Despite not falling asleep until early in the morning, Drake woke before dawn and couldn’t get back to sleep. He was simultaneously excited and nervous about his first cabal. Excited because he finally had a chance to directly confront the manor lords who had attacked him, and nervous because he worried they had traps he wasn’t prepared for.
Simply passing his hand over a lightly glowing metal tile on the wall caused four metal lamps to ignite on four sides of the room, giving him light in the otherwise entirely dark room. Korhaurbauten had useful magic items. The door to his private sleeping chamber was closed, so Drake dressed for the day and pondered taking one last look at his dossiers.
The thought of shoving his face in those books again made him feel physically unwell. He’d done enough reading for this trip. There was nothing he could do to prepare himself for today that he had not done already, so he simply had to keep his mind clear and focused until second bell. That would ring a few hours after sunrise.
As they’d discussed last night, Drake knocked on the door to his private chambers before unlocking the door. A moment later, he got a response.
“It’s just horrible out here!” Nicole called from the other side of the door. “It’s so dark and cold. Just think about how nice and fluffy your warm bed—”
Drake opened the door and stepped out, which caused Nicole to sigh and turn to him in disappointment. “Why did you not listen to my warning?”
“Because I’m hungry. You?”
“Vexed. Any chance you could sleep until it’s Emily’s turn to guard you? We have wine. I’ll get you wine.”
“Nope, I’m up.” As he closed the door, Drake was pleased to annoy her for a change. “How was the night shift?”
“Uneventful.”
“Well, good job standing guard.”
“Standing in one spot is one of my many skills.” Nicole fell in beside him as he wandered for the kitchen. “Meryl will not be preparing breakfast until first light.”
“That’s fine. I’ll just grab a pastry.”
“There is a problem with that, lord.”
“What?” Drake frowned at her. “You can’t tell me the pastries are poisoned.”
“If they were, we would all be very dead.”
Drake groaned. “You ate them? All of them? There were like twenty of those things!”
Nicole now looked genuinely abashed. “Emily assisted! She ate more than me!”
“Wow,” Drake said. “Way to throw your fellow battle maid under the bus.”
“Emily pressured Val and me to join her in eating pastries so she wouldn’t feel guilty. We were only supporting her as we all support each other!”
“And your sweet tooth,” Drake reminded her. “So I guess I’ll just have... bread.” And maybe some jam if he could find it.
Drake wandered into the small private kitchen included with the rooms set aside for his manor and found it all but spotless. His people were efficient as always. He rummaged through the cupboards as quietly as he could manage, hoping not to wake anyone up.
Valentia wandered into the kitchen with a yawn. “Are we preparing breakfast already?” She then stopped, eyes narrowed at Drake. She wore a thin shift and little else.
Drake stared in involuntary and acute shock before immediately turning to face the cupboards. “Morning! Val.” He busied himself searching the labels on small jars.
“You are awake.” Valentia sounded equally surprised and annoyed by this revelation.
“Woke up early. Couldn’t get back to sleep. Was going to eat a pastry for an early morning snack, but apparently my battle maids got very hungry overnight.” Why was he explaining himself?
“It’s really hot in the capital!” Nicole explained unnecessarily, which had absolutely nothing to do with Drake’s current dilemma. “Val has trouble staying cool even back in Gloomwood, so you’re just lucky she wasn’t walking around na—”
“Do not overshare,” Valentia interrupted firmly. Though Drake wasn’t looking, he was pretty sure she was glaring ice shards at Nicole. “I will leave you to your breakfast, lord.” He assumed, by the silence that followed, that Valentia had left the kitchen to get dressed.
Drake took a deep, calming breath. This was like living in a college sorority house as the only dude, which, a few years ago, would have been his absolute dream. The problem was, he was also the head of the college in this absurdly inappropriate metaphor, which made what would have been otherwise thrilling accidental interactions awkward as fuck.
When he turned the next jar around, he saw that it was clearly labeled as peach preserves. Sweet! That would make the bread a little more palatable. He pulled it out of the cupboard and was relieved to find himself once more alone with a fully-dressed Nicole.
With focus, he popped the lid on the jar of peach preserves. The true power of a manor lord. “Did Lydia and Samuel ever make it back last night?”
“Samuel returned shortly after you went to bed,” Nicole said. “Lydia a few hours later. Both still sleep, which is what normal people do before the sun has risen.”
Drake knew Lydia must have been successful in hiring his courtesans. She would never have come back otherwise. That improved his mood. He couldn’t wait to see the expression on Lord Proudglade’s face when that fucker finally figured it out.
