decided to become mayor?
It was a good question, one that he’d need to revisit now that he had a mate to woo. He couldn’t be giving her half his time, and the village deserved more than half, too.
For now, though, he was still vested with his mayoral powers, and it was time to use them for some good. He hoped they wouldn’t keep him away from Imogen for long.
11
It was long after dawn when Imogen finally locked up the cottage in preparation to leave for the day. She couldn’t help taking one last long look at the mouth of the path Balar had created through the forest.
Should I leave a note?A twinge of guilt assailed her chest as she thought of him trekking all the way here, only to find her and the animals gone.
Looking down at Shadow, she asked, “But can he read Eirean?”
She didn’t know.
Shadow tilted his head to the side, big gold eyes alert but happy. He and all the goats were excited to get out for the day, and if she didn’t hurry up, Chestnut would lead them halfway to Granach without her.
Shaking off her guilt, Imogen patted Shadow’s head and started off. She wasn’t required to tell Balar where she was going. She was allowed to have her own plans for the day—and those didn’t have to revolve around a certain winged lion-manshowing up or not.
With Shadow at her side and her trusty walking stick in-hand, she set off with her little herd toward Granach. Or rather, one of the farms on the outskirts.
She’d been meaning to visit Neomi for a while now but hadn’t found a good moment—especially since she didn’t really want to introducehimto Neomi and Collin yet. Imogen hadn’t yet figured out how to tell Balar to stay back or butt out.
Which was growing a bit annoying, really.
