Page 30 of A Fable of Riddles and Redemption

The fact that she had vanished without a trace spread anxiety throughout Adael. Would the same happen to someone else? And if so, who would be the next victim?

If there even was a victim.

The whole situation was confusing and disturbing, but Zorina tried to keep her mind occupied with other things. She certainly had plenty to worry about in addition to Carlotta’s disappearance.

Although, she had no desire to dwell on those topics, either. Herrick…Caliban…the thought of people discovering her magic—all subjects she wished to avoid in her own thoughts.

Actually casting such thoughts aside, however, seemed impossible as she swept the shop. Once again, Jurian had tracked wet clay across the floor. Sadly, the chore did little to distract her, and her troubles swirled through her mind while she cleaned up the mess.

This Caliban, whoever he is, surely can’t be interested in me in any capacity…unless he knows my mother. Or perhaps he’s met the princess I look similar to and thought I might be her? It wouldn’t be the first time. Even her now-husband mistook me for her once.

But from what everyone in town is saying, Caliban left shortly after performing his barrier spell.

And yet, I’m so sure I heard him playing his flute one night…after his supposed departure. Is he still here, hiding from sight? And if so, why?

The jingling of the door opening thankfully pulled her out of her unsettling speculations. Zorina turned toward the door as Madame Giry and her grown daughter, Megail, entered the shop. Of all the citizens of Adael, the two women were among the few Zorina felt closest to.

“Hello, Zorina. Is the duke’s commission ready now?” Madame Giry asked.

“I believe so. I’ll double check with Jurian.” Zorina quickly made her way into the workshop, glad for something to do to take her mind off her worries.

It did not take long for Jurian to confirm that the order was indeed ready, and he ushered her back into the shop to inform the housekeeper while he began to collect the vases for inspection.

Zorina put on her best customer service smile. “Duke Armand’s commission is ready. Jurian will bring it out shortly.”

Madame Giry clapped her hands together once and smiled. “Excellent. His Grace will be most pleased, as long as the work is up to his standards.”

“I am sure it will be,” Zorina replied.

With that out of the way, the housekeeper tilted her head with a sly smile. “Where is your handsome guard today?”

Zorina frowned. “What handsome guard?” she asked, even though she knew entirely too well that Madame Giry meant Herrick. Not that she would admit it. No, playing clueless was a much better option.

Madame Giry arched an eyebrow in obvious disbelief. “That handsome guard who’s been stationed here recently. Where is he?”

“Oh. Him. Now that the red pandas aren’t in town anymore, he’s been reassigned to patrols again.” Zorina tried to keep her voice flat and disinterested, but based on the gleam in Madame Giry’s eyes and the matching smile on her daughter’s face, she doubted her efforts were successful.

“Does he at least patrol past your door each day?” Megail asked with a knowing grin, her blue eyes flashing.

Zorina shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s not like I know his schedule.”

And even if she did, she would not tell any busybody matchmakers.

“That’s a shame,” Megail said, still grinning. “I would certainly find out his schedule and keep tabs on him if I were you.”

Thankfully, Jurian entered the main part of the shop at that moment, drawing everyone’s attention to the first load of vases he carried. He carefully placed two vases on the counter, where Madame Giry assessed them with a critical eye. They looked like the one Jurian had dropped while Anala had climbed on him, but with the added varnish to make them shine.

“Yes,” the housekeeper said with a smile. “These are exactly what His Grace wanted.” She then pulled a fair payment out of a small sack and placed it on the counter.

Jurian thanked her before bringing out the remaining vases and a crate to safely pack them in for transport to the castle. Everything was handled quickly and efficiently.

As the women left, however, they both gave Zorina sly smiles, likely believing there was more between her and Herrick than there really was.

The thought made her nauseous while also making her heart race.

Zorina

By the end of the day, Zorina was fed up with people. She longed to reach her forest home and spend the remainder of the evening in Anala’s company instead. Red pandas were better than people, anyway.