Less than twenty minutes later we were inside Gabriel’s carriage and leaving Gildon proper.
To where something darker than the night was waiting.
Chapter 21
MARIETTA
A servant showed us into a spacious study before Gabriel finished presenting his card. Glittering panes of glass encased one side of the room, while books rimmed the others. Display cases and stands with curios dotted the space alongside a desk and a cozy nook for tea.
The house spells caressed Gabriel in a way that made my skin prickle. I stepped closer to him. He slid a hand around my waist.
A vision in green and cream stepped forward to greet us. I had seen her at gilded functions but never spoken with her. The High Lady of Steelcrest and Nightshade was far above me socially and had reveled in staying apart from the other women in the gilded, standing in her own space, her beauty on display. Removed—an icy diamond separated from the paste.
Her gaze swept over and dismissed me. Then immediately connected back. To Gabriel’s hand at my waist, to Gabriel. Cool green eyes narrowed on me. Gabriel’s warning landed.
“This little sparrow deserves more of my attention, I see.”
“You grow duller in your waning years, high lady, if you think that I will let you touch her.”
A tingle swept through me.
The high lady smiled. It was a pleasant smile, all the more chilling for the complete insincerity behind it.
“Come. Have some tea and biscuits.” She swept a hand toward the service on the table.
I perched on a chair after she was seated and thought of the first lesson of the underworld, never to eat at the dark table.
Delicate hands lifted a teacup. “Two visits in as many days? Today is the day then, Gabriel? That I will be cruelly murdered? And you, my white knight, have come to save me.”
“If the knight suddenly decided to save the dragon, I suppose your statement would be true.”
I wanted to reach for him. I squeezed my hands in my lap instead.
She laughed, a light, breezy sound. “Of course, dear Gabriel, of course.” Her eyes traced him. “But you are here. Couldn’t stay away. You’ve returned to me.”
He tapped a finger on the arm of his chair. “You would see it that way. At this point I find myself disinterested in playing.”
Her eyes chilled. Her gaze cut to me. “You must tell me about yourself, dear.”
Gabriel spoke before I could answer. “We are only here to finish this, high lady. I doubt Ma—Lady Winters is interested in making your acquaintance.”
Pink lips lifted. Satisfaction combined with anger.
“That may be true, Gabriel, but here we are. And you did say you wanted to initiate how this drama would unfold. So, go, shoo, while I chat with your Lady Winters.”
Gabriel’s expression tightened.
“La, Gabriel, your companion can handle herself, can’t you, Lady Winters?”
“Of course.” Ferris and Felicity had taught me how to navigate difficult people and petulance. Socially and magically superior, the High Lady of Steelcrest and Nightshade could give Felicity lessons in viciousness, but showing fear would mean defeat.
His lips pressed, but Gabriel rarely interfered before giving people a chance to handle their own issues first. He walked to the fireplace. She rose, motioning for me to do the same.
She put her arm through mine. “Come view the gardens, Lady Winters.” She led me to the window. Walking to the gallows would feel safer.
