“And the time that it was not?” Christian’s eyes had narrowed at the potential insult to his king.
“Involved a novel food combination. I do not recommend fish roe ice cream, should you encounter it.”
I walked into the living area and gestured for them to be seated as I used the wand Reynard called a remote. "What else happened in Dream?"
Harold found the recliner and was playing with the mechanism, figuring out how it worked.
Cristian took up the whole of the loveseat. “The usual. Have you had any success with the plan, sire?"
A smile flickered on my face, despite the situation. "Yes."
Both looked hopeful with that. I was not quite sure how to take it. Instead, I brought up CSI on the scrying device. “This is entertainment involving scientists and guards pursuing criminals. There is some information on correct behavior and information on the laws of the land, though it varies from province to province in the United States.”
The show and their questions consumed the rest of the evening, and Reynard arrived early, as he’d promised. With two phones and an assortment of clothing, for which he presented a bill with a grin. “Best to keep matters even, yes?”
Reynard slid a glance at Harold, who’d assumed the red-faced hue he normally had around the trickster.
I cleared my throat. “I watched the news, they are lying low unless you’ve somehow suppressed a story?”
Reynard shook his head. “No, they’re hiding. I’ve got a line on a warehouse. I’ll find out tomorrow if the lease goes through. What will you do with them, Bran?”
“Remind them I am king. Then try harder to find one of these researchers you told me about. If they can find a cure for one of us, they can find one for skinchangers. I know why none of yours have crossed, but my twisted are often a little easier to hold.”
“True.” Reynard’s voice was neutral, and we ignored the fact that while the disease made skinchangers feral, it awakened crueler instincts in goblins. There would be shackles needed, and possibly cages in the warehouse.
“I will scribe the circle to call them today, then I depart to see the lady I met last night.”
“What’s her name?” Reynard asked. Harold’s eyes widened. He would have wanted the information, but had not quite dared ask.
“Andromeda.”
“A lovely name.” Reynard’s eyes gleamed with humor. “One hopes you don’t need to unchain her from any rocks.”
I smiled perfunctorily and retrieved the chalk and began the long labor of creating the circle to amplify his power.
Precisely at six, I showed up at Andromeda’s door. I knocked, but no one answered. Then I texted and waited.
The few moments dripped by slowly, and I was torn between worry and rising anger. Then the door creaked open, and Andromeda stood before me, leaning against the doorknob for support.
Concern lanced through me. Her clothing, a dress in a flattering shade of burgundy, was wrinkled and crumpled. Her normally golden skin was pasty, her long hair fell tangled around her face, and her eyes were dull and squinting. Lines of pain framed her mouth and the corners of her eyes.
Her voice was wobbly and slurred. “Bran. I’m sorry for not telling you, this may not be a good time.”
Something was very, very wrong. I could sense it, right down to my bones. The power radiating from her the other times we had met was gone. Had she been attacked?
“How can I help you?” I softened my voice at her wince.
She wobbled, and I reached for her elbow to steady her.
Andromeda thought for a moment, then opened the door further. "Could you make some chamomile tea?"
I entered the condominium, palm still cupping her elbow. She leaned on it as she staggered back toward the couch. Her leather purse lay dropped next to the door, slumped on its side, fringe and tassels crumpled under it. It was evident from tumbled cushions and throws that she had only made it to the couch. Her shoes lay on their sides, like bright birds next to the couch.
I might not have known her as well as I wished, but I did know that she was not behaving normally. Ill as she was, she did not strike me as likely to ask for help with something as simple as making tea.
She had requested my help. I would most certainly give it and discover what had injured her.
“Let us get you to your room.” It would be off the main hall. I could see three doors.
