Page 38 of Bloody Business

He sighed.“I love your innocence.”

She frowned at him.“That doesn’t sound like a compliment.”

“My dear, there are many kinds of warfare.Yes, Zul Kanwouldthink that far ahead.Yes, he would definitely bother.”

“Do you have proof of your suspicions?”she asked skeptically.

“Would her clandestine meetings with one of Zul Kan's shopkeepers count?”

She exhaled, disappointed.

“If it helps, our house staff's been well vetted.You're safe in our home,” he reassured her.He came around the desk for his turn to hold the baby.“He's grown already.Look at that little fist!He's going to be a big man.”

“I don't know how you can tell,” she said, still miffed.“But his nurse says he’s growing well.”

Since they were on the subject, she added, “Our foster daughter's mother is doing better than expected.Va seems to have improved, now that she doesn't have to stress about her daughter's future.Her color is better, and she’s eating.Noemi actually went out with Gal today to visit the stables.”Va was still in decline, but at least she would have a little more time with her daughter.

“That's the children taken care of, then.And what about you?Weren't you planning to do something for fun?”

“In’shi and I are going to the Starry Market tomorrow.She said even though it's inside the mountain, it's huge.She's very excited to show me everything.”

“Good.I think you'll like it.Will you be taking our house door or hers?”Most goblin houses and shops had a door that opened into the Starry Market.When the mountain storms raged, the market became very lively as traffic was driven off the street and into the mountain.There was nothing like it anywhere else.

“I'm going over there for breakfast, so we'll leave from there.In’shi wanted to show me her copper still.she said I can watch the next time she distills her brandy.”Julep had learned it was a popular goblin hobby.They were entire festivals devoted to it.

“Have fun,” he said.“Don't get lost.”

She raised her brows.“Is that a possibility?”

“No.I’d come looking for you.”He winked.

Starry Market

Julep wasn’t a casualshopper, but the Starry Market had many other attractions.

Everywhere they went there was a smell of grilled meat, fresh baked bread and delicious things cooking.

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