Page 106 of The Wolf Queen’s Curse

“He has a wonderful imagination,” I say. “He just likes to use it when he can act on it.”

“Is there a reason why you barged in here to wake us?” Bishop says, tugging at the sheet again.

“Doyle wants to talk over breakfast. He’s made a decision already, and he seems in high spirits, which I suspect means he’ll help us.” He lowers his voice. “And I’m not sure whether that’s what we actually want.”

“Hmm.” Bishop’s expression says he’s not sure either. Then he says, “Tell him we’ll be ready for breakfast as soon as Cordelia and Ann are dressed. Please convey our apologies for the delay.” He drops his voice. “And wait until we can all go together. I don’t want us splitting into smaller groups today.”

“Understood.”

Doyle is indeed in high spirits. He seems unbothered by needing to wait nearly half an hour for the “ladies” to be properly attired. He’s in a small dining room with Jesse, who sits stone-faced as Doyle rises to usher us in, asking how our night went, hoping we slept well.

When breakfast arrives, it’s delivered by Ruby and one of the girls from last night.

“Where’s Hanora?” Doyle says. “I thought she was tending to our guests.”

“She is unwell,” Jesse says, and I try not to tense.

“Unwell?” Doyle presses. “I saw her just last night, and she was fine.”

“It’s her…” Jesse clears his throat. “Time to rest.”

Doyle looks perplexed, and I swear I see him mentally calculating, as if he personally knows when Hanora last had her monthlies.

“Begging your pardon,” I say. “Might it be possible for me to see her after breakfast? I worked for my aunt, who specialized in magic for female concerns.”

“No,” Jesse says, so curtly that silence thuds over the table.

“My wife offered her assistance,” Bishop says, his smooth tone deceiving no one. “We understand if it is not required, but she is not out of line in asking.”

“Hanora has all she needs.”

Doyle cuts in. “We do appreciate the offer, Mrs. Daniels, and I apologize for Jesse’s curtness. Mornings do not agree with him.”

I look at Jesse, who is already digging into his food. Digging in a little too harshly. The problem, I believe, is that this particular morning doesn’t agree with him, when whatever he had planned for last night failed.

I don’t know what to do about Hanora. It’s possible she’s malingering to avoid facing us, but I fear it’s more. Has Jesse punished her? How severely?

As the men talk, I think of ways I could slip to the maid quarters and check on her. Or ask the other maids how she fares. But as much as I long to do that, I also know it runs a risk we can’t take.

We’re here to talk Doyle into an alliance, and we can’t afford to cause trouble. I feel monstrous sacrificing Hanora to our cause, but I need to remember how many others have died and how many more could die if we don’t resolve the issue with Beryl.

If something has happened to Hanora, then the person truly at fault is Jesse, and I must remember that.

When I surface from my thoughts, Doyle is talking. “I really do want to help you, Bishop.”

“But…” Julius says.

Doyle sighs. “I’m no good at this part, which is why I have this fellow.” He jabs his knife in Jesse’s direction. “If it were up to me, I’d hop on board for the fun of it.” He flashes a grin. “My wolves are restless, and so am I. We’d all appreciate an excuse to see some action.”

Doyle glances at Jesse and says, “Oh, don’t give me that look,” though Jesse is focused on cutting up his ham.

Doyle points his knife at his friend again. “He’d like to remind me that this particular ‘action’ means fighting, which is dangerous. Such a spoilsport.”

Jesse only continues cutting.

“I understand,” Bishop says. “What we’re asking of you is dangerous. But we would be in your debt.”

“Now that part is music to Jesse’s ears.” Doyle lobs a grin Jesse’s way. “If it were just me, I’d happily join the cause on a gentleman’s handshake. An alliance for the future. But Jesse needs more.”