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Odette’s mouth dropped open, and she sputtered. But I wasn’t finished. “She is kind and talented. She cares about helping those in need, not ruining the very city where she grew up. Shame on you for being so judgmental of her because of her occupation.”
“I’m just thankful those shows aren’t happening here anymore. I only ever cared aboutyourreputation, Nyx.”
“Let me worry about my reputation,” I retorted. “Your job is to rid this kingdom of dark magic.”
She met my gaze coolly. “Then you must do your part, too. Question the dancer.”
“Call her by her name,” I seethed between my teeth.
“Question Maren,” she corrected, but her gaze never faltered. “I’ll come with you if you think you can’t handle the inquisition.”
My eyes bulged. “Inquisition?” I echoed. “You’re insane.” Rising abruptly, I threw my napkin on the table, fuming as I stormed toward the double dining room doors.
I still had to get to a Council of Ministers session that morning, although I had half a mind to skip it and go to Maren directly.
But I wasn’t looking forward to questioning her, either, about any kind of role she might have played in the chaos of that night, a month ago.
Seeing her again was going to be sweet agony, the urge to touch her undoubtedly going to overcome me. It was clear she didn’t want me to trouble her anymore, and I had promised to leave her alone, but this wasn’t about us. This was about the kingdom, even though I was sure Odette was wrong.
The car waited in its usual spot, and I allowed the chauffeur to open the back door. Without a word, I slipped inside, a light snow sprinkling over the courtyard as we drove off.
I fiddled with the phone in my hand, pursing my lips as I thought of something to say to Maren. Sighing, I settled with a phone call, unable to put my thoughts into a simple text. I got her voicemail. She was either asleep or already at the club for rehearsal.
“Good morning, Maren, it’s me… Nyx,” I began, startled at how nervous I was merely speaking into her voicemail. “I know I promised not to contact you, but there is a matter I need to?—”
I cut myself off as the other line beeped, and I saw Maren’s name on the display. Drawing in another breath, I answered.
“Nyx?” she breathed.
Is she happy? Angry?It was hard to tell with the single word.
“Hi,” I responded simply. “How are you?”
“I…” She also inhaled sharply. “You called?”
Disappointment fell through me, and I realized I’d made a big mistake by not telling her the truth the day she had accused me of killing her boss.
Why did I act so stubbornly? If I’d just stayed and talked it out with her…
“I know I said I wouldn’t bother you, but I need to speak to you about something,” I reiterated what I’d already said in the voice message. “I was just leaving you a message.”
“Oh…”
“I’m headed into the Council of Ministers meeting right now, but maybe I could stop by afterward?”
A long silence ensued, and annoyance surged up within me.
As I parted my lips to recant my offer, she agreed. “Okay,” she whispered. I almost didn’t hear her.
“Did you say yes?” I asked. “I can barely hear you.”
“Yes,” she repeated, only slightly louder.
I frowned, sensing that something was wrong with her. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine. What time should I expect you?” Now her tone was firm and stern.
“Around six. I’ll bring dinner.” My words left no room for argument, and she didn’t protest. In fact, she said nothing at all, deepening my frown. “Maren?”
