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Then a man wearing soft green moved in. "There you are," he said. "I promised to show you the winter roses, and I'm sorry I got distracted."
The man was around the age of Jamik, and his smile was honest. He offered me his arm, then glanced over at Talin and tipped his head, including him in the invitation. I hadn't asked to see any roses, and I knew nothing about them, but the jade hawk holding down his cravat made it clear he was a priest. I looped my arm through his and allowed him to lead me toward the stairs on the far side of the balcony.
"Sorry about that," he said when we were far enough away. "Lady Silesia is on the prowl for good gossip, and I didn't want you to become her next victim." Then he turned, canting his head for Talin to walk with us. "My name is Edrik, Priest of the Word with Perception."
"Nariana," I told him, "and that's my guardian, Talin."
"Ah..." He turned us toward a cluster of bushes. "The infamous Priestess of Temptation, hm? Yes, we've heard about your marks in our temple. I'm pretty sure everyone has. It's not often that things change in the temples."
"I'm scared to ask what they're saying," I admitted.
He paused, releasing my arm to step back. "You're really not, and it's not all good. Some wonder if this is a sign that the gods are back. Others think it's proof that Temptation is falling apart. Do you care to share which is true?"
"The gods have always been here," I told him. "Unfortunately, they're too easy to relate to, and so we no longer believe in them enough. Over time, the temples - and the systems in them - have begun to fall apart. Which means, in a way, both are correct."
His eyes watched me. "Do you believe in the gods, Nariana?"
"I speak with them," I said, all too aware that this man was reading my face. "Is that the gossipyouwere looking for?"
Talin ducked his head and chuckled. "You're supposed to be a blushing initiate, Nari."
"I haven't blushed since I was a girl," I teased.
Edrik laughed at that. "I actually believe you. Now, are you willing to tell me what's going on with Lady Ranndor and the priest in there?"
"They're probably dancing," I said.
He waved that off. "I don't mean like that. I'm more curious about her making a move to lead the barony. It seems her husband has no taste for it."
"It's her duty as his wife," I reminded him.
"It is," he agreed. "But Lord Ranndor's absence has been noticed. So has the overreach of High Priest Kinen."
"So, the other temples think Temptation has a problem?" I asked, refusing to admit that he was right.
Edrik licked his lips and then sighed. "In truth, we all have some. Different problems, but I can't say one is worse than the others. The High Priests are growing fat on their lives of luxuries. Barons and their families are tithing smaller percentages of the taxes, yet still raising them every year. The gods are missing, and while we at Perception can see it, we're powerless to stop it. Some of us hope that you're a sign of some kind."
"Because of my marks," I realized.
He nodded. "Becausesomethinghas finally changed. Most of the people here won't like that. The lords and ladies are comfortable with the way things are. The nobility is getting richer than ever before. Watch your back, Nariana. Not all priests are on your side, and most of the nobility won't be."
"And you?" I asked.
He smiled. "I like to think of myself as an optimist. I'm hoping you're a sign, but I'm not quite ready to pick sides yet. Right now, I'm just looking for information."
"Aren't we all," I agreed. "And thank you for the rescue, but I'm not here to start rumors."
"You can't help but," he countered. "You see, that's the hard part about being something new. You're interesting, and that will make people talk, but let them. They'll wonder why an initiate was invited to a baron's function. They'll want to know how you managed to get patrons already." He smiled. "I'm too close, aren't I?"
"Much," I agreed. "Thankfully, I have some experience with the rumors after spending the holidays with my guardian's family."
"Ah," Edrik said, glancing over to Talin. "You're the Ranndor tithe?"
"I am," he admitted. "Tath is my brother."
Edrik smiled at me again. "Nariana, let them play their games. Let them talk. Don't try to stop them. Use their fascination to position yourself better."
"Better for what?" I asked.
