“He’s an imaginative man, the commander.”
“You think it impossible? Word is she can communicate with serpents.”
“So can most females who work atBottom of the Jug.” If I didn’t know Antoni, I would’ve scowled at his sexual innuendo and being lobbed in with the doxies. “If she didn’t favor pointy-ears and crowns, I may have dropped her off with my next delivery of faerie dust.”
I’m too busy wondering what faerie dust is to worry about Antoni discussing my crush on Dante.
“I’ve got the pointy-ears,” the man said.
“Just missing the crown, Simonus.”
Simonus grunts. “The army blacksmith owes me a small favor. I can get him to finagle something resembling a crown.”
“You do that, then sprite me your offer, and I’ll negotiate on your behalf with Catriona who’s in charge of all the tavern girls.”
“The commander doesn’t get wind of this.”
“Have I ever shared anything concerning you with Dargento?”
“No, but I hear he’s got a thing for the girl.”
“It’s called bloodlust.”
“Not just that sort of lust.”
I’m so disgusted I let out a little squeak.
“Did you hear that?” The stairs creak.
Merda. Merda. Merda.I sandwich my lips and hold my breath.
“Did I hear what, Simonus?”
“The squeak.” His voice trickles down from right above. Although floorboards separate us, my chest constricts as though he’s standing upon it. “Sounded like vermin.”
“Sure hope I’ve got no mice, or I’m sending you the bill.”
“Excuse me?” The man shifts, peppering me with dust motes.
I don’t dare breathe for fear of sneezing.
“I had to dock in Rax for hours the other day, waiting on Vee to fulfil your order.”
“Not my fault your human friends are lazy.”
Antoni heaves a deep sigh. “Fine. No bill if you’ll let me be on my way. Vee told me about a brand-new way to cut the dust that’d make the high last twice as long. I’m picking up samples.”
“Same price?”
“Maybe cheaper.”
“Bring one back on your way home.”
“Will do.” After a beat, Antoni asks, “Since you’re standing there, can you lift my mattress?”
“Why?”
“To check for mice. I’m no rodent fan.”
