“I am hardly public.”
“You know what I mean.”
The grin deepened. “I do. Very well. I suggest that you marshal your curiosity and come up with the questions you wish Lannagaros to answer.”
“He won’t answer them if I ask.”
“That’s harsh. He’ll answer, but he’ll make it clear that you are wasting his time.”
“He can make it clear without answering the questions, from prior experience.”
“Ah. Well, perhaps it’s best that I’m with you, after all.”
The Arkon was, of course, available for Bellusdeo’s nonexistent appointment. Kaylin wondered if any of the other Lords of the Dragon Court would have received the same treatment. She was pretty certain that the Emperor could march in at his own convenience—but just as certain that he would command the Arkon to attend him first.
The young page who had returned with the Arkon’s message—that he was willing to meet with Bellusdeo earlier than the appointed time—led them to the Arkon. Or tried. Bellusdeo, somewhat impatient, said, “We know the way,” and sent the young woman back to the desk.
She hesitated, but Bellusdeo was a Dragon. The young woman was a librarian, probably in training. Angering her boss was career-limiting. But breaking protocol, while frowned on, was acceptable if the Arkon was amenable. Kaylin hoped that the senior librarian in command of that long desk would make it clear to her.
Either way, it wasn’t Kaylin’s problem.
The Arkon was not in the room that had walls for doors. Those walls would open and close only at the Arkon’s command. No, today he had either abandoned those rooms or was confronting paperwork that did not require heavy magical “precautions,” as he called them.
He was at a normal, boring desk when Bellusdeo walked in. He stood immediately, his expression making clear that knocking should never be optional.
“What brings you to the library? I’ve taken the liberty of calling for refreshments if that is acceptable to you.”
“It is not only acceptable; it is almost shocking. It makes me feel quite welcome here.”
Kaylin wondered, glumly, if refreshments had also been arranged for the two Hawks.
“To answer your question, however, I have something of yours I wish to return.” She then opened the flap of her satchel and removed a small cloth bag.
The Arkon’s eyes narrowed, but even narrowed it was clear that they were now a bright orange. He held out a hand, and Bellusdeo placed the bag in his palm. His fingers closed around it in a death grip that whitened his knuckles. “You carried them in your...pouch.”
“It seemed the most convenient way to transport them, yes.”
“In your unenchanted pouch.”
“Yes.”
“While you went on patrol with the private—”
“Corporal,” Kaylin said.
He glanced at her as if seeing her for the first time. “Ah. I see that you have earned yourself a promotion. My apologies. Nowbe quiet.” When Kaylin’s jaw snapped shut, he continued. “You went on patrol with the corporals while carrying these?”
Bellusdeo’s eyes remained a solid, warm gold. “I did. Lannagaros, they were worn in the presence of the Barrani Consort to the High Lord. I fail to see how wandering about the mortal streets of this city could be more dangerous.”
Kaylin began to study the tops of her boots as if they were the most fascinating thing she had ever seen.
“You are well aware that I am extremely fond of you,” the Arkon replied. “But even my affection has limits. You went on patrol with Corporal Neya while carrying irreplaceable artifacts. Corporal Neya, who has managed—without intent—to cause more trouble than people who have planned trouble for decades.”
“That is a tad harsh,” Bellusdeo replied.
“Truth often is.” His eyes remained orange, but moving toward the happy gold and not the dangerous red. “I am not comforted. If you are here on a normal day for the two Hawks, you are here because something untoward occurred. While you were carrying these.”
“I was perfectly willing not to wear them at all,” Bellusdeo replied, more edge in her tone.
