Page 176 of A House of Gold
"Snapping at servants. Pacing. Staring at nothing while brooding dramatically." Nat closes the ledger. "It's very unlike him. Usually he broods with more purpose."
I laugh despite myself. "Sorry for worrying you."
"Don't apologize to me. I'm not the one who almost died." He leans back, studies me. "You look different."
"Different how?"
"Like you're listening to something no one else can hear.” He studies me then glanced back down at his work. "Croesus told me he's releasing you early."
"He is."
"That's either the most selfless thing he's ever done or the most manipulative." Nat's tone is neutral, but there's something sharp in his gaze. "I haven't decided which."
"Does it matter? Either way, I'm leaving."
"It matters if you're planning to come back."
The words hang between us. I don't know how to answer that.
"Take care of him," I say instead. "When I'm gone. He's going to be…"
"Miserable," Nat finishes. "Yes, I'm aware. He's been miserable for three thousand years, you know. You gave him something else. Something that looked almost like happiness, even if it was only for a few months." He stands, moves to shelve the book. "Don't feel too guilty about leaving. He made this choice. And honestly, watching an angel of greed learn to let go is almost worth the impending sulking."
"Almost?"
"I'll have to live with him after you leave. So no, not quite worth it." But there's affection in his voice. Centuries of complicated loyalty wrapped up in dry sarcasm.
I stand, hesitate. "Thank you. For the warnings, for the history lessons, for not being as terrible as you could have been."
"Such high praise." Nat's smile is brief. "Survive the other houses, Raven. Come back and tell me stories about how insufferable they all are. I could use the entertainment."
"I'll do my best."
I leave him there among the books and ledgers, and as I walk through the golden hallways, I feel the first visitor arrive.
Idris materializes in the corridor ahead of me, their form shifting from smoke to solid in the space between breaths.
You're leaving early, their voice slides into my mind, silk and curiosity.Croesus is being surprisingly noble.
"He loves me," I say simply.
Yes. We can all feel it through the bonds. It's disgustingly sincere.But there's no real malice in their mental voice. Just amusement.I'm looking forward to my turn with you. A year to study someone I can't quite read. It will be fascinating.
"Glad I can provide entertainment."
Oh, you will.They step closer, and I feel their envy brushing against me through the bond.You're everything I'mnot. Honest. Direct. Incapable of hiding what you feel. It's refreshing. Infuriating. Intriguing.
"Thanks?"
You're welcome.They reach out, not quite touching my face.When you come to my house, don't trust what you see. Trust what you feel. I'll be watching.
Then they dissolve back into smoke and mirror light, leaving me alone in the hallway.
The visits continue over the next two days.
Kael appears in fire during dinner. One moment I'm eating alone in my room, the next the fireplace explodes with heat and his voice rumbles out: "You survived greed. Let's see if you can survive wrath."
"Looking forward to it," I mutter, not entirely lying.
