Page 19 of Blood and Moonlight

“Perrete.” Simon leans back at my casual use of her name. “Did you know her before?”

My answer comes before I can stop it. “She visited Magister Thomas sometimes.”

No, I mustn’t say that.

“But not for what you think,” I rush to add. What was in that tea? I put a hand over my eyes.Concentrate.I have to explain what I’ve admitted without revealing anything that would raise suspicion.

“Her father worked for the architect years ago, but he died.” Truth is the easiest path, and I walk down it, picking my words as carefully as roses from thorny vines. “Magister Thomas tried to make sure she wasn’t destitute, but… he hasn’t given her money in a long time.” The tears that rush to my eyes are real. “Her death was a shock to him.”

Simon nods in understanding. “I can imagine.” He sighs and looks to Lambert. “Cousin, I think Miss—Cat needs to go home. Would you mind escorting her there?”

“Certainly.” I hear Lambert standing, though the noise sounds like it’s coming from the bottom of a well. “I’ll be back in a few minutes,” he tells Simon as he helps me to my feet.

“Don’t bother.” Simon yawns. “I’m too tired to do anything more today. You probably are, too.”

Lambert guides me out of the room, his gloved hand holding my arm as we navigate the hall and staircase. Somehow I make it down two flights and out the front door, though I’m not sure my feet ever touch the ground. Lambert anchors me with his steadiness, but I feel like I’m drifting above him as we walk up the street. The Sanctum looms ahead, bringing a smile to my face. “Beautiful, isn’t it?” I ask.

“If you like that sort of thing,” he replies.

“I do,” I say. “Do you know there hasn’t been an accident in five years? Do you know why?”

“Why?” His voice is laced with amusement.

“Because of me,” I answer solemnly. “I climb all over the scaffolds, looking for problems. That’s why I was hired.”

“Where were you before that?”

“At Solis Abbey.”

Lambert nods. “Ah, yes, Juliane said she recognized you from there.” He directs our path the same way I came, probably because cutting through side streets with a young woman leaning heavily on one’s arm isn’t very proper.

My focus remains on the Sanctum despite the brilliant sunlight reflecting off it. It’s magnificent. I never understood Mother Agnes’s objection to my work, as it’s for the glory of the Sun.

“The prioress was upset when I left,” I say, filling the silence with my thought. “I used to have tea with her once a week, butI haven’t in a while. I miss her.” The last admission is a surprise to me.

It’s her fault, though.

“Someone is waving at us,” Lambert says. We’ve reached the open plaza. Remi runs toward us, wearing a scowl.

“That’s Magister Thomas’s apprentice,” I say brightly.

Remi’s close enough to hear me. “Not anymore. I’m a journeyman now, remember?” Without waiting for an answer, he asks, “What’s wrong, Cat?”

“Nothing. No thing. Not a thing.” I burst into giggles, though I’m not sure why the words are so funny.

“Is shedrunk?” Remi yanks me away from Lambert, and I stumble into his side.

“No, no.” Lambert shakes his head. “She only had some tea. Some of the questions we asked about last night were distressing, and it was meant to help.”

“What in Sun’s Light was in that tea?” Remi nearly yells. “Skonia?”

“Don’t be mad at him,” I say, leaning into Remi’s shoulder. He smells like stone dust and sweat. The scent of hard work. “The venatre gave it to me.”

“Then he’ll answer for that.” Remi leads me away. “I’ll take her home from here.”

Lambert watches us go. Something deep inside me cringes in embarrassment as I blow him a kiss goodbye.