Page 31 of Changelings
Collin’s grin grew wider with every word, and Imogen wanted to wipe it from his face.
“So, that big manticore is the one, is he?” Collin said. “You need more than a human man to crack your nut.”
Neomi made a noise halfway between a chuckle and a groan. Elbowing Collin, she admonished gently, “Don’t tease.”
“Just curious is all,” said Collin, bestowing Imogen with another golden, winning smile. The kind that made everyone like him—and Imogen’s stomach curdle. “Everyone wants to know why their favorite otherly is asking after our quiet little Gen.”
“He likes her, obviously,” said Neomi in her guileless way. She smiled beatifically at Imogen, as if she truly believed Balar would be mad not to want or like her sister. That was why it was always difficult to stay angry or annoyed at Neomi. She was sweetness and sunshine personified.
“I hear the publicans all miss him—and the barmaids, too. You going to start going with him now, Gen?”
“What he does is none of my business.”
“But you’ll want to keep all those other jealous women away from him,” Collin teased. “Better keep an eye on him.”
Imogen scowled at the way Collin’s eyes danced, as if he couldn’t think of anything funnier than the idea of Imogen walking into a tavern with Balar and having to compete with barmaids.
Rolling her eyes, Imogen stood. “I’ll get out of your way.”
“Oh, no, Gen, stay for dinner! You can tell us more about Balar!”
Avoiding her sister’s grasping hands, Imogen patted Shadow, getting him to stand and head out the door. Taking up her walking stick, she turned just long enough to wave.
“I’ll see you soon.”
“Gen, wait—”
“I have to stop in town. Take care!”
And although she heard Neomi protest more, Imogen kept walking, tugging on her hair.
12
Balar planted his fists on his hips and lifted his head to take a good sniff. It only confirmed what he already knew—Imogen wasn’t home.
Surveying her property with a frown, he searched for any clue as to where she could be. The goats and Chestnut the donkey were safe in their paddock, happily finishing up the remains of breakfast. The runner ducks had been let loose amongst the garden, a temporary fence erected to keep them in and predators out.
Nothing seemed amiss. Shadow the dog was missing, too, so he supposed she at least had some protection. Wherever she was.
Grumbling, Balar tried hard not to seriously pout. He was the one who’d been away for two straight days without a word. Had it gone into a third, he would’ve sent whichever brother he could catch to Imogen, along with his apologies.
Thankfully, the worst of the ruffled otherly feathers seemed to be smoothed over for now. With winter approaching, most ofthe village had decided it was best to keep Balar in his mayoral position. Although, that decision came with many a warning scowl not to keep disappearing and shirking his duties.
He was resigned to it—he’d taken up the mantle and had to see it through.
But he’d gotten away today, at least for the morning, and he was desperate to see hiskigaraand how she’d languished without him.
So it was more than a small disappointment when he arrived to find her gone.
Scratching behind his ear, Balar tucked his wings and marched to the front door again. Knocking louder a second time, he pressed his ear to the wood, intending to catch even the scurry of a dormouse.
Nothing.
Looking around again and seeing no sign, Balar tested the handle—and found it unlocked.
His ears perked, and gathering his courage, he pushed the door open a few inches. He’d only ever glimpsed the inside of her cottage. He also had never been invited inside, and so Balar didn’t cross the threshold.
Still, he opened the door wide enough to poke his head inside.
