“That must be it, eh? A poacher was selling a phoenix in the market yesterday.”
“You don’t say? Not every day you see one of those,” the bearded man said as they gathered their belongings and started for the entrance. “But that’s not as impressive as a Celestial, is it?”
“The poacher had no luck selling the phoenix. Who wants an enormous bird that spits fire? You can buy enchanted fire from any mage merchant these days. It’s a lot less expensive, and there’s no upkeep.”
The other chortled. “I wish I could say the same about my wife.”
They made their way out of the tavern, their laughter fading behind them.
Lucenna and the others stared after them, then exchanged startled looks with each other.
“Cassiel isn’t foolish enough to fly over the city, is he?” she whispered.
Zev shook his head. “He knows better. You heard them. The old man was drunk.”
“Well, best we leave this city right away.”
“Yes, agreed,” Rawn said. “Cassiel has yet to wake, I believe. Will Lady Dyna be joining us soon?”
Zev glanced at Lucenna expectantly.
She frowned at them. “What do you mean? Dyna didn’t stay with me.”
Zev’s eyebrows rose high on his forehead. “What?”
Rawn straightened in his seat. “Come again?”
“Dyna didn’t stay with me last night,” Lucenna said. “I waited for her, but after a few hours, I assumed she stayed with Zev.”
“She didn’t.” He dropped his cutlery, and they clattered loudly on his plate. The sound drew the stares of patrons at nearby tables.
Lucenna hadn’t thought to seek Dyna out last night. After Rawn had secured their rooms yesterday afternoon, he gave her a key, saying she was to share a room with Dyna. Then they went their separate ways.
“How did this happen? Did you not inform the tavern keeper of our arrangements?” she asked Rawn.
“I requested her to hold a key for Cassiel.” His brow furrowed as he glanced at the bar, and his posture stiffened. “I failed to mention Dyna.”
“What happened yesterday?” she asked Zev. “Was she not with you?”
“She was with Cassiel.” Zev slammed his hands on the table, rattling the dishes as he stood. “He will know where she is.”
Lucenna then relaxed. If they were together, the prince would keep Dyna safe. “But where is Cassiel?”
“I’ll ask the tavern keeper,” Zev said, and charged to the bar.
Rawn sighed. “I pray they have not found themselves in a predicament.”
The barmaid returning with Lucenna’s cinnamon bread had caught the last part of the conversation. “Predicament, milord? Are you unhappy with your stay?”
“Oh no, I haven’t any complaints,” Rawn told her. “We are attempting to locate two of our companions. A young woman, petite with red hair, and a man with dark hair and a permanent scowl on his semblance.”
The barmaid laughed. “Oh! Yes, I know who you speak of. The life-mates made quite the spectacle last night.”
Lucenna made a face at Rawn as she slowly chewed her bread.
He frowned, “Life-mates? You must be mistaken. Did she have green eyes and his gray?”
The barmaid nodded with a big smile as she refilled his teacup. “Yes, milord, those are the ones. My mistress gave them a key to their room last night.”
