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Around and around the stairs I went. At the rear door to the library, I paused, weighing my options. Sneaking in ran the risk of getting my throat cut by the all-too-capable woman in there. On the plus side, she might manhandle me against the wall again.
My lion hummed in approval. Definitely worth the risk.
It was, but how likely was she to trust me if I did?
Reluctantly, I went with option two — a light knock.
I held my breath, waiting.
My lion did too, picturing all kinds of nice scenarios, like her opening the door in nothing more than a bathrobe and beckoning me in.
Ten seconds later, I frowned. No answer.
I knocked again, louder. And again. And again.
Hmpf.
Of course, she was being secretive, so she was unlikely to answer the door. Or she’d left, and I would never see her again.
My lion let out a mournful growl.
Finally, I knocked as loudly as I dared, turned the key in the lock, and whispered, “I’m coming in. Please don’t kill me.”
I pushed the door open, then jumped back, just in case. Sure enough, the fair lady — Marian? — stood there, armed and ready.
She glared at me for a full ten seconds, then lowered her weapon — a sword this time.
“You again.”
My lion mourned at her scornful tone. She hates us.
No, she just didn’t know us yet. I still had to win her over.
She raised one perfectly curved eyebrow. “More pornographic art to retrieve?”
I shook my head. “Not tonight. And I swear, it was for a friend.”
She snickered. “Right.”
“It’s true, but that’s not why I’m here. I wanted to invite you out.”
Both her eyebrows popped up.
I backtracked quickly. “I mean, not going out as in going out. Just literally. Go out. On a little trip to see the area. Tomorrow, I mean.”
“Are you mad?”
“I know you barely know me…” I went on, undeterred.
She nodded. “You could be an assassin for all I know.”
“Ha. I wish I could be something that exciting. But I promise, it will be good. You said you’re here for spiritual guidance, right?”
Her chin dipped in a tiny, reluctant nod.
“Well, it’s alms day tomorrow. The day we give to the poor.” I paused, trying to read her expression. “It’s the most meaningful activity I’ve found around here.”
She tilted her head, and I had the uncomfortable feeling she was reading me like a book. But yes, alms day really did give me joy. And yes, my life was so empty that a once-a-week feel-good activity kept me going the other six days. That, and the hope of something more exciting from time to time, thanks to Robynne Hood. Unfortunately, her escapades didn’t run on a regular schedule the way alms day did.
