I laugh, not expecting his apology. “I’m not taking it personally.” I step closer. “You and I didn’t get to chat too much while on the road.”
“That’s because Taryn can’t shut her mouth to take a breath,” he says in a snarky tone. “She’ll chat your ears off. I’m surprised you could handle it for that many days in a row.”
I giggle at his grumpy mood. “I dunno. I kind of like her spirit,” I reply. “Where are you from?”
“Valneth,” he replies.
Unfortunately, I am unfamiliar with that territory. “Who is Duke there?”
“Duke Leander Vaughn,” Gilead replies. “But I grew up there long before he was selected.”
“How old are you?” I ask curiously. “You don’t look a day over thirty.”
Gilead lets out a bellowing laugh. “You’re too kind. I’m nearly a decade over that.”
I huff a laugh in return. “Well, holler if you need anything else,” I say sweetly. “See you around.”
“Will do.” He nods.
Turning, I cross the room to straighten out some tables that got moved during the last brawl. The patrons slowly dwindle, allowing me to clean up the last of the empty plates and scattered mess.
“Rae, you can take off. It seems like things are slowing down for the night,” Alastor says as I drop off a few empty dishes.
I take the coins he slides across the bar top, tucking them into my satchel. “Night, Alastor.”
I wave goodbye, turning to exit the Whispering Willow with a mix of excitement and apprehension. As I step out into the cold night, I follow the route Kaia laid out for me. My eyes scan each building on the street as I look for the lodge, wondering which building it is.
Eventually, I come across a manor with a tall wrought-iron fence woven with dense ivy to conceal the building. The tall stone pilasters frame the carved pediment above the door, the ornate details catching my eye. I try to peek inside to ensure I am in the right place, but the windows are covered with thick curtains, blocking my view.
Standing in front of the manor are two guards, each well-dressed and polished. They carry an air of menace to them, asthough either could snap me in two with their bare hands. Kaia likely hired them to protect the manor and the women inside, a good choice to keep everyone safe. It doesn’t make me any less nervous to approach.
“I’m here?—”
“Welcome, Madame,” one says, opening the gate for me to enter.
I walk inside, weaving through the thick, maze-like hedges that circle toward the back of the courtyard. I see a small metal door among the brush. Moving toward it, I try the handle, the lock rattling as I attempt to pull it open. I grab the key, fitting it into the lock and twisting it open.
The door thunks behind me after I enter, and a thick wall of scent hits me. Incense and rose assail my nose, alluring and heady. It will cling to my clothes long after I leave. As I walk deeper into the manor, I notice the red velvet settee and luxurious gossamer curtains, each surface designed to encourage indulgence.
As I take in the opulence of the manor, confusion fills me. Surely, a hundred silver did not pay for all of this. Unless Kaia had a secret stash of gold lying around, this is far beyond what we can afford. My only hope is that she did not go into debt to take on such a large business.
Then I hear it.
Soft moans and breathy begs. Lilting laughter and murmured desires. I pass a room, accidentally peeking through the curtains to see a man on his back, a woman bouncing happily on his length. My cheeks flush from the provocative sight, and I quickly tear my gaze away.
“Hello…”
Turning, I see Kaia dressed in an ornate plum gown. Her long bell sleeves drape elegantly at her sides as she clasps herhands in front of her. Draped across her neck is a sparkling jeweled necklace.
“Madame,” I greet her warmly.
“Here.” She takes my hand, plopping the leather pouch I gave her in my palm.
It’s a decent weight. I hear coins clinking around inside. “I don’t understand. How did you?—?”
“I don’t think you realized that wasnotsilver.” Kaia snorts a laugh. “It’s Platasia, a special Elvarran metal mined here in the North. Similar color, but worth about ten times the amount of gold.”
I blink in shock, realizing I gave Kaia coins worth around ten thousand. Even more shocking, though, is that Wrath gave me that pouch. When I asked him for money, I didn’t think he would give methatmuch.
