The River King by Kim Alexander

Author:Kim Alexander [Alexander, Kim]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781692605100
Published: 2019-10-14T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Six

Mistra

May fiddled with her clutch as Stelle stepped down from the cab.

“Stop fussing,” Stelle said, putting a gloved hand over her own.

“Sorry.” May forced her hands to her sides and took a deep breath. Their cab pulled away and made room for another in the line waiting to arrive at Auri’s house. Well, Auri’s and Lelet’s, now. That remarkable letter had said it was Lelet’s pleasure to step in as a Second since she—May—and Rane were both “ill-equipped for the rigors of married life on the Mistran stage.” It went on the hope there were no tender feelings and to invite both ladies to an upcoming event, a celebration of all the involved parties. Stelle was invited to speak a few words in her area of expertise, regarding Mistra’s renewed friendship with Eriis, and in fact the ambassador himself would be in attendance. It was clear that somehow Auri had found out about her and Stelle and he was using it to push her aside in favor of Lelet and himself. Stelle’s suggestion was for an armed party visiting Auri at once, and she could have it fully stocked with bully boys within the hour. The offer was tempting but tabled as a last resort. There was no deliberation. They agreed they had to go, if only to see that Lelet was safe.

Based on the contents of the letter, May assumed this party was Auri’s way of both announcing his engagement to a lady with a number after her name and throwing it in the face of that lady’s former lover. He’d made a good show of it, at least here in front. The drive was golden with the light of a dozen knee-high, wrought-iron hurricane lamps. Marking the path to the door were tall vases of white roses with deep green pine boughs, and the lawn itself was immaculate, not a stray wildflower or weed. A fountain gurgled somewhere, and inside, people chatted in low voices, ice and glassware clinked, and soft music played. They brushed the backs of their hands together, their public kiss, and went inside.

Once relieved of their light summer coats, May took a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. “As much as I want all of these, I feel as if we’d better stay sharp.”

Stelle nodded. “Like a hatpin. We looking for anything in particular?” She would be giving her presentation later, so May knew she’d stay dry anyway. But she was so quick to volunteer for battle—any battle. That was one of the secret things about Stelle that May loved.

May shook her head. “Just a feeling. But Moth will be here, and—” she checked her wristwatch— “Scilla will be here when she’s done at court, and between the two of them I don’t imagine they’ll greet Auri with polite smiles.” She took stock of the room, not quite a ballroom, more like a large salon with all the furniture cleared out. Yet she couldn’t deny it was all tastefully done: more vases

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