Chapter 3 #3
“Tonight,” Zilek said. “It was supposed to be tomorrow, but I talked the cork oracle into moving it so the date wouldn’t conflict with the opening night of the elven ballet.”
Though the term cork oracle almost knocked her ore cart over—was that the leader?—Rylana stayed focused enough to ask, “Are you allowed to bring guests?”
“If they’re appropriately cultured, educated, and sophisticated, yes. Or at least would be interesting to those who are. You’ll recall from your eavesdropping the day we met that I tried to invite my brother.”
“I do recall that. Would you deign to…” Rylana paused, wondering if she could trust Zilek enough to go somewhere with him if he agreed to her proposal.
Minutes ago, she’d been worrying about him carrying out his aunt’s desire to slay her.
But one glance over her shoulder at Jildarin slumping against the door hardened her determination.
“Would you deign to take me?” she made herself ask.
Zilek blinked in surprise a few times before looking her up and down and laughing shortly. “I’m afraid not. Bookkeepers wouldn’t be interesting conversation companions, and you certainly don’t qualify under my list of descriptors.”
“I’m educated.” Though Rylana hated using her family name as a way to gain access or favors, she added, “And I come from one of the original founding families of Tranquility.” She waved across the lake in the direction of her father’s castle. “The Avandars.”
“Oh, but, dear. Look at you.” Zilek pointed at her clothing. “When I take female guests, they’re beautiful and elegant and certainly don’t wear knives, combat boots, and trousers with such a ridiculous number of pockets.”
“I only have one knife.” And she was only wearing her boots because her shoes had gotten muddy and damp during the rainy jog.
“But eight pockets. That is a fashion faux pas.”
“They’re handy for holding things you need when your unit is in the field. Fire starters, tools, dragon repellent.”
“Hysterical.”
“Look, I’ll wear something feminine for your meeting. I was going to buy a dress for the ballet anyway. And I know I’m not hideous, not that looks should matter for drinking wine.”
“No… I suppose you might be comely in a dress that enhanced your feminine assets.” Zilek made two cupping motions in the air near his chest, then slid his hands down to outline his hips. “You would need to wash and comb that… nest.” He waved at her hair.
Rylana was already regretting her idea. If not for the ever-present peacekeepers and their golems, she might have run down the street to catch Aztor, leap on him, and throttle him until he gave better answers to their questions. Sometimes, she missed her mercenary days.
“You’ll take me if I get a pretty dress?” Rylana made herself ask.
“Will it have fewer pockets?”
“I assume so. Since they’re apparently not fashionable.”
“Hm.” Judging by the way Zilek looked toward his brother, as if he hoped Jildarin would drag Rylana away before he had to reject her bluntly, she didn’t think he was going to say yes.
Fighting a tinge of desperation, Rylana blurted, “I’ll bring a friend along.
One so beautiful that every male in the meeting will be envious that she’s standing next to you. ”
Zilek’s eyes narrowed, but was that a touch of interest in them? “The elf that other elves are hunting because she’s an assassin? And that you assured me isn’t in the city?”
Silently apologizing to Sylin for volunteering her for this, Rylana nodded. “Yes. I’m sure I could find her and talk her into this.” Actually, Rylana wasn’t sure of that but added, “Even when she’s in combat boots and covered in pockets, she’s beautiful. You can’t deny that.”
“Oh, yes. I did notice her beauty. Very well. If you bring her, you may join us.”
“Excellent. What time and where?”
If she learned that information, Rylana could attend whether she found Sylin or not. For that matter, maybe she could get in and out before Zilek showed up. The cultured, sophisticated, and educated didn’t care to be seen arriving unsociably early, after all.
“I can bring a carriage and pick you up if you wish,” Zilek said.
“There’s no need for you to go out of your way. My legs work well, and I enjoy exercise.”
His lip curled. “You don’t intend to arrive coated in a sheen of sweat, do you?”
“I’ll do my best to walk to your meeting without perspiring.”
“Very well. The doors open two hours after dark in the basement of the Tinkerer’s Laboratory on Lake View Perch.” Zilek nodded to her and headed for the storeroom exit.
“That should be an interesting outing,” Zalani said, having caught who knew how much as she cleared tables nearby.
“I have no doubt.” Rylana turned toward her. “You usually wear dresses and look nicely put together.” Zalani tended to show more skin than Rylana preferred for her own fashion sensibilities, but it was always tasteful skin. “Any chance you’d like to help me pick out something?”
“Something without pockets?”
“Well, maybe a hidden pocket or two.”
“I do enjoy a sartorial challenge.”