He found a fresh loaf of bread easily, but he had nothing to cut it with and didn’t want to just rip it apart. That would get crumbs everywhere. “Where can I find a knife?”
“Drawer to the left,” Nicole said.
Drake opened it to find a wide variety of napkins.
“Your other left,” she added.
He only now caught how she’d phrased her response. The left, not your left. She’d been fucking with him, again. “For future reference, that is your left, not mine.”
She smiled innocently. “Isn’t that what I said?”
A short time later, Drake had two slick slices of bread lumped with peach preserves which, as he bit into one, was definitely not one of the delicious pastries he’d sampled last night after he was full of steamed crab. This wasn’t bad, though. He chewed thoughtfully.
Nicole thumped down beside him and rested her elbows directly on the counter. “How did your midnight meeting with Lord Skybreak go? Lydia wouldn’t tell me anything.”
A reminder of Sky’s standoffishness last night dampened the rush of satisfaction he’d had after learning Lydia had acquired his courtesans. “They just had some information for me. We could be in for some real fuckery today at the cabal.” Drake shrugged. “But what else is new?” He took a big bite of his peach-preserve-covered bread.
“I hope it’s an exciting day,” Nicole agreed. “The gossip has certainly been interesting.”
Drake glanced at her. “You have gossip?”
She pouted in disappointment. “Do I have gossip. You truly are grumpy this morning.”
“You ate all my pastries. Now tell me what you’ve heard.”
“Well, to start, the town is abuzz with news that the new Lord Gloomwood and Lord Skybreak will announce an alliance between your manors. There’s even talk of a marriage.”
Drake grimaced. Nicole had to be fucking with him again, except... this wasn’t doublespeak, and she couldn’t lie. And telling him the truth fucked with him more.
“Rumors a manor merger is in the works have already taken hold across the capital,” Nicole continued. “In fact, some gossip claims that Lord Skybreak has fallen hopelessly in love with the dashing young lord of Gloomwood Manor. A man who rescued her and ensnared her with his devilish charms.”
Drake sighed heavily and set back what was left of his toast. “That explains that.”
“Explains what?” Nicole asked eagerly. “I wish things explained.”
“I can’t imagine Sky’s thrilled with having the entire capital claiming she’s some lovestruck little girl wrapped around the finger of another manor lord.” Sky’s visible discomfort with him last night finally made sense. “That sort of gossip would piss me off.”
Nicole tilted her head. “So she has soured on the idea of our alliance?”
“No, she’s still on board, she just seemed awkward last night. Probably because she assumed I’d already heard the gossip about her being head over heels in love with me.” Drake popped the last of his peach bread in his mouth. “At least the city says I’m dashing.”
“If it helps,” Nicole said, “most of this city doesn’t know what it’s talking about.”
Drake side-eyed her.
“Though Lord Skybreak is quite dashing,” she added with a coy smile.
“I’m telling Val you said that.”
“Oh, she agrees with me! If you two get married, we have already agreed who to ogle.”
Emily chose that moment to wander into the kitchen wearing even less clothing than Valentia, eyed the two of them while barely awake, and then walked out without another word.
“I did suggest you stay in bed,” Nicole said smugly.
Drake honestly didn’t even care any longer. “Just tell me when the courtesans get here.”
He expected Nicole to make another joke about that and was almost disappointed when she didn’t. Given he had no idea where his battle maids and servants were and who was actually dressed, he decided to hang out in the kitchen until the sun rose. Fortunately, Emily re-entered in full battle maid attire not long after she left.
“Morning, lord!” Emily said cheerily. “Did you sleep well?”
“I did all right,” he agreed. “Did you enjoy your pastries last night?”
“Oh yes. I was going to save you one, but then I remembered I was hungry.”
He motioned with his head. “Want to clear the balcony for me?”
“At once, lord!” She strode out with new purpose.
Once Emily had once again verified no souls were anywhere in evidence that could shoot him on a tenth floor balcony, Drake walked out and sat down just as the first faint blush of red began to color the dark sky and tint the blue water. The sunrise was already gorgeous.
Emily took up her protective position at the railing, where she could keep an eye out for any souls that shouldn’t be nearby. Not long after Drake settled himself, soft footfalls announced Lydia’s return. She, thank the Eidolons, was fully dressed.
Lydia grabbed a seat and settled herself beside him. “All is prepared.”
Having a steward this competent was a benefit he was never going to take for granted. “Nice. Did you hear how dashing the capital thinks I am?”
“I can certainly understand why Lord Skybreak would be annoyed by the rumors regarding her romantic relationships. However, I doubt she blames you for loose talk in the capital. I wouldn’t worry about her commitment to our alliance.”
