something was amiss, but heâd have to cover it up with a few white lies.
Rhia was gone by the time Eban returned. Beryl had curled into a chair by the window in Ebanâs study, a book on her lap, though her gaze was turned to the window.
Her eyebrows were drawn together, her fingers folded over the edges of the book. She looked lost in thought, so serious, she might have been concerned over the demon conference she wasnât supposed to know about. Berylâs tongue ran over her full rosy lips. Her skin color had returned from the slightly green cast to pale ivory.
Eban watched her, trying to figure out if anything Wystan and Tell said was true. Did he have feelings for her?
She turned as though sheâd heard his thoughts. A smile blossomed over her face. âYouâre back in one piece.â
She laid the book aside and came to meet him. Her blonde hair was pulled away from her face, making her look younger than he knew she was.
âWys was more understanding than Tell. Did Rhia head home?â
âShe went to get Sylvie. To liberate the Yues, she said.â Her smile widened. âWell, Iâm glad Wystan decided not to behead you forâ¦whatever it was that you did with the angel.â
She wanted answers, but he had no idea what to tell her.
âIâm sure heâll come up with some form of punishment when Iâm least expecting it.â He tucked his hands into his pockets so he wouldnât pick at his fingernails. âWeâre not sure how to banish Eliakim, but Tellâs looking into it. Is Sylvieâs party still scheduled for tomorrow?â
He wasnât sure how he felt about talking to Rhia, but Sylvie would be disappointed if he didnât make an appearance. Seeing Wystan wasnât as bad as heâd imagined. Of course, Wys hadnât given him much of a choice in the matter.
Beryl nodded. âWait until you see what Rhia brought her. She must have spent a fortune on dresses and shoes. Sylvie wonât know what to think when she sees them all. And a music box that plays seven tunes. Iâve never seen anything like it.â Her mouth twitched. âShe brought me something too.â
âOh?â He cocked an eyebrow, pretending interest. Wysâlike most demonsâhad money coming out of his ears, so it was no surprise heâd let Rhia have run of his wealth. Maybe it made them greedy, but money seemed to come to demons and they all tended to be hoarders rather than spenders.
âIâll show you tomorrow.â A faint blush colored her cheeks.
He didnât have to be a mind reader to know it was probably a dress. Something to match her eyes, or offset her coloring. She could use a new one, that was true. The three she owned were practical, but somber colors.
âIâll go with you, but I probably wonât stay long.â Heâd ordered a book for Sylvie, knowing she might not expect a gift from him, but he didnât feel right not getting her anything. She read faster than he did, so he felt sure sheâd like it.
âNonsense. Lois is making her a cake and Rhiaâs got gifts for her thatâll take all day to open. Youâll have fun. Iâll make sure of it.â
Her eyes were wide, pleading with him.
âTell and I arenât exactly seeing things in the same light right now.â
She waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. âHe wonât do anything to upset Sylvie. He adores her.â
Eban frowned. âWhat?â
Beryl giggled. âHe told me he has his âeye on that Yue kidâ. I thought he got along with most of the children, especially Thomas Jefferson. I guess he caught TJ teasing her one day and now heâs Papa Bear.â
Eban rolled his eyes. âRhia had better watch out, or heâll teach Sylvie how to use every weapon under the sun. I wouldnât be surprised if he didnât give her a knife for her birthday.â
âYouâll
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