The Cogsmith's Daughter (Desertera #1)(27)

Aya bit her lip. “Yes.”

Lord Varick’s face hardened, but he didn’t say anything.

“Then I shall have Dellwyn show you some basic seduction tactics. She has been successful in wooing several noblemen into blind, genuine affection, so she will be the perfect one to teach you.”

Lord Varick leaned back, crossing his arms and squinting at Aya. “And we can be assured of this Dellwyn’s discretion?”

“Absolutely,” Aya piped. Lord Varick turned to Madam Huxley.

“I’d imagine so.” The madam shrugged. “Dellwyn is a fiercely loyal friend, and she despises the way the king treats women. She will not jeopardize us in any way. In fact, I am sure she will be a great asset.”

“Fine,” Lord Varick conceded, placing his hands on his legs. “Madam Huxley, would you be willing to spare Dellwyn for a few days? I think it would be best if she and Aya were allowed to work uninterrupted and in the safety of my estate.”

“Varick?” Aya leaned forward. “Don’t you think it would be safer if Dellwyn and I stayed at our own hovel in Sternville? Her clientele consists almost entirely of nobles. Besides, no one in Sternville knows I am acting as your ward, and they may become suspicious if I am away for too long.”

“Perhaps. But in my estate, I could—”

“Aya is right.” Madam Huxley stood to leave. “Sternville makes for a much less conspicuous location. And I will allow Dellwyn three nights off work, starting tonight, for Aya’s training.”

“You are sure you would feel safer in Sternville, Miss Aya?” Lord Varick dragged out the question as if Aya were a toddler who needed to be led to the correct answer.

“Yes.” Aya rose as well. “Just for a few nights.”

Lord Varick inclined his head. “And you are sure no one from the palace will see you?”

“Positive.” Aya gave Lord Varick her most reassuring smile.

Lord Varick twirled his cane in his hand. He squeezed his beady eyes shut, but after a moment, he opened them again, letting out a long breath and softening his face. Like Aya, he put on a charming grin. “I suppose it is settled then. My guard will escort you ladies back to the Rudder. Aya, you and Dellwyn will work tonight and two more nights, and I shall see you back on the third sunrise.”

Aya nodded, her chest tightening with the movement. “Very well, Varick.”



*



The same guard who’d led Aya up to Lord Varick’s estate the previous night walked Madam Huxley and Aya back down the winding staircase to the Rudder. When he had shut the door behind them and they were standing by Room Z in the Rudder’s back hallway, Madam Huxley took Aya by the arm. “Before we are no longer alone, I must speak with you.”

“What is it?”

“I am concerned about Lord Varick,” Madam Huxley whispered, hovering close to Aya’s face. “He is working diligently to keep you dependent upon him and to isolate you from others.”

Aya’s eyebrows furrowed. “Aren’t I dependent upon him by the very nature of my status and this arrangement?”

“Yes, I suppose.” Madam Huxley’s forehead creased.

“And isn’t isolation necessary to an extent?” Aya tilted her head. “We don’t want other nobles to figure out what we are doing.”

“Yes, Aya, I realize that.” Madam Huxley clenched her jaw. “But just a moment ago, you were exactly right in thinking that you and Dellwyn would be safest in Sternville. No one will look twice at you, and even if they were to figure out what you were doing in the palace, they would not care enough to interfere. Not when they have to worry about putting water and food on their own tables.” Madam Huxley sighed. “And Lord Varick should have known that, but he was so insistent to persuade you otherwise.”

“He was a bit unnerved at my suggestion,” Aya admitted, shrugging. “But I don’t think he was too argumentative.”

Madam Huxley released Aya’s arm and let her hands fall to her own skirt, patting it down as if it were ruffled by this business with Lord Varick. “Maybe not this time. But trust me, I know men like him. I’ve worked with them for years. Once they get it in their heads that they own you, it can be very difficult to become a free woman again.”

“Varick knows he does not own me.” Aya straightened. “We’ve agreed that we will part ways after the mission, and I will return to my father’s shop to run a business.”

“Yes, you will.” Madam Huxley smirked. “And whose badge of patronage will be on your door?”

Aya drew back. She hadn’t considered that possibility before, assuming Lord Varick would give her the shop in return for the favor she was currently doing him. Surely he wouldn’t try to act as a landlord or hold his assistance over her head. They would be even. Right?

“I don’t think our agreement will work that way.” Aya shook her head. “We are partners in this endeavor.”

Madam Huxley pursed her lips. “That may be so. But you will notice, Aya, there is neither a badge on the propellers outside, nor another person sitting in my office, and I am the longest-standing female business owner in Desertera.”

Aya’s eyes darted between the madam and the direction of the propellers.

“Be careful,” Madam Huxley said. “That is all I am trying to say. Sometimes, the nobles—especially noblemen—do not see the world the way we do.”