Dead Magic Read Online Free Page B

gone and the noble Houses of Magnellum were just as tight-lipped about it as they were about the matter of Magic Himself.
    With House Witch Delgora steadily appraising her from across the table, Valeda swallowed hard and tried to remember the last time an Untalented had been assassinated for political reasons.
    By Fates! What was I thinking, travelling all this way for a story no one wants me to tell. It's ludicrous!
    "We're in the middle of a project that requires special attention," Dorian said.
    Consort and husband to the House Witch, Saldorian Dominic Gregorian Delgora-Feverrette was as much of a mystery to Valeda as his wife. While there was nothing peculiar about his direct gaze or his cagey smile, Lord Dorian had a manner about him that would not be crossed. His steely gray eyes remained fastened on poor Monty, who did a commendable job at dancing through the delicate politics at their table.
    What Valeda knew about the people before her was a matter of public record. Saldorian Delgora-Feverrette was the son of Lord Rorant Orzebet and Lady Jessamine Feverrette, who had a scandalous affair in spite of the fact that Jessamine was married at the time. Lord Dorian's stepmother, Lady Minne Orzebet, was the leading contender against his marriage to House Witch Delgora, which made the request Monty had delivered less than friendly.
    "Vicaress Leona assured me that your project was of the utmost importance," Monty said. "Otherwise you would not have left me for two full days without explanation. But nothing could be more important than representing Delgora at the Winter Tournament."
    Valeda shifted in her seat and wondered where the tea was. She thought she might be more comfortable if she could bury her face in a cup and pray they forgot she was there. Beside the table was a small serving cart covered with a clean linen cloth, but there was no servant nearby to manage the tea. She could see the telltale lumps of carafe, cups and other such utensils beneath the cloth and frowned, wondering what they were waiting for.
    "Thank you, Ambassador Taven, for your concern about Delgora House affairs," Lord Dorian said and leaned back in his chair. "I'm sure Winter Tournament will get along just fine without us."
    Monty blustered, finally losing his composure. "But . . . will you send anyone at all?"
    Elsie suddenly lifted her right hand to tug at her earlobe. Valeda blinked, startled to see that the Witch was wearing one long, sateen glove that stretched all the way to her shoulder. It was ivory, matching the breezy dress that Valeda hadn't noticed until that moment, but notable since it was the only glove the woman was wearing. Even if gloves were in fashion-which Margaretta would have made certain Valeda knew-the humidity in Delgora made the thing unnecessary.
    The House Witch gently pinched her earlobe, looking distracted from the argument at the table.
    "We hadn't discussed sending anyone," Lord Dorian said.
    "But the Tournament is three months away!"
    "Tell Lady Orzebet that we will be happy to entertain her at Delgora House during the Tournament," Elsie said.
    Lord Dorian stiffened, sending his wife a sharp glance.
    "We cannot guarantee when we will arrive and we certainly won't stay for long, but we will make an appearance." The House Witch stood up suddenly and Valeda gasped at the speed with which the men moved to follow her.
    Realizing that she was the only one still seated, Valeda blushed and carefully got to her feet. All eyes were on her, she knew, but she was captivated by the gaze of Elsie Delgora. There was a troubled look to the woman, something that made Valeda shiver in apprehension.
    "There are things I must attend to now," the Witch said, keeping her focus on Valeda as she spoke. "Tomorrow morning we will discuss what you came here for, Miss Quinlan. Until then, you will be a guest here in Delgora Manor. Leona will see that you are properly cared for."
    "I do hope I have not caused you any distress," Monty started