Page 45 of Embrace the Serpent

I pitched my voice low. “What did you want to tell me?”

“You know that special talent of mine? I’ll be putting on a show later today, for our new friends. Think they might enjoy the scenic route, if you understand what I mean.”

“I see,” I said. “Are we speaking in code?”

“Can’t be too careful.”

“You should’ve told me earlier,” I said. “I’ve already given away most of the... wedding present.”

“It doesn’t matter. The show will still go on.”

“Will you tell me anything more about it?”

“I’d better not. Just trust me, and trust your husband. He’ll keep you safe.”

I crossed my arms. Trust him? I didn’t consider myself particularly unintelligent, but I had a feeling I was about to make the same mistake I’d made with Galen and with Mirandel. Maybe I was already in the process of making it, considering that I’d let myself get married.

Only a fool needed to be taught the same lesson thrice.

“You’re upset,” Rane said.

“I’m fine.”

“That seems like code forI’m upset.”

“I’m not speaking in code.”

“I promise I’ll tell you everything you want to know,afterthe show.” His eyes seemed sincere, his face was earnest, he wasn’t fidgeting.

“Everything?” I asked.

“Everything that’s safe to tell,” he amended.

He was worming his way out of it already.

The little girl had finished shuffling the cups. I pointed to the one on the left. The girl lifted it—nothing. “Sorry, my lady. Try again?”

“No,” I said. “I’m afraid I know how my luck goes.” I made my way through the crowd; they parted for me like they feared getting in my way.

“Saphira,” Rane called after me. “I’m sorry.”

I let him catch up to me, then pressed the bag of tracker stones into his hands. “We’ll talk after,” I said.

He gave me a hopeful little smile. “Will you wish me luck?”

“Do you need it?”

“It’ll be horribly dangerous.”

“I thought you said I wasn’t in danger.”

“Not for you, for me.”

“Good luck,” I said flatly. “Come back safe.”

“I feel like you don’t really mean it. You do mean it, don’t you?”

“How about this. I’ll tell you the truth,afteryour show.”

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