“Thank you,” I said, a rush of hope taking flight in me. “Is there any way I can help?”
“No. As soon as I have news, I will tell you. In the meantime, there is something I would like you to do for me.”
I nodded.
“I want you to remain unannounced to the general public. I don’t want anyone else to know that you are galvanized or that you are claimed by House Gray until the gathering.”
“What does it matter, Your Excellency?” Right Ned asked. “The Houses all know about her now.”
“House business is only part of what goes into this position, Mr. Harris,” Oscar said. “There is power to be found in bringing honor or unexpected assets into a House.”
I frowned, not following his logic.
He must have seen my confusion. He smiled. “I want to reveal you to the public in a very grand manner.”
“At the gathering?”
“Yes. It will be a moral boost for all those who claim House Gray. Since we are the caretakers of humanity, you can only imagine how many people will be excited that their House not only found a modern galvanized, but also brought her into House Gray.”
I could see how a swell in popularity among the masses would do a lot to argue against his brother’s desire to have him removed as head of the House.
“Did I ruin that already? With everything that’s happened this morning?”
“Not at all,” he said. “The Houses know each other’s secrets to an extent. Still, there are certain rules of engagement that are to our mutual benefit.”
“I promise I’ll keep the lowest of low profiles.”
“A talent you certainly have perfected over the years,” he said kindly. “Ah, Abraham. I was just explaining to Matilda that I wish her to remain unseen during your time away.”
Abraham strolled into the room from the other hall. “Did she agree?”
“Of course I did,” I said.
Abraham wore a plain cotton shirt, open in a V at the neck, but tight enough across his chest to show the muscle beneath. His sleeves were rucked up to his elbows, adding to the casual look, and along with denim jeans, boots, and a belt, he looked like a man ready for some time off. Everything about him was easy, loose, relaxed.
And that looked all kinds of good on the man.
I tried not to think of how good naked would look on him.
“Of course you did,” he said with a straight face. “Is there anything else?”
“Neds?” I asked. “Will you be staying?”
“I thought I’d do some sightseeing around town,” Left Ned said.
“Have you considered our offer, Mr. Harris?” Oscar asked.
“Yes, sir,” Right Ned said. “I’ll let you know by the end of the day.”
“Good. Well, then?” Oscar raised his brows at Abraham. “Haven’t you had enough of me for a while, Bram?”
Abraham gave him a small, almost fatherly smile. That familiarity surprised me a little. But, then, if Abraham was as old as he said he was, and if he had been serving House Gray for much of that time, he would have known Oscar from a young age.
“If anything comes up . . .” Abraham started.
“I know where you are,” Oscar said. “Go on now. Enjoy.”
“Not yet,” Elwa powered into the room, her stride short and punctuated. She was carrying two bags. “Clothing and sundries for Matilda,” she said, handing the bags to Abraham. “Are you sure I can’t pack for you, Abraham Seventh?”
