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“This is Alys Stormdust-Quinn.” Elise nodded to me. “Alys, this is Deirdre and Melissa Rossi.”
Melissa laughed. “Cohen- Rossi you know that, Aunt Elise.”
Deirdre nodded at me. “It's polite not to offer my hand, correct?”
Like her sister she appeared slender and fragile. Unlike Elise, she had an aura of bone-deep sadness that made me very glad that I had turned down my emotion sensing abilities. She looked like the ghost of a winter killed reed, still lovely but with no life.
It was also weird, they all had the milky jade of the first families between their brows. The highest caste in the Guild sitting here with me.
“Yes. Thank you for your consideration.” In keeping with Elise’s request, I shifted more toward the window.
“You're the Indentured that we met in Durgion aren't you? The one who taught Ellis is a much needed lesson about not using weapons that he is not certified for?” Amusement was clear in Melissa's voice.
Next to us I overheard Elise murmur, “Do you still know people who can check and make sure that Kara isn't being held in secret detention?”
“I do. I'll know by the end of the day if she is. And if she is, she'll be out as soon as I find out.” Deirdre's answer was in the same tone as Elise’s request. Sweet, polite, and as implacable as lava.
“Yes. Given that he nearly killed a dryad the next time I saw him, I hope he's been put under strict supervision.” Well I had to reply to Melissa’s question, and try to cover the long pause, I couldn't help the dry tone in my voice. As far as I could tell, the man was an idiot.
“As I understand it, he's grounded for life.” She shrugged, golden-brown eyes intent on mine. “I heard a little bit of what happened at the house. The mercenaries and all that. Is it possible that Kara’s been kidnapped?”
I hoped Elise hadn't heard that. “No, I'm pretty sure the bureaucracy grabbed her and doesn't know where it stuck her. Or it won't tell. I do know she was taken to someplace safe before she disappeared.”
She closed her eyes briefly in what looked like relief. “Good. I was worried. Kara's nice.”
The conversation prevented me from eavesdropping on any more of what was exchanged between Elise and Deirdre. It was also a little strange since I didn't sense the inhuman presence that I had before that I had thought might be a spirit possessing Melissa. Possibly I was wrong, it had happened before.
I need to find out who else had been in that group, who else might be possessed.
“She should be back by the day of the Ball.” Deirdre rose. “I'll speak with people about it. Don't worry Elise, this can be fixed.”
“It was nice meeting you. I hope we can meet again soon.” Melissa went to join her mother. As they passed me, I nearly threw up. My undependable magic decided to gift me the sensation of clinging muck I associated with spells to control emotions. The intensity of the sensation meant Deirdre had more than one on her. When I encountered her husband, he tried to put one on me.
I was going to have to mention this to Elise.
Once they went outside, I reconsidered. Possibly it was better to mention it to Walker and see if he thought it was a good idea to tell Elise. I didn't know if there was anything she could do about the situation, or if she knew about it.
When Walker returned later that evening, I decided the direct was best.
“Why is the president allowed to legally use illegal emotion control magic on people? He tried to put one on me, and I felt a bunch on his wife. Is this another one of those irregular enforcement things that the Guild does?” It was phrased aggressively, but I was feeling aggressive too.
He paused, then took a sip of his coffee. “Because there are very few people that can detect it. You happen to be one of them. I'll pass on that he’s put a new one on to her to Silver and he will see about removing them. He's fond of her.”
“So why doesn't anyone stop him?”
“Because no one saw him put it on her, and the bar for evidence to indict the president is very high. Silver’s taking the stance of removing the controls rather than trying to confront him at least in the short term.”
Unpalatable and frustrating. I scowled.
“Silver and I both have to function within the law, Alys. The laws as written were written to favor those holding office. Getting the laws changed is difficult, though Robert is trying very hard. We do what we can with the resources we have.”
He looked sad. Given there was nothing I could do about the overarching situation, I decided to distract him instead which had the happy side effect of distracting me too.
Distraction in a different form arrived the next morning: two women, one carrying a bulky package.
“Hi!” The smaller of the pair, a youthful brunette carrying the package, swept into the sitting room. She entered on a wave of self-assurance and orange scent. Her eyes were old, though, and assessed my body to the inch as she set the package she carried on the table. It settled as if it contained something soft. “We’re from Designs by Ginevra.”
Elise made a small noise. I glanced at her and saw that her eyes were wide and her brows had shot up: an unexpected level of surprise at the mention of the name. Perhaps they were well-known clothing designers?
