A Kiss of Venom (An Araneae Nation Novella) Read Online Free Page B

deliver Tiah while you’re there?”
    Her gaze darted to where Tiah slept on her perch. “Must she go?”
    “Close quarters don’t agree with her.” I went to scratch my sleeping falco’s chest. “I spoke with the stable master about lodging her with the other falco until we’re ready to leave. If you could drop her off while you’re there, you would save me from making a trip.” And ensure theirs lasted longer.
    Maisy turned to Lourdes. “Do you mind?”
    Lourdes admired the dozing bird. “As long as she won’t bite, I don’t see why not.”
    “She won’t give you any trouble, Maven ,” I assured her. Tiah was well trained, and having her someplace safe meant I wasn’t tethered to the room to care for her. It was better for us all if she visited the aviary for a while. A touch of same-species socialization wouldn’t hurt her, even though she preferred solitude.
    Falco were notoriously temperamental, and Tiah was no exception. She would make me pay for this later.
    Maisy glanced between us. “I can pack Tiah’s things.”
    “I would appreciate that.” I patted her shoulder as she passed. “Remember her toys.”
    “What are your plans for the day ?” Lourdes looked to me. “If you don’t mind my asking.”
    “I thought I would explore your lovely home.” I jerked my chin toward Maisy. “There’s also the matter of a birthday coming up soon. It seemed a waste to visit your city and not tour the Hall of Artisans.”
    “If you desire a guide, my brother Armand is available.” A smile played about Lourdes’s lips. “I noticed the two of you talking last night.”
    I searched for hidden meanings in her words, but I found none. Her offer seemed genuine.
    “Thank you, but no.” I held my voice level. “Males grow bored at market so quickly.”
    “That one might surprise you.” She confessed, “He’s a flirt , always has been. You have to pay less heed to what he says and pay more attention to what he does.”
    “ Why are you telling me this?”
    “Armand went to his room alone last night.” She studied her fingernails, which were painted cream with gold tips, an accessory from last night no doubt. “I found that interesting.”
    I kept my temper in check. “You expected me to go with him.”
    “No.” She smiled past me at Maisy. “ You struck me as a female with better sense than to indulge him. In fact, I expected your snub to send him sloshing into the arms of another female, one who might covet his title enough to ignore the alcohol staining his breath.”
    I rubbed my forehead. “Is it so unusual for him to show restraint?”
    Had others noticed his interest in me? Had they assigned it any significance? Would they be watching me too? That was one more complication I didn’t need.
    She took her time answering. “He shows great restraint in all matters except those of the heart.”
    My eyebrows climbed. “I wasn’t aware it was possible to keep one’s heart tucked into one’s pants.”
    “Be sure to stop by his stall.” She chuckled. “You might find something that appeals to you.”
    I stopped just shy of cursing. Now I had to visit the hall, or when she asked Armand if I had been by to ogle his wares, he would admit I hadn’t, and then he would use it as an excuse for confronting me.
    Mustering up my false enthusiasm, I sealed my fate. “I’ll do that.”
    “Good.” Lourdes called to Maisy, “Do you have everything you need?”
    “I think so.” She tucked the small bag of Tiah’s supplies under her arm and headed for her bed, where she grasped a satchel with markers and paper. She whistled for Tiah, who cracked open one eye and fluffed her feathers. Only after I shooed her did she hop to the end of her perch, then glide down to Maisy’s shoulder where she closed her eyes.
    As Maisy stepped over the threshold, I asked, “Will I see you for dinner?”
    She looked to Lourdes.
    “If you don’t mind, we made plans that include Maisy.” Lourdes glanced behind her