Corvin casually deflected the question. “We haven’t been making much time for sightseeing.” Rogam chuckled appreciatively. I frowned, mulling over his words. Was this some sort of test? “The Kalypise Gardens aren’t located in Kincardine.”
They were a large enough attraction even I had read about them.
I studied Rogam’s face but there was no change in his expression. “Hmm? Oh yes, of course. Slip of the tongue. The Kirbrook Gardens. Easy to get confused when you travel as often as I do. I would highly recommend visiting either destination.”
An innocent mistake? Or an ill-intentioned trap? No way to tell for sure, but I would need to stay alert or I risked accidentallyrevealing to our host that we didn’t live in Kothia ourselves. “We’ll certainly keep that in mind. Thank you for the thoughtful suggestion.”
His interest in us apparently fading, Rogam angled his body toward the elegant couple across the table, greeting them with a charismatic smile. “Lady Rosemund, looking as lovely as ever tonight. Here to add another piece to your jewelry collection?”
The conversation took a turn I couldn’t follow as they gossiped congenially about various noble families and places in Kincardine I didn’t know. Quietly, I resumed eating, hoping my silence wouldn’t be considered remarkable.
Corvin’s lips brushed my ear. “You should try some of that dish.” He pointed to a blue serving platter. He watched my face, grinning, as I served myself some of the roasted meat he’d recommended, served on a bed of mashed potatoes. “Good, right?” My first bite went down in an explosion of savory flavor. I grinned back at him, nodding. “Good.”
Rogam’s next question was directed to the man dressed in royal colors. “Enjoying the meal, Kharum? It’s an honor to have a member of the Royal Library here tonight.” The man,wearing a librarian’s smock, inclined his head in polite acknowledgment. He was the only guest whose hair was white from old age. “The book you found is worth the trip. The historical significance of Hulen’sThe Downfall of Astariato Queen Elasha can’t be overstated.”
I perked up at the change in topic.Something I can contribute toward.I knew history. And I knew books. I knewthatbook too. A copy resided in my library on the island. Tentatively, I chimed into their conversation. “Personally, I found it to be a fascinating take on the Battle of Tryadatva.”
My words didn’t have the intended effect.
A tense silence followed in their wake.
Kharum’s face flushed—an unpleasant, mottled red coloration spreading across his cheeks. “What is the meaning of this, Rogam? Perhaps you can elaborate on why this girl has read a text you’ve claimed to be the last remaining copy in existence? A text Queen Elasha is prepared to pay handsomely to obtain?”
I would have bristled at the librarian’s dismissal if my blood hadn’t run cold watching Rogam’s smile slip for the first time since entering the dining room. For a fleeting moment, anger crossed his face, twisting his handsome features into a menacing countenance. He was angry. Or…maybe not. His smile quickly returned in full force.Did anybody else notice?My unease amplified. Nothing good ever came of that expression on a powerful man’s face.
When he spoke, his voice was calm and placating. “There is no denyingThe Downfall of Astariais a rare book. I don’t need to tell you that. This is simply a misunderstanding, I’m sure. The Battle of Tryadatva has been mentioned in several other seminal works. Are you surprised my guests are well read, Kharum?” Rogam laughed good-naturedly, attempting to lighten the mood.
Corvin joined in the laughter. “My fiancée does love to read. Always has her nose buried in a book.”
I shot him a grateful look. “I must apologize. Indeed, I seem to have confused the book title. Please forgive my mistake.”
The arrival of the serving staff spared me from any further embarrassment. In a polished routine, they began to clear the dinner plates from the table, hastily replacing them with platters of pastries and cakes for the dessert course of the meal. It was at that point that Rogam rose from his seat. “Please, everyone, enjoy the desserts. I recommend the chocolate pudding myself. Lady Rosemund, would you like to be the first to join me in my study to discuss business?” The young couple followed him out of the room. I watched as they entered the study across the hallway. Only this time, Rogam shut the doors behind himself.
The chocolate pudding was superb, but my nerves were starting to intensify, and I could barely appreciate its taste, my tongue dry and heavy in my mouth.Does Rogam suspect us?I ate another spoonful of pudding, enjoying it even less than my first bite.
I looked up when the study doors opened again. Lady Rosemund exited the study first. An ornate diamond necklace now adorned her neck, dazzling even brighter than the crystal chandelier above me. Rather than return to the dining room, the young couple waltzed happily back down the hallway toward the manor’s entrance. Rogam, presumably, all the richer for their purchase. He assisted Lady Farnwick’s maid next, sending her with a few servants to help carry the casket of wine he conjured.
Rogam’s neighbor left as soon as he finished his dessert. True to his word—here for the meal and nothing more. The man at the back of the room stood up next, never once removing the hood of his cloak. At the staff’s signal, he walked out of the dining room, entering the study.
I kept my eyes glued to the study doors. If I were interested in knowing what any of the other guests sought at Rogam’s manor, it was him. I was met only with disappointment, however, when the man re-emerged; whatever he was leaving with, he wasn’t openly advertising its identity.
Kharum was summoned next.
Rogam saved us for last.Perhaps because he didn’t yet know what we wanted.
Our desires were still a mystery to him.
Corvin and I exchanged a worried look as the sounds of angry shouting spilled forth from behind the study’s closed doors. I strained my ears, trying to decipher Kharum’s words. “She knew the name!Battle of Tryadatva…lost to history…more copies!…lying about its value!…better have been an honest mistake.I report to the queen!” I cringed, finally comprehending theconsequences of my earlier blunder. Evidently, Kharum had not been entirely convinced by my attempt to backtrack. Was the Battle of Tryadatva really lost to history? How many books in my library were rare in the wider realm?I didn’t realize how precious my collection truly was…
The shouting eventually ceased. Had they worked out a deal? Despite my influence? When Kharum finally departed, he clutched his satchel to himself protectively. Plus one rare book? I breathed a sigh of relief. If I managed to sour our relationship with Rogam already, the next phase of our plan was not going to go well.
He didn’t call for us right away.
Just when enough time had passed for a burgeoning swell of panic to strike me, one of the serving staff appeared at my elbow. “Rogam will see you now.” I nodded stiffly, rising from the table. The small stretch between the dining room and the study loomed large, my fear and trepidation causing the hallway to stretch ominously in my mind. Corvin and I entered together to find Rogam sitting in an armchair by the fireplace. He looked up as we approached, gesturing to the twin set of armchairs across from him.
“Thank you for your patience. I’m eager to learn more about your needs. I value my repeat customers, of course. But I must admit, I have a penchant for novelty above all else.”
I relaxed a degree at the cordial tone of his voice. He didn’t sound angry or resentful over the book transaction. Rogam uncorked the bottle of amber liquid sitting on the small end table between us. “I prefer to save the high-quality liquor for my business dealings. Would you care for some?” Corvin and I both politely accepted a glass.
