Page 46 of A Slipper in the Smoke
“Could you do me a favour?”
Lucia raised a manicured black brow. “Most likely, but I would know what it is, first.”
“Can you cover for me? Say I’m spending the afternoon with you?”
Lucia smiled. “Intriguing. You owe me gossip, dear Pip.”
“I hope to give it,” he said, hardly knowing if that was the truth.
“Then go ahead. I’ll send out a search party if I don’t see you at dinner.”
“Thank you.”
Pip located Susan hovering nearby and let her know of his supposed plans, before returning to his rooms to pick up the servant’s livery he’d notquitegot around to returning. It was an excellent tool to explore the palace and blend into the background…
And meet with Elena, of course. He knew he should probably just tell her who he really was. His disguise was an outright lie, at this point, and they’d nearly been caught a number of times. Usually, he detested dishonesty. He couldn’t fathom why he’d slipped so easily into this lie—
He thought of Elena’s dark eyes, glossy and searching, and realised he knew exactly why. He did not want to lose that look.
He did not want to loseher.
He tiptoed down to the workshops again, glad of the quiet, and pressed open the door. He wasn’t sure if he could just waltz in right now. Just because Elena hadn’t recognised him, it didn’t mean one of the other mechanics wouldn’t. Some were permanent members of the staff who lived in the palace.
No one raised an eye to greet him when he opened the door a crack, all engaged in their work. His heart lit up hopefully, gaze falling to the back of the room—
And landing on Elena’s empty chair.
She wasn’t there.
He closed the door, hovering in the corridor, refusing to give in to panic, not just yet. Perhaps she was in the bathroom, and would be back momentarily. Maybe she was just taking a break. She was fine. She was definitely fine. Shehadto be fine.
But she didn’t come.
Finally, Pip turned down the corridor and located the office belonging to the supervisor. She was reading something at her desk, a novel with a faded pink cover of a couple embracing. Her eyes didn’t look up.
He knocked loudly on the door.
She gasped loudly, leaping up from her seat. Her eyes widened at his face, and then frowned at his attire. Evidently, shedidrecognise him.
“Ah, your highness!”
“Are you the supervisor?” he asked. “I’m looking for