“I’m not worried. I just hope she doesn’t think we started those rumors. Did you tell Anna the good news about today?”
Lydia smiled. “I did not feel it right to wake her. But I will let her know once she rises.”
“And when Samuel got back last night, did he have anything to tell you?”
“Only that he continues to gather information with his spies. He, too, has learned of the purpose of the cabal. He seemed rather cross Lady Skybreak’s spies beat him to it.”
Drake grinned. “Good reminder for the old man to step up his game.”
“He also agrees with your caution for today, though he is not thrilled with the idea of us all freely wandering the city.”
Before Drake could say anything, Lydia spoke again.
“I eased his doubts. Your plan is sound, and he eventually accepted it.”
Of course she had. “Thanks, Lydia.”
She offered a warm smile in response and then looked to the rising sun.
As the sun rose, it tinted the once blue bay the color of blood. The sight of a bay-sized expanse of human blood was not the best omen for today’s cabal, unless, of course, Drake visualized it as the blood of his enemies. In which case, it was fucking metal.
Valentia joined them on the balcony as the sun continued to rise, but Nicole did not. She must be watching the door. Despite how much she vexed him sometimes... or most times... Drake appreciated her taking one for the team.
No one spoke as the sun crept upward and a line of light marched inevitably across Korhaurbauten. Light turned the dark roofs below to a bright crimson. They all watched as the first tiny dots of boats set out for the day. From up here, they were rice grain-size specks of white that spread across the bay as the water faded from red to orange to a brilliant blue.
Next the great bells of the capital tolled, the audible signal that would announce the start of a new full day for many in the city. Drake knew from his reading that not everyone in the city had the luxury of eternally burning magic lights. Therefore, those who did not take advantage of every moment of daylight would quickly fall behind.
A faint knock sounded just before Lydia rose. “Those would be our courtesans, lord.”
Drake stood as well. “Great. Let’s go see how you made out yesterday night.”
Emily grinned wide. “You sent Lydia off to round up some courtesans?” She gave Lydia a hearty slap on the back. “You should get one for you too. It’s time to end that dry spell.”
Lydia cleared her throat very loudly. “Would you kindly go don your veil?”
“Is that an order, mistress?”
Lydia offered her a narrowed gaze. “What do you think?”
Despite not falling asleep until early in the morning, Drake woke before dawn and couldn’t get back to sleep. He was simultaneously excited and nervous about his first cabal. Excited because he finally had a chance to directly confront the manor lords who had attacked him, and nervous because he worried they had traps he wasn’t prepared for.
Simply passing his hand over a lightly glowing metal tile on the wall caused four metal lamps to ignite on four sides of the room, giving him light in the otherwise entirely dark room. Korhaurbauten had useful magic items. The door to his private sleeping chamber was closed, so Drake dressed for the day and pondered taking one last look at his dossiers.
The thought of shoving his face in those books again made him feel physically unwell. He’d done enough reading for this trip. There was nothing he could do to prepare himself for today that he had not done already, so he simply had to keep his mind clear and focused until second bell. That would ring a few hours after sunrise.
As they’d discussed last night, Drake knocked on the door to his private chambers before unlocking the door. A moment later, he got a response.
“It’s just horrible out here!” Nicole called from the other side of the door. “It’s so dark and cold. Just think about how nice and fluffy your warm bed—”
Drake opened the door and stepped out, which caused Nicole to sigh and turn to him in disappointment. “Why did you not listen to my warning?”
“Because I’m hungry. You?”
“Vexed. Any chance you could sleep until it’s Emily’s turn to guard you? We have wine. I’ll get you wine.”
“Nope, I’m up.” As he closed the door, Drake was pleased to annoy her for a change. “How was the night shift?”
“Uneventful.”
“Well, good job standing guard.”
“Standing in one spot is one of my many skills.” Nicole fell in beside him as he wandered for the kitchen. “Meryl will not be preparing breakfast until first light.”
“That’s fine. I’ll just grab a pastry.”
“There is a problem with that, lord.”
“What?” Drake frowned at her. “You can’t tell me the pastries are poisoned.”
“If they were, we would all be very dead.”
Drake groaned. “You ate them? All of them? There were like twenty of those things!”
Nicole now looked genuinely abashed. “Emily assisted! She ate more than me!”
“Wow,” Drake said. “Way to throw your fellow battle maid under the bus.”
“Emily pressured Val and me to join her in eating pastries so she wouldn’t feel guilty. We were only supporting her as we all support each other!”
“And your sweet tooth,” Drake reminded her. “So I guess I’ll just have... bread.” And maybe some jam if he could find it.
