Page 29 of Six Burning Candles

I lurched, clutching the towel to my body. The door to Melrose’s chambers swung open and Delainey poked her head in. She smiled at me, scurrying in and closing the door in quick succession. Delainey rushed to put robes on the bed, and I stared at them in bewilderment.

“Melrose said you’d come to use her wash basin as yours has a crack.” Delainey straightened, slapping at the pile of fabric on the bed. Then, Delainey winked at me.

I grumbled, rolling my eyes. “Yes well, I’ll have that tub replaced soon.”

“Of course, ma’am. Anything else I can do for you?” Delainey beamed like a cat who was fat from the kitchen’s milk supply. I stomped up to the bed, grabbing the slip for under my robes.

“No, thank you—”

“Your Lunarence, if I may speak freely?” Delainey blurted out, hands folded behind her. I glared at her but gave her a nod.Great, so now the whole Cathedral is about to know.There was no keeping a secret, not here. It was good as well known. By dinner everyone would talk about how I spent the night in Melrose’s chambers.It’s not like you tried very hard to hide it.Delainey sucked in a breath, then exhaled it heavily as she spoke in a single breath. “I am so very glad you two are finally acknowledging your attraction to each other.”

“What?” I barked.

“Well, we all had a running bet on how long it would be till you inevitably gave into each other. And I, for one, am glad you gave in, in a timeframe, that is fortuitous to me.” Delainey beamed, swaying happily from side to side. Her silver hair swished behind her as she continued, like the tail of a happy puppy been given a bone. “I mean, I am glad you two are finally together, it’s been what? Six years?”

I was speechless. Gobsmacked. Furious. Bewildered? Befuddled.

“But, Melrose is a delightful girl who has tried year after year to get your attention and I’m glad to see you’re not put off by the rumors about the Hierophant Rex. I was worried they may drive you away from her, but he assured us that it was meant to keep unworthy suitor’s away until you built up the courage to…why are you looking at me like that?”

I raised a singular finger, turning from Delainey for a moment to pull on the slip, then the first of the two robes that made up my attire. Once I was cinched in with a sash, I turned back around, tossing the towel viciously onto the bed. My teeth vibrated from the fury pouring out of me. “You mean to tell me…that the Hierophant Rex wantedme and Melrosetogether?”

“I am sorry, I have over-stepped—”

I raised another finger, stopping Delainey short from speaking more.No…no. No, that can’t be right.I curled my finger down into my fist that slightly rattled as I lowered it. “How long has this bet gone on?”

Delainey finally shrunk inwardly, her face twisted up in a grimace. “Five years?”

“How do you know all this? The Hierophant Rex just told you?” I sneered.

“Well…not to be insubordinate, Your Lunarence, but…” she trailed off, eyes darting away before they returned to me. “Why do you think he forces you to go out with her every Wintersdark Festival?”

My face fell. “I am there to make sure she’s safe.”

“Pfft,” Delainey sputtered before rushing to collect herself, hands to her face. “I am so sorry. I did notmean—”

“You mean to tell me that Leonardo St. Augustine has been secretly hoping that his daughter…and I…” I didn’t dare finish the thought.

Delainey laughed sheepishly, “If it helps, I think you two are really sweet together?”

I opened my mouth to maybe berate Delainey for her insolence, or maybe just yell at the top of my lungs. I hadn’t quite decided. Only to hear voices beyond the balcony door. I put my finger to my lips instead, shuffling up to the door. Delainey followed me, curious as a cat as I popped the door open quietly. We both put our ears out to the balcony.

“Ah! There she is!Bundled up nice and warm, I hope?”

“I’m pretty toasty and ready for a traipse through the garden. How about yourself?”

“Oh! Always ready for a good traipse with my goddaughter. Shall we?”

I closed the door, peeking up at Delainey. She eyed me with worry as I put my finger to my lips. We stepped away from the doors till we were past the other side of the bed. “I want you and Ramone to follow the Cardinal today.”

“What?” Delainey hissed softly.

“Our Lady Avaris bestowed a vision on me, and she warned me of Cardinal Janus. I believe he is here for ulterior motives. I would not ask this if—”

“Is this because Cardinal Janus arrived with Knight Captain Peony Bernstein? Is that why you were distrusting of the knight yesterday?”

My stomach dropped into my feet.I knew it.Fury hot enough to melt metal pumped through me, but there was no time toquestion Delainey. If she was going to tail Cardinal Janus, and keep Melrose in her sights, they would need to leave now.

“It is. Keep Melrose in your sights at all times,” I pushed open Melrose’s bedroom door and stormed out into the balcony within the Cathedral.I have a knight captain to go see.“You are granted permission to go above your position as a Cleric of this Order to keep Melrose St. Augustine safe, am I understood?”