Clockwork Heart by Dru Pagliassotti Page B

at eight, her hands in warm gloves and her collar pulled high. Their hunt through the eyrie for a suitable dress had spread the news of her dinner appointment, and the other icarii had started offering her scandalous advice about “what exalteds want.” Finally, she’d fled outside, preferring to sit in the cold than listen to more jokes.
    At last she heard one of the city’s small, one-horse hacks rattling down the street. She stood and waved to the famulate driver, who saluted and pulled over to the porch.
    â€œTaya Icarus, is it?” he asked.
    â€œThat’s me.” She watched as the coachman wrapped the reins around a rail and hopped down to open the door. “Where are we going?”
    â€œRhodanthe’s, on Primus. Fare and tip are already paid.” He smiled pleasantly at her. “Never carried an icarus as a passenger before. Always seems a little strange to see one of you without your wings, don’t it?”
    Taya slid inside, then leaned forward as the coachman was about to close the door. “What’s your name?”
    â€œI’m Gregor, and my mare here is Bolt. We make the city circuit during the day, the two of us, but we can be hired special if you leave a message at any of the hack stations.”
    â€œI’ll remember,” she promised. He touched his cap and closed the door. The hack lurched forward.
    Riding in a hack, Taya decided after about ten minutes of being jostled back and forth, was considerably more uncomfortable than walking, and a lot less efficient than flying. No wonder only the elderly, infirm, and foreign used them. Most Ondiniums walked. Exalteds used the wireferry, and icarii flew.
    That was the proper way of things. Horse-drawn vehicles were just unnatural.
    By the time the hack had passed through security and reached the smoother streets of Primus, Taya was thoroughly shaken and disgruntled. She stepped out of the coach with a groan and stretched.
    â€œYou all right, then?” Gregor asked.
    â€œNo offense, but next time I’ll fly.” She looked at the restaurant door. The sign and facade were lit with gas. She’d never been to this address before. “Do you know this place? What’s it like?”
    â€œMixed-caste. I ain’t never been inside, but it’s popular enough with the dedicates and mercates. I drive up plenty of fare from Secundus for business dinners, don’t I? Now, I’m supposed to pick you up again in two and a half hours, and I’ll wait here if you ain’t out. If you leave before that, any hack will serve, but tell the man at the door about me, won’t you? Otherwise I’ll be sitting here all night waiting for you, I will.”
    â€œDon’t worry.” She smiled. Two and a half hours. Business for real. That relieved some of her concern. “I think I might rather walk back, though.”
    â€œNow, that wouldn’t be safe, would it? ’Sides, you’d be chilled to the bone even under all that leather. You wait for me, and I’ll pay particular attention you don’t get too rattled on the journey back.”
    â€œFair enough. I’ll see you in a few hours, Gregor.”
    He touched his cap and lifted the reins. Taya turned to the door.
    The maitre d’ looked surprised when she walked in. He recognized her flight suit, but he was puzzled as his eyes rose over her shoulders and registered her missing wings.
    â€œI’m Taya,” she said. Beyond one of the doorways was a large dining room filled with well-dressed cardinal caste members eating and laughing together. She was going to look very out of place among them, she thought, her stomach churning. “I’m a guest?”
    â€œTaya Icarus, yes, you’re expected,” the man said, at once. “Please follow me.”
    To Taya’s relief, he took her through another doorway, leading her into a wide, empty hall lined with doors. He opened one and bowed her