Drake wandered into the small private kitchen included with the rooms set aside for his manor and found it all but spotless. His people were efficient as always. He rummaged through the cupboards as quietly as he could manage, hoping not to wake anyone up.
Valentia wandered into the kitchen with a yawn. “Are we preparing breakfast already?” She then stopped, eyes narrowed at Drake. She wore a thin shift and little else.
Drake stared in involuntary and acute shock before immediately turning to face the cupboards. “Morning! Val.” He busied himself searching the labels on small jars.
“You are awake.” Valentia sounded equally surprised and annoyed by this revelation.
“Woke up early. Couldn’t get back to sleep. Was going to eat a pastry for an early morning snack, but apparently my battle maids got very hungry overnight.” Why was he explaining himself?
“It’s really hot in the capital!” Nicole explained unnecessarily, which had absolutely nothing to do with Drake’s current dilemma. “Val has trouble staying cool even back in Gloomwood, so you’re just lucky she wasn’t walking around na—”
“Do not overshare,” Valentia interrupted firmly. Though Drake wasn’t looking, he was pretty sure she was glaring ice shards at Nicole. “I will leave you to your breakfast, lord.” He assumed, by the silence that followed, that Valentia had left the kitchen to get dressed.
Drake took a deep, calming breath. This was like living in a college sorority house as the only dude, which, a few years ago, would have been his absolute dream. The problem was, he was also the head of the college in this absurdly inappropriate metaphor, which made what would have been otherwise thrilling accidental interactions awkward as fuck.
When he turned the next jar around, he saw that it was clearly labeled as peach preserves. Sweet! That would make the bread a little more palatable. He pulled it out of the cupboard and was relieved to find himself once more alone with a fully-dressed Nicole.
With focus, he popped the lid on the jar of peach preserves. The true power of a manor lord. “Did Lydia and Samuel ever make it back last night?”
“Samuel returned shortly after you went to bed,” Nicole said. “Lydia a few hours later. Both still sleep, which is what normal people do before the sun has risen.”
Drake knew Lydia must have been successful in hiring his courtesans. She would never have come back otherwise. That improved his mood. He couldn’t wait to see the expression on Lord Proudglade’s face when that fucker finally figured it out.
He found a fresh loaf of bread easily, but he had nothing to cut it with and didn’t want to just rip it apart. That would get crumbs everywhere. “Where can I find a knife?”
“Drawer to the left,” Nicole said.
Drake opened it to find a wide variety of napkins.
“Your other left,” she added.
He only now caught how she’d phrased her response. The left, not your left. She’d been fucking with him, again. “For future reference, that is your left, not mine.”
She smiled innocently. “Isn’t that what I said?”
A short time later, Drake had two slick slices of bread lumped with peach preserves which, as he bit into one, was definitely not one of the delicious pastries he’d sampled last night after he was full of steamed crab. This wasn’t bad, though. He chewed thoughtfully.
Nicole thumped down beside him and rested her elbows directly on the counter. “How did your midnight meeting with Lord Skybreak go? Lydia wouldn’t tell me anything.”
A reminder of Sky’s standoffishness last night dampened the rush of satisfaction he’d had after learning Lydia had acquired his courtesans. “They just had some information for me. We could be in for some real fuckery today at the cabal.” Drake shrugged. “But what else is new?” He took a big bite of his peach-preserve-covered bread.
“I hope it’s an exciting day,” Nicole agreed. “The gossip has certainly been interesting.”
Drake glanced at her. “You have gossip?”
She pouted in disappointment. “Do I have gossip. You truly are grumpy this morning.”
“You ate all my pastries. Now tell me what you’ve heard.”
“Well, to start, the town is abuzz with news that the new Lord Gloomwood and Lord Skybreak will announce an alliance between your manors. There’s even talk of a marriage.”
Drake grimaced. Nicole had to be fucking with him again, except... this wasn’t doublespeak, and she couldn’t lie. And telling him the truth fucked with him more.
“Rumors a manor merger is in the works have already taken hold across the capital,” Nicole continued. “In fact, some gossip claims that Lord Skybreak has fallen hopelessly in love with the dashing young lord of Gloomwood Manor. A man who rescued her and ensnared her with his devilish charms.”
Drake sighed heavily and set back what was left of his toast. “That explains that.”
“Explains what?” Nicole asked eagerly. “I wish things explained.”
“I can’t imagine Sky’s thrilled with having the entire capital claiming she’s some lovestruck little girl wrapped around the finger of another manor lord.” Sky’s visible discomfort with him last night finally made sense. “That sort of gossip would piss me off.”
