Page 29 of A Fable of Riddles and Redemption

Not that he would ever describe himself as cheery, even on his best days.

All the same, the antics of his fellow guards irritated him more than usual that morning—Jupp’s in particular. Especially since the fool kept bragging about his latest conquest that was anything but successful.

“The fair Carlotta Piangi herself dined with me last night,” Jupp boasted as he shoved an oversized bite of toast into his big mouth. Then, while still chewing, he added, “She thought I was handsome and refined.”

Berenne scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Doubtful.”

Herrick arched an eyebrow at Jupp. “You’re full of it—and not just your breakfast dribbling out of your mouth. Did you forget that I was there? That is not at all what happened.”

Cadby and Metin grinned and leaned forward, eager to hear the real story—so Herrick shared every moment of it, relishing in Jupp’s embarrassment. Somehow, it made him less grumpy, even though it required speaking more than he normally preferred.

Everyone else guffawed at the end of the tale and then ribbed Jupp as he deserved.

“‘Catch of the city guard,’ are you?” Cadby asked with a laugh. “I beg to differ.”

Berenne nodded her agreement. “Far from it. Of all the guards, you’re the least catch-worthy in my opinion.”

“You’re one to talk,” Jupp grumbled.

“Exactly,” Berenne said as she flipped her blonde hair behind her back. “As a woman, I have a better idea what other women would want in a man—and you are not it. Not because of your looks, but because of your idiocy in how you treat us. If you were respectful, maybe someone would actually like you in return.”

Herrick had to admit that she was right. Silently, of course, as was his preference in most social situations, but he did nod as well.

“Maybe if he shined a girl’s boots?” Cadby teased, bringing the events of the night before back to the forefront.

Metin snickered, then added, “And apparently, even Carlotta Piangi thinks Herrick is a better option.”

A hand suddenly landed on Herrick’s shoulder. He stiffened at the unexpected touch and whipped his head around to see who it was.

Captain Firmin peered around their table with a stern gaze. “What is this about Carlotta Piangi? What do you know of her?”

Berenne quickly delineated their entire conversation regarding the entitled diva. Herrick had expected the captain’s expression to lighten at the story, but instead, it darkened. Unease wormed through his stomach as Berenne drew near to the end of her tale.

“What’s amiss, Captain?” Metin asked, clearly noticing the same concerns that Herrick had.

Captain Firmin’s jaw tightened, as did his fists. “The theatre is in an uproar this morning. One of their star singers, Carlotta Piangi, has gone missing. There is no sign of her anywhere, and according to the managers, she is not one to wake early of her own volition. Her disappearance was discovered by the maid who attends her and wakes her each day.” His stern expression settled on Jupp. “From what it sounds like, Jupp is the most likely culprit.”

“What?!” Jupp all but screeched. “I flirted with her, but I swear I would never hurt her! Or any woman!”

“Be that as it may,” Captain Firmin began, “an investigation will be under way—and you will be watched closely until further notice.”

Herrick’s stomach sank. Could Jupp truly be the one behind the missing woman? Or was something else sinister at play here?

It was a mystery, and one that needed to be solved immediately. He only hoped no harm had come to the singer, and that she would be found safe and sound.

Chapter ten

Reappearance

Zorina

All of Adael buzzed with the news of Carlotta Piangi’s ill-fated disappearance. No one seemed to know where she went or what had happened to her. For three days, rumors and speculations filled the streets.

Had she been kidnapped? Or worse?

Had she fled in a dramatic hissy fit when something at the theatre hadn’t gone her way?

A realistic possibility from what Zorina had heard about the diva, but even that was supposition.