“I wouldn’t finish that sentence,” Death mumbles. “It would not be wise.”
Kass glances around. “Could you issue the debt on behalf of House Reign?”
“We would need a teller with Reign blood.”
My ears prick up.
“I know of one,” I say.
—
Silas sits wide-eyedin Kassandra’s parlor. His gaze keeps lowering to the floor, then back up at my mistress.
“Are the terms of the agreement acceptable?” my mistress asks.
“Yes, it’s just that this is highly unusual for a fae. Are you positive, my lady?”
“Yes.”
I shift. “I don’t think there’s a need to self-flagellate—”
She cuts me a look. “The funerals are happening today, no? If it does not fall on my wrists, then it shall land on those of the families—whoever remains. I will not have it.”
Silas scribbles on parchment, reaches for Kassandra’s hand.
“Wait,” she says, putting her palm to her chest. “What of my dowry? Could I pay with that?”
“I’m afraid not, mistress. It’s under your brother’s name.”
“Her apartment allowance?” I supply. “Does that need approval?”
“Dominik doesn’t care about which drapes I order. Besides, what good would that do?”
“Your…your floors needed cleaning,” I say.
The room looks at me, blinking, the tile shining.
“You withdrew money to pay for your floors to be specially cleaned.”
“The money in this account cannot be withdrawn, merely transferred. And the note attached must clarify for what services,” Silas says. “I’m sorry.”
There is another moment of silence as realization dawns. Kassandra faces Silas again.
“I’d like to tip my Illusion Crest attendant Avery for hand-cleaning my floors,” she says. “And the executioner in their assistance.”
Death straightens. “My lady, that’s unnecessary—”
“Use all of it,” she says.
The teller blinks. “This account hasn’t been touched in years. There’s quite a sum.”
“Then split it down the line and pay what is owed.”
“It—” Silas swallows. “I see.”
“Kass,” I start. “You—”
“When that is done, I would like to set up my personal loan to House of Reign for the funerary expenses. Will that do?”
