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“Tracking app on your phone led me to Kavina’s car, so I messaged her, and she said you were here in the food court. Young Master Kilnejar gave Her Grace the code in case it became necessary after your kidnapping.”
“Her Grace?”
“His mother, Amra.”
“Oh. Sorry. Not used to the title. Can’t you just call them by their names around me?”
“I can try. It’s habitual.”
I wasn’t even angry that Ezra had placed a tracking app on my phone. Given that they’d also put a tracker on my phone on Earth, I wasn’t surprised by or opposed to the idea here—especially after the incident following the Divine Fortune Ball.
My biggest concern at the moment was what tests Cornaith had in store for me.
46
POTION MASTER
RAE
“Where are we going?” I thought Rinlora would take me back to the palace, but a look out the window showed we were heading away from it.
“We’ll be there soon.”
Not the answer I asked for.
I propped my elbow on the door, resting my head in my hand. “Kavina could have come with us.” I didn’t like leaving without getting a chance to speak to her.
Rinlora remained quiet for the rest of the drive, so I stopped trying to engage her in conversation. If she didn’t feel like talking, I wouldn’t force her. Everyone experienced bad days. Maybe this was one of hers.
She slowed the car as we entered a quiet part of town.
Shadowed stores and alcoves lined the street, their displays of trinkets, clothing, jewelry, and other novelty items protected by gates.
Unlit string lights crossed the street from one side to the other, while flickering colorful lights past glass doors hinted at active businesses just out of sight.
The entire area reminded me of an event that hadn’t quite started yet—or maybe this part of the city didn’t come alive until nightfall. Considering the heavy-duty protection over the merchandise, which didn’t appear temporary, I guessed the latter.
Rinlora turned down a shaded side street and parked beside a wall near a large metal door. “We’re here,” she whispered, climbing out of the car before I had the chance to respond.
Did she know what Cornaith wanted to do and didn’t like it?
I climbed out of the car and followed her to the door, which opened as soon as we approached, though I didn’t see anyone inside.
As I entered the darkened space, my nose immediately wrinkled. The smell of fish was so strong it soured my stomach.
“This way,” Rinlora said, noticing my pause.
“It stinks in here.”
“The store next door processes fish and other aquatic creatures unique to Elyrdin to create potions and medications. Once we get past the hall, you won’t smell it anymore.”
She led me through another door into a sitting room with beaded curtains and vintage-looking armchairs covered in vibrant orange upholstery. It looked like a pumpkin had thrown up on the wooden-backed chairs.
I followed her down a set of stairs into another room that looked—and smelled—less offensive.
The studio had a kitchenette on one side with a small refrigerator, a two-burner stove, and a wooden pantry. On the other was a tiny living room with a cobalt blue loveseat in front of an empty TV stand. A dining area with a polished wooden table and chairs occupied the center of the room and looked like it doubled as a meeting spot.
The hardwood creaked and groaned with every step we took as we approached the table. The walls were covered in various charts with symbols and illustrations—lots of science and mystical stuff I didn’t understand.
