Page 46 of Sharpen Your Claws

“This trip will not only be for work, I hope. I wish for you to meet Hill Castle, the home I grew up in.”

William clutched his right arm. “What of Laurent, and your siblings? Would it be a good idea for me to go?”

“Do not think of them. For now, I wish only to hear you say you will consider my requests from time to time in Faerie. That you will see my world, where I come from.”

William gave a smile, true and breathtaking. “I would like that very much.”

“Shall I see you tomorrow evening?”

“Yes, I should have talked to Henry by then.” Then he heaved a long breath. “Nicholas, you cannot come to my home or office again, not when we aren’t sure if this situation may repeat itself.”

“Right. Of course.” He hesitated in the doorway. “I am sorry, William, about Richard. I’m sorry.”

William’s voice trembled. “I know you are.”

But that may not be enough.

17

William

Theclosedsignhungon the window of the Gilded Lily. Charmaine gifted William a key when they opened. He often used it on evenings he knew he wouldn’t sleep. That morning, he had another reason to enter.

He came through the back door leading to the workshop where Charmaine toiled most the days away. Just last year, they invested in a sewing machine that Charmaine slowly learned how to use. However, the chaotic counters revealed that she still relied on any other form of creation. The interior of the shop had a pedestal and a full-length mirror where Bessie took their patrons measurements, a seating area for those in line, and examples of all their offered materials along the walls to gawk over. If business kept up, they would have to expand. He had his brothers keeping their ears open for any news concerning a larger store front property on sale that would be on or closer to main street.

The scent of baked goods filled the shop. Bessie either cooked them herself or bought a batch from the bakery down the street. That rainy morning, freshly baked pancakes waited on the dining table of the second floor where Charmaine and her mother lived. Their apartment had been perfect, so Bessie claimed, with two modest bedrooms, a spacious kitchen with a breakfast nook, and a living room that looked over the street. The doors led onto a balcony big enough to stand on for a quick smoke, which he partook in more than either of them.

“William, oh, you should have let me know you would be coming.” Bessie rose from the table, intending to step into the kitchen.

“Do not worry. I had breakfast already. I’m sorry to interrupt yours.” He wanted to speak with Charmaine alone without bothering her during working hours.

The Gilded Lily became rather famous over the years. Many ladies wore their dresses and the more who wore them, the more society learned of the business. Charmaine didn’t speak as proudly of her shop as William thought she should. However, he saw the note she kept on her dresser that declared The Gilded Lily would become a household name one day. The edges had faded over the years from the many times Charmaine picked it up to repeat the phrase, as if the chant would bring the future into fruition. He didn’t doubt that future for a second.

“Don’t be silly.” Bessie patted the apron hugging her thick waist. When she smiled, her cheeks cushioned her eyes, slimming them into smiles of their own. “I’ve finished up. I am assuming you are here to discuss something?”

He nodded, then Bessie excused herself downstairs. While she prepared to open the shop, he took to cleaning the dishes. Charmaine finished her breakfast in silence, then sat her dish in the sink.

“What would you like to talk about?” she asked.

“I have a favor to ask,” he said, feeling her intense attention all the while.

“Anything.”

He settled the dishes into the wrack. “Will you check in at the clinic while I’m away?”

Charmaine leaned against the counter they had repainted when she first moved in. The apartment had furniture, much to her relief, although the furniture needed much love and care. He was more than happy to help. Cleaning up the place had kept both their minds too focused to think of anything else.

“Where are you going?” she asked skeptically.

He knew she wouldn’t like what he had to say. He stalled by finishing up the dishes, feeling her scrutiny all the while. “Nicholas discovered the disciples were coming from Faerie. He, Evera, and I will follow their trail.”

“Just you and two fae?” She barked out a harsh laugh. “You will not go without me.”

He glanced at the steps. Bessie’s voice came from below, chattering with a customer she let in early.

“Your mother cannot run this store on her own. Most importantly, I do not want you to come. This will be dangerous,” he countered while Charmaine took to drying the dishes and setting them in the cupboards.

“Which is exactly why I will join you.” She held up a hand, silencing him. “This is not up for debate, William. My mother is more than capable of handling the shop. I am always ahead and I will finish up more before we leave. Do not think for a moment that you may trick me. I will follow you, so I suggest you make this easier for yourself and accept it.”

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