Page 12 of The Rumpled Gentleman

Chapter

Twelve

“ O rion, you’re looking at this the wrong way,” Callon said with a shake of his head. Orion had brought the problem Elara faced to his friend, explaining as he paced frantically back and forth in Callon’s study. “We don’t need a fortune in gold—or other metals—to convince the duke. We need cleverness and a touch of magic.”

Orion stopped pacing and faced him. “Magic?” he echoed.

“Yes, illusion magic,” Callon clarified with a nod. “We enchant the flax straw to appear as gold. Not just any illusion, but one strong enough to withstand casual observation and basic tests. We’ll need real gold thread, a strand, woven into the flax to anchor the illusion. The presence of actual gold will make the magic more convincing, more tangible.”

“That is powerful magic.” Orion rubbed the back of his neck, irritation making his scalp prickle. “And I’m an alchemist. Not a wizard. Elara’s ability with plants certainly won’t stretch that far. I can only think of a handful of people capable of that kind of trick, and I’m not intimate enough with any of them to request such help. Not when the duke is involved.”

“Then it’s a very good thing I know someone.” Callon’s smile looked almost sharp. “And she owes me a favor.”

How Callon knew so many people, Orion couldn’t begin to guess. As a half-elf, he had some access to the more fantastical forces in Society, but he lived on the outskirts of his father’s kind. Never quite accepted, thanks to his human mother’s blood.

“This is an enormous risk,” Orion said. “Anyone helping us could make an enemy of the duke.”

“Leave me to worry over that detail. You focus on your work and keeping Miss Millstone safe. You know, she’s been a handy distraction for your father while you prepare to ruin his fortune right beneath his nose.”

Orion shook his head, nettled. “Her life is important. As is her father’s.”

Callon’s grin turned even cockier. “I do not disagree. Merely noting that her presence has been convenient as much as it’s been a danger. The duke isn’t the only one she’s distracting, though. I hope you’re still focused on your task.”

“Of course.” Orion shoved his hand through his hair, the sleeve of his coat nearly knocking his spectacles askew. “An illusion is an interesting idea, if we can manage it. He will test whatever gold we produce.”

“That’s where the real artistry comes in,” Callon continued, tone warming as he explained his plan. “The enchantment will be bound to the real gold thread. As long as the thread remains unbroken and integrated with the flax, the illusion will hold. It’s a temporary measure, of course, but it should buy you enough time to complete work on your firestone project.”

Orion considered this, tugging his coat sleeves back in place. “How?”

“I will procure the enchantment from a master of illusory magic. She can weave the magic for us, binding it to a tool or item that will hold the actual enchantment. But,” Callon cautioned, “this kind of magic requires precision and a willing participant. Miss Millstone must be involved; her connection to the plants is the key to making the illusion seamless.”

“And the duke? How do we present it to him without arousing suspicion?”

“With confidence.” Callon grinned in a way that made Orion uneasy. “You present the enchanted flax as a breakthrough, but stress that it’s an early result, fragile and not yet ready for widespread replication.”

Slowly, Orion nodded. “Elara will claim that the process needs refinement, more research. It’ll sound plausible, especially coming from both of us.” The corners of Orion’s mouth twitched. “It might work.”

“It will,” Callon assured him. “But you’ll need to prepare. Work with Elara, get the flax ready, and I’ll have the enchantment to you as soon as possible. This ruse won’t hold forever, but in two days you will reveal your work, and the duke’s power over you will end.”

Orion extended his hand, and Callon shook it firmly. “Thank you, Callon. For everything.”

As Orion left, his heart raced. The plan was bold and fraught with risk, but it was their best chance. He couldn’t give Elara the enchantment as himself, of course. He’d have to do it as her mysterious visitor—the cloaked Fey she’d bargained with twice in her desperation. He only hoped she’d forgive him when she discovered his deception.