A Local Habitation Read Online Free Page B

quiet. “I see.”
    “Then you must see how it makes this politically awkward.”
    “Dreamer’s Glass could view it as the start of something bigger than family concern.” I may not like politics, but I have a rudimentary understanding of the way they work.
    “Exactly.” He looked up. “No matter what’s going on, Toby, I can’t guarantee that I’ll be able to send help.”
    “But you’re sure this is an easy job.”
    “I wouldn’t send Quentin if I didn’t think you’d both be safe.”
    I sighed. “Right. I’ll call regularly to keep you posted.”
    “And you’ll be careful?”
    “I’ll take every precaution.” How many precautions did I need? Political issues aside, it was a baby-sitting assignment. Those don’t usually rank too high on the “danger” scale.
    “Good. January’s the only blood family I have left in this country, except for Rayseline. Now, January’s an adult, but I’ve considered her my responsibility since her mother passed away. Please, take care of her.”
    “What about—”
    “I have no brother.” His expression was grim.
    “I understand, Your Grace.” The last time Sylvester asked me to take care of his family, my failure cost us both: he lost Luna, and I lost fourteen years. His twin brother, Simon, was the cause of both those losses. “I’m going to try.”
    “I appreciate it.” He put his cup down on a clear patch of coffee table, pulling a folder out of his coat. “This contains directions, a copy of your hotel reservations, a parking pass, and a map of the local fiefdoms. I’ll reimburse any expenses, of course.”
    “Of course.” I took the folder, flipping through it. “I can’t think of anything else I’m likely to need.” I looked up. “Why are you sending Quentin with me, exactly?”
    “We’re responsible for his education.” A smile ghosted across his face. “Seeing how you handle things will be nothing if not educational.”
    I sighed. “Great. Where am I picking him up?”
    “He’s waiting by your car.”
    “He’s what?” I groaned. “Oh, oak and ash, Sylvester, it’s too damn early in the morning for this.”
    “Is it?” he asked, feigning innocence. Sylvester’s wife, Luna, is one of the few truly diurnal fae I’ve ever met. After a few hundred years of marriage, he’s learned to adjust. The rest of us are just expected to cope.
    “I hate you.”
    “Of course you do.” He chuckled as he stood. “I’ll get out of your way and let you prepare. I’d appreciate it if you could leave immediately.”
    “Certainly, Your Grace,” I said, and moved to hug him before showing him to the door.
    “Open roads and kind fires, Toby,” he said, returning the hug.
    “Open roads,” I replied, and closed the door behind him before downing the rest of my coffee in one convulsive gulp.
    Sending Quentin with me? What the hell were they thinking? This was already going to be half baby-sitting assignment, half diplomatic mission—the fact that I was coming from one of the Duchies flanking Tamed Lightning made the politics unavoidable. Now they were adding literal baby-sitting to the job. That didn’t make me happy. After all, if Sylvester thought I was the best one to handle things, it was probably also going to be at least half natural disaster.
    How nice.

THREE

    M INDFUL OF SYLVESTER’S REQUEST for an immediate departure, I shoved clothes into a duffel bag, tossed my bag of toiletries on top, and called it good. The cats had migrated into the bedroom, curling up atop Tybalt’s jacket. I dislodged them and shrugged the jacket on, ignoring their protests. I didn’t want to leave it in the apartment for him to casually come back for.
    Stacy didn’t answer when I called the house. I left a quick message asking her to come by and feed Spike and the cats until I got back. I glossed over how long my absence was likely to be. The last thing I needed was for her to start calling Sylvester, demanding to know whether he was trying to get