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“Surely, not all hours,” Ren threw back, eyeing the bedroom door. “Nor in all places.”
Her mother shot her a warning look. If she hadn’t given up using magic a few years ago, Ren would have thought she’d just cast a spell. Under the heat of that look, Ren averted her eyes, pretending to stir her tea. “My apologies,” she said stiffly. “That was… untoward.”
The man lifted one eyebrow at her use of that word. It was a handsome eyebrow. He was a handsome man. A few years older than her mother. Just as fit as her. Shaped by hard work, whether at the docks or somewhere else. He was slender as a knife. Ren hadn’t realized how tall he was until he stooped into the living room and fell into an unceremonious sprawl on the cushions against the wall. He was too big for the space, nearly comical looking.
“Mother, I think our pillows shrank.”
That had both of them laughing. Her mother rolled her eyes as she took the teas. Ren spoke in a quieter voice. “Did you not receive my letter?”
Her mother bristled. “Of course I did. Everything is arranged. Apologies for having a previous engagement. You know, I do have a life apart from you.”
“You don’t have anything to apologize for,” Ren answered quickly. “Other than the fact that you’re stealing my cup of tea.”
Her mother grinned. “Guests come first.”
Ren crossed the room, fetching another cup. She didn’t have time for lengthy conversations. She poured herself just enough to get through the morning and then crossed the room to join them. Her mother sat a respectable distance away, but Ren suspected the two of them would be cuddled together against the cushions if she weren’t there. She saw it written in the way their bodies, even now, bent toward each other. A strange storm of emotions turned around in Ren’s mind. Her mother deserved to be happy. Deserved to smile and flirt and do whatever she pleased. That did not change the fact that the presence of any man in this place would always point to her father’s absence.
The guest offered his hand. Ren shook it.
“I’m Harlow. Your mother and I are friends.”
“Good friends, I see,” Ren shot back, making him smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Harlow. I can’t believe my mother has kept you a secret. You look rather hard to hide.”
That earned another snort from him.
“If you don’t mind, I need to speak with her. Alone.”
He held up both hands to say, Of course. “I’ve got to get to my shift.”
Ren watched as he leaned over, pecked a quick kiss on her mother’s forehead, and then sauntered to the front door. She noted that he was comfortable enough to take the mug with him. No doubt her mother wouldn’t mind him coming back to return it. Ren waited for the rattling click of the door before turning to her mother.
“Ren, look, I’m sorry…”
“Oh, I don’t care about that. He seems handsome enough. I’m sorry to cut your morning short. I really do need to get moving. You’ve arranged everything?”
Her mother took a sip. “I have, but I need to know why you’re traveling so far.”
“I have to do some research in Ravinia.”
“Research? Your letter said that you don’t want to be listed on the ship’s manifest. What kind of research would require such privacy?”
Ren had dreaded this. Her mother was no fool. She was, after all, the primary source of Ren’s own intelligence. “Research that I don’t want the Broods to know about.”
Her mother pursed her lips—clearly disapproving—but nodded.
“I’ve set out a cloak in your room. Go and put it on. We’ll want to make sure any of the Broods’ spies mark your route.”
Ren frowned. “We? Mother. Just tell me which ship to go on. You don’t have to—”
“Please, I am not letting you travel alone. Not after what happened last year.”
There was no room for argument in her mother’s tone. This was not up for debate. And what, really, could Ren have said? It’s too dangerous for you to come, Mother. That would only make her want to come even more. The truth was that Ren didn’t know what waited for her in Ravinia. She had no idea if she could find the people she was looking for or if the old crone’s rumors were even true. But she’d heard a story about someone who had a bone to pick with House Brood. Here, in Kathor, she’d found no such harbor. No one that dared to help. None of the major houses had even engaged in introductory conversations with her. Dahvid Tin’Vori might be her best chance to gain a proper ally.
“Fine,” Ren said. “Does your suitor know you’re leaving?”
“He’ll survive,” her mother replied. “Speaking of suitors, where is yours? Usually he’s following you around with his tail wagging.”
Ren sighed. “He left this morning. It’s a long boat ride. I’ll explain when we’re on board.”