Nicole tilted her head. “So she has soured on the idea of our alliance?”
“No, she’s still on board, she just seemed awkward last night. Probably because she assumed I’d already heard the gossip about her being head over heels in love with me.” Drake popped the last of his peach bread in his mouth. “At least the city says I’m dashing.”
“If it helps,” Nicole said, “most of this city doesn’t know what it’s talking about.”
Drake side-eyed her.
“Though Lord Skybreak is quite dashing,” she added with a coy smile.
“I’m telling Val you said that.”
“Oh, she agrees with me! If you two get married, we have already agreed who to ogle.”
Emily chose that moment to wander into the kitchen wearing even less clothing than Valentia, eyed the two of them while barely awake, and then walked out without another word.
“I did suggest you stay in bed,” Nicole said smugly.
Drake honestly didn’t even care any longer. “Just tell me when the courtesans get here.”
He expected Nicole to make another joke about that and was almost disappointed when she didn’t. Given he had no idea where his battle maids and servants were and who was actually dressed, he decided to hang out in the kitchen until the sun rose. Fortunately, Emily re-entered in full battle maid attire not long after she left.
“Morning, lord!” Emily said cheerily. “Did you sleep well?”
“I did all right,” he agreed. “Did you enjoy your pastries last night?”
“Oh yes. I was going to save you one, but then I remembered I was hungry.”
He motioned with his head. “Want to clear the balcony for me?”
“At once, lord!” She strode out with new purpose.
Once Emily had once again verified no souls were anywhere in evidence that could shoot him on a tenth floor balcony, Drake walked out and sat down just as the first faint blush of red began to color the dark sky and tint the blue water. The sunrise was already gorgeous.
Emily took up her protective position at the railing, where she could keep an eye out for any souls that shouldn’t be nearby. Not long after Drake settled himself, soft footfalls announced Lydia’s return. She, thank the Eidolons, was fully dressed.
Lydia grabbed a seat and settled herself beside him. “All is prepared.”
Having a steward this competent was a benefit he was never going to take for granted. “Nice. Did you hear how dashing the capital thinks I am?”
“I can certainly understand why Lord Skybreak would be annoyed by the rumors regarding her romantic relationships. However, I doubt she blames you for loose talk in the capital. I wouldn’t worry about her commitment to our alliance.”
“I’m not worried. I just hope she doesn’t think we started those rumors. Did you tell Anna the good news about today?”
Lydia smiled. “I did not feel it right to wake her. But I will let her know once she rises.”
“And when Samuel got back last night, did he have anything to tell you?”
“Only that he continues to gather information with his spies. He, too, has learned of the purpose of the cabal. He seemed rather cross Lady Skybreak’s spies beat him to it.”
Drake grinned. “Good reminder for the old man to step up his game.”
“He also agrees with your caution for today, though he is not thrilled with the idea of us all freely wandering the city.”
Before Drake could say anything, Lydia spoke again.
“I eased his doubts. Your plan is sound, and he eventually accepted it.”
Of course she had. “Thanks, Lydia.”
She offered a warm smile in response and then looked to the rising sun.
As the sun rose, it tinted the once blue bay the color of blood. The sight of a bay-sized expanse of human blood was not the best omen for today’s cabal, unless, of course, Drake visualized it as the blood of his enemies. In which case, it was fucking metal.
Valentia joined them on the balcony as the sun continued to rise, but Nicole did not. She must be watching the door. Despite how much she vexed him sometimes... or most times... Drake appreciated her taking one for the team.
No one spoke as the sun crept upward and a line of light marched inevitably across Korhaurbauten. Light turned the dark roofs below to a bright crimson. They all watched as the first tiny dots of boats set out for the day. From up here, they were rice grain-size specks of white that spread across the bay as the water faded from red to orange to a brilliant blue.
Next the great bells of the capital tolled, the audible signal that would announce the start of a new full day for many in the city. Drake knew from his reading that not everyone in the city had the luxury of eternally burning magic lights. Therefore, those who did not take advantage of every moment of daylight would quickly fall behind.
A faint knock sounded just before Lydia rose. “Those would be our courtesans, lord.”
Drake stood as well. “Great. Let’s go see how you made out yesterday night.”
Emily grinned wide. “You sent Lydia off to round up some courtesans?” She gave Lydia a hearty slap on the back. “You should get one for you too. It’s time to end that dry spell.”
Lydia cleared her throat very loudly. “Would you kindly go don your veil?”
“Is that an order, mistress?”
Lydia offered her a narrowed gaze. “What do you think?”
