Hypnos’s jaw opened. “Do youownthis blood Forging den?”
She didn’t answer.
“My Sphinx was alerted to the use of one of the Order’s inroads when you crossed into Moscow. I grew curious about who else from the Order would be here, and we followed you to the alley in time to save your lives… and also with enough time to find this.”
She slid something onto the table.
“My men went after someone seen running away from your alley fire, and though they couldn’t catch the culprit, they were able to pick this off their clothing.”
She removed her hand, revealing a golden honeybee.
“The Fallen House,” breathed Hypnos, panic edging into his voice. “We haven’t found any traces of their activity since the catacombs attack.”
“Well, they’re active now,” said the matriarch. “I haven’t forgotten your last report with the stark mad ravings of Roux-Joubert. He said the Fallen House could not access its own treasures because they could not find the Sleeping Palace. It would seem as though they think you have something worth finding… something that might change their situation…”
The matriarch examined her fingernails. “I thought the Tezcat spectacles and the lens were mere rumor before I found them on your person. When were you going to tell the Order that you had a lead on the Sleeping Palace? To my knowledge, you’re working for us.”
Séverin pointed to Hypnos.
“As a member of the Order, the patriarch of House Nyx was present the whole—”
“The patriarch of House Nyx is a puppy within the Order,” said the matriarch dismissively.
“I resent that,” said Hypnos, muttering, “I am,at least, full-grown.”
“You should know the rules better, Hypnos,” scolded the matriarch. “Any Order activity in Russia must be supervised by two Heads of Houses in addition to representatives from House Dazbog, otherwise you face immediate expulsion from the country. But who knows with the new patriarch? I’ve never met him, but I’ve heard he’s as reclusive as his father. And he could be five times crueler. Then again, the Order would always help you should you prove that you can find the Sleeping Palace.” She raised her eyebrow. “You need us.”
Séverin tilted his head, catching a slip in her words.
“Prove?” he repeated. And then he smiled. “You already tried to put the Tezcat spectacles and lens together, didn’t you? I wondered why you chose to travel in a separate carriage. I imagine your efforts did not work. And now you try this ploy of benevolence to make sure we don’t leave the Order in the dust, scrambling about for their wits.”
For a moment, the matriarch looked stunned. Séverin studied her face. She was so much older now. Gray touched her once-blondhair, and hard brackets framed her mouth. In all these years, she hadn’t lost that alertness in her blue eyes. It was hard to meet them without thinking about the last time they’d met… when he had rejected the inheritance she’d first stolen from him, and relief had filled her whole being. Séverin dropped his gaze, his pulse thudding painfully. How much must she hate him to feel relief that he would never know what should’ve belonged to him?
“No,” she said finally. “It did not work.”
“So to amend your statement, it isyouwho needs us.”
Her eyes hardened. “You are still vulnerable, Monsieur. If you can determine the coordinates, I will grant you the protection of my House, and make the necessary arrangements with House Dazbog. In return, I want you to find something specifically for me.”
Séverin tensed, a part of him knowing what she would say even before she uttered it.
“The Divine Lyrics,” she said.
“That book was lost,” said Hypnos, a touch too quickly.
“Perhaps,” said Delphine. “But if it was not, and if it is there hidden in the Fallen House’s treasure hoard, I want it handed over to me directly.”
Séverin only smiled. So that was why she wanted it. The Order was still furious with the Houses of France for jeopardizing their secrets. For Hypnos, revealing the location of the Sleeping Palace was enough to win back trust, but the matriarch clearly hungered for the elite status she once held… and only a coup likeThe Divine Lyricswould restore it.
Séverin flexed his hand. This arrangement could work quite nicely. More ease of access, more security for the others. And then he could let the matriarch watch as he stole the book right out from underneath her.
“It’s a deal,” he said.
The matriarch nodded, then signaled to the server who set down a crystal goblet of mint tea and a small crimson vial that looked like blood.
“Wild evening plans?” asked Hypnos, eyeing the vial.
“I don’t partake in blood Forging activities,” said the matriarch, tossing back the vial. “And I don’t trust it.”
