“Likewise. You know, Lady Elodie, it’s too bad you couldn’t stay after the lottery.” She has the audacity to cock her head andtsk. Mock concern creases her forehead. “Pity. We could have shaken hands and exchanged pleasantries. Talked ungovernable birds and the like.”
Really? You too?I turn to face her, slinging my legs to the other side of the bench. Mustering every speck of patience I possess, I say, “How may I be of assistance, Sadrielle?”
“Well, you already know Tiss is in a tizzy.”
“That seems to be her permanent state tonight, my dear. I don’t know what to tell you other than good luck.”
Sadrie’s stare is accusing. “She swept upstairs in a righteous huff just now. I can’t calm her down.”
“And? Is that supposed to concern me?”
“I’m notentirelysure what just happened between you two, but she’s worked up worse than I’ve seen her yet, which is saying something. Considering she came to me this morning wearing her heavy boots and trying to convince me toleavewith her, I wouldn’t put it past her to pull such a stunt right now.”
My bravado immediately dissolves. “Leave thetemple?” I shoot to my feet.
“Thought you might be interested.” She shrugs.
“It’s going to be a serious problem if she leaves the temple grounds, Sadrie.”
“Oh, I agree. Now will you please get out there and do”—she waves a hand, fingers wiggling—“whatever it is that has her so enthralled with you, and talk some sense into her?”
If she hadn’t already caught me and Tiss fooling around, I’d have some choice words. As it is, I’m eliminating the distance to the door before she’s finished talking.
Once inside the atrium, I come to an abrupt halt. A dismal feeling settles over me. The sight of thirty or so veiled, black-clad women tends to have that effect.
It was the reason behind my hiding in the refectory all this time. And this year’s group is the smallest since I’ve been here.
I willneverget used to seeing them like this.
Again I think of the birdcage bursting open at the lottery. Finches breaking free earlier than Deirdre’s meticulous plans ordained. Eisha remaining ever silent.
Like the finches still lining up on my balcony railing every morning, I can’t help but wonder what it means.
At least Maida and Cordelia are easy to spot amid the sea of black. As are the sisters’ red robes—a blessing all its own. I’m scanning the crowd, trying to figure out a way to slip upstairs without Deirdre’s eager little lackeys noticing, when—
“Where have you been hiding all night?” Ghisele’s voice comes from behind me, laced with a simper.
Right. I forgot. I too stick out thanks to my buff sweater.
She slinks around in front of me, mischief evident in her slippery smile. “I’ve been missing you.” Her eyes skim me, from my heeled boots to my braided hair. She rests a hand on my arm.
She enjoys when I play up my femininity. I’m still me though, which is the part she sorely underestimates.
“How many times do I have to tell you not to touch me? Especially in public,” I growl, snatching the hand and tossing it aside. “You know better.” I glance around us.
She snorts. “There was a time you quite liked my touch.”
“That time isover. I grow weary of reminding you.”
“Is this about that precious little neophyte?” She lifts her gaze across the atrium. Trains it on Tiss crossing the fourth-floor walkway toward the staircase.
Sure enough, she’s wearing warmer clothes and suspiciously sturdy boots.
“She’s all right, I suppose.” Ghisele taps her bottom lip with one finger. “But I guarantee she won’t be as much fun as I am.”
“Red, Ghisele.” My eyes are still on Tiss as she descends to the third floor, looking like she’s in a terrible hurry. I shift, turning my full attention to my apprentice. “You don’t need to be so condescending to someone whose place you were in a yearago.” I step back, putting space between us. Drop my voice to a murmur. “Furthermore, whatever happened between us is just that—between you and me. It hasnothingto do with anyone else. Which you also know.”
She gives a smug little shake of her head, jutting a hip at me. “If you say so,” she singsongs, turning to walk away. Her skirts swish with the swing of her hips.
