Blu leaned against one of the counters set in front of rows of men’s doublets. Each row was lit with the tiniest trulights he’d ever seen, highlighting the quality and craftsmanship in the variety of fabrics offered.
“A job?” Blu asked, crossing his arms.
Vade hooked his thumbs in the waistband of his leathers, trying to look relaxed and not like he was anxiously awaiting the glorious punishment he’d be doling out to Ivan soon. “Not this time. Though I will require a room after I get some information from you.”
Blu rubbed a finger down his smooth, square cut jaw that looked like it had never seen facial hair. “What kind of information?”
Vade gave him all the details he had, which weren’t many.
The tailor reached behind the counter and pulled out a green leather tome. “Ivan Cheresh is the second son of the Lord of Ravere. His brother is favored by his father, so Ivan drinks away his sorrows at not being daddy’s favorite at any tavern that hasn’t kicked him out already.”
Blu flipped through the book and landed on a page of orders written in neat, cursive lettering, no doubt by his own practiced hand. “He came in here a few weeks ago for a new waistcoat and pants for a ball.” He ran a manicured finger along one of the entries. “Ah, here it is. The Merngal Estate. 103 Fenwill.”
Vade repeated the address, imprinting it to memory.
Blu closed the book and looked at Vade with eyes as sharp as his high cheekbones. “Your business is your own, but you’ve never come to me unless it’s been job-related.”
The implied question hung between them, and though Vade was normally secretive, he found the words slipping out. “A woman came into your shop yesterday.”
Blu arched a brow and smirked. “We get many women in here daily. You’ll have to be more specific.”
“Deep auburn hair and green eyes. You sold her a yellow-green dress.”Gods, she had looked incredible.He’d wanted to lay her on the bed and worship her all night, forgoing the card game.
The wizard’s face lit up. “Yes, I remember her. Lovely thing, and sweet as can be. Did you like the dress?”
Vade recoiled. “What?”
“She told me she hoped the person she was buying it for would like it.”
His heart swelled hearing Orelia had even considered his opinion. He didn’t deserve her thoughtfulness. He didn’t deserve any part of her, really.
Blu gestured toward him. “I assume that’s you. Or was it for Ivan?”
Vade couldn’t stop his power from churning inside him at the mention of the asshole’s name. His skin heated, hands balling into fists.
The wizard tensed. Not in fear, but in preparation. He made no attempt to move, just let his calculated gaze sweep over Vade. A predator assessing another.
A strange response Vade didn’t often receive. A similar heaviness he’d grown accustomed to over the course of his life swept over him ever so gently, poking and prodding at his power, testing it.
Odd.
Vade relaxed his posture, and Blu was quick to follow. They stared at one another, and an unspoken understanding passed between them, cemented in the quirk of both of their lips.
He didn’t care what Blu was; he only cared that he could help him. “The woman that came in here is traveling with me and Ivan almost beat her to death. So I’ll need a room if you have an opening.”
Blu’s face turned grim. He reached into an interior pocket in his robe, pulled out a brass key, and handed it to Vade. “How long is the stay?” Blu asked.
“Until expiration. Approximately five days.”
Cunning, almond-shaped eyes watched him with interest.
He had only ever needed a room for a day, but he had new plans that had come to him while waiting outside. “How much?” Vade asked, pulling out his purse.
Blu smoothed his hair back. “Four-hundred gold.”
Vade pulled out a gold piece slightly larger than the common currency he’d won from the card game and slid it across the counter. “Keep the change.”
A nod of appreciation was given in response. “You remember what to do?”
