Queen's Hunt (River of Souls 2)

* * *

“WOULD YOU LIKE to see the public rooms first?” the young man named Uwe asked Gerek.

No, he would not. What Gerek wanted most of all was to sit alone in the dark. With a wet rag over his aching eyes. Then he could think over his interview, and prepare himself for whatever came next.

Raul Kosenmark had not allowed him that luxury, however. Instead, Gerek had eaten his midday meal with Mistress Denk while they reviewed the current household accounts, the monthly schedule, and other necessary topics. Finally Denk had released him to a runner for a tour of the house, while servants fetched his luggage from the freight company. She would arrange to have his office and private rooms ready within a few hours.

The runner was polite enough, but Gerek could not give him proper attention. He followed the young man from the office wing, down one floor, and through a maze of corridors that ended at a wide balcony overlooking the pleasure house’s entrance hall. It was all very grand. Tall windows lit the wide-open space, illuminating the many fine paintings and tapestries. The style was deliberately antique, the young man explained. Lord Kosenmark had imported many of the decorations from his father’s estates in Valentain. The rest he had acquired through antiquarian dealers along the eastern coast.

Gerek suppressed a yawn. He had risen well before sunrise that morning, endured three hours riding in the freight wagon, then used up his remaining wits and vitality during the interview with Lord Kosenmark. However, he suspected that Kosenmark wanted his secretary familiar with the house, so he dutifully followed the young man down the winding stairs to the entrance hall and gazed around.

Before them stood an arched entryway with a short hallway that opened into a much larger room beyond. Gerek could make out numerous couches scattered about, and several intimate groupings of chairs and low tables. Three maids were at work, dusting and polishing. One knelt on a richly dyed carpet, scrubbing at spots with a cloth. There was a musky scent in the air, an odor that reminded him of his father’s quarters on those days when his mother spent the day locked in her private suite, weeping.

“That is the common room,” the runner said. “Would you like to see it next?”

The common room was where the courtesans displayed themselves to potential clients. Of course, they were not so crude as to call it that. No, they entertained their visitors with music, conversation, and amusing games. They offered wine and a feast of delicacies from Lord Kosenmark’s famous cook. But the purpose was clear. Did the runner expect him to show an interest in the courtesans, then? Most men would. He had no idea if he were like most young men.

“I-I—” His tongue tangled on several different answers.

He forced out a breath to quell the tremors. Was about to try again, when the sight of a familiar figure undid his efforts.

“Let me show him the house,” Kathe said. “If Maester Hessler doesn’t mind, that is.”

Gerek swallowed. “N-n-n-not-not—”

His words came out stuttering and stumbling. Kathe laid a hand on his arm, as if to reassure him that she understood, and turned to the runner. “That is settled, then. Uwe, please go to the kitchens. My mother has an errand for you.”

Apparently she had some authority, because the runner immediately vanished through a low doorway Gerek had not noticed before.

Kathe laughed softly and shook her head. Her gaze swept up to meet his, and to his surprise, her cheeks were edged with an embarrassed flush. “I am sorry, Maester Hessler,” she said. “I have ordered you and Uwe about most unfairly. Especially Uwe. But you see, I would like to keep away from the kitchens just now. My mother…” She drew a deep breath. “Let us say she finds the latest pastry cook unsatisfactory. It’s better if I find useful work elsewhere until she’s calmer.”

“So I-I am useful work?” Gerek said.

Kathe visibly winced. “That was unkind of me. I am sorry again.”

“You don’t need to be sorry,” he said at once. “I-I should— I am sorry. I was rude.”

She had removed her hand from his arm. Now she touched him again, but briefly this time, as though she were not certain of his reaction. As though it mattered.

“Come,” she said with a semblance of her former cheerfulness. “Let me show you the library first. You will like it, I know. Or would you rather I found you a room where you could sleep a few hours? If I know Lord Kosenmark, he will set you to work at once.”

“Or perhaps you should leave him to us,” said another voice.

A woman leaned against the pillars of the entryway. She wore a diaphanous robe that left her lean body in shadows, even in the bright sunlight pouring through the windows. She smiled at Gerek, but it was not a friendly smile.

“Nadine, you should not tease,” Kathe said.

?

??I merely follow your example,” Nadine replied.

Kathe ignored her pointed comment. “Why are you awake so early? Do you have an appointment?”

Nadine stretched out in one languorous movement. She was like a wild cat, Gerek thought. A panther from the mountains, strong and lovely and dangerous. Apparently his expression betrayed his thoughts, because Nadine paused in mid-stretch and drew her lips back from her teeth, which showed white and sharp against her brown skin.

“Nadine,” Kathe said. “I’ll tell you again. Do not tease.”

Nadine merely laughed. “You eat too many prunes, Kathe.”