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We travel in silence, and Erik’s stride is purposeful. Getting me to the meeting: that’s his only objective. It’ll be a relief to get rid of him. The delightful numbness has worn off by the time we reach the closed door. Erik nods to a tall, stern guard in that way that men greet each other.
Erik peels my arm back from his and guides me inside. He doesn’t follow, but as he bows his farewell, I catch a simple ‘I’m sorry’ escape his lips.
Bit late for that.
Inside, Loricel sits at the far side of a large circular oak table and Maela perches on a leather-backed chair by the door. She straightens up and thrusts her chin forward as I enter the room. I’m pretty sure she’s going for proud, but really she just looks constipated. And my old buddy Cormac is at a small bar in the corner, pouring a drink.
‘Good to see everything’s back to normal,’ I say.
From her seat across the room, Loricel’s smile turns into a frown of disapproval.
‘Adelice,’ Cormac says, stirring a squat crystal glass, ‘always a pleasure to see you.’
Such a politician.
‘Have a seat,’ Loricel says.
I take a deep breath and plop down into a chair. I start to cross my legs, but remember I’m wearing trousers, so I lean forward, legs wide, and give Maela a baiting grin. Her face stays serene, but her knuckles go white.
‘I was shocked to hear of the unfortunate incident with your mentor,’ Cormac says, taking a chair next to me.
‘Were you?’ I ask with wide eyes.
‘I was,’ he repeats in a tone that dares me to ask again. ‘Sometimes the demands of a Spinster can be overwhelming, and with the important work we do here we can forget to look after our own.’
‘I’ve felt very looked after,’ I assure him.
Maela clears her throat beside me. ‘Enora struggled with—’
‘Save it,’ I snap at her. ‘We know what Enora struggled with.’
‘Remember yo
ur place—’
‘Enough,’ Loricel says in a quiet voice. ‘Adelice knows her place, and you would do well to learn your own, Maela.’
‘She’s barely even been on a loom,’ Maela says.
‘She’s got more talent in her left pinky than you have in your whole body,’ Loricel responds.
I have to bite back a smile.
‘Don’t be arrogant,’ Loricel says, turning on me. ‘She’s right. With this political nonsense, you’ve had no real training.’
‘The Coventry needs to maintain a face of power,’ Cormac says, sipping his drink. ‘Adelice is key to that.’
‘Cormac, you worry about the political and I’ll keep this world working,’ Loricel says, slamming her hands down on the table. ‘If you plan to move her into my position, she needs to be prepared, not indoctrinated.’
‘Do I even need to be here for this?’ I ask.
‘Watch your mouth, girl,’ he growls.
‘I’d play nicer with your future Creweler, Cormac,’ Loricel says to him. ‘She may not be as forgiving as I am.’
‘The point is, she’s not ready,’ Maela reminds them, and they both glare at her.
‘I’m ready enough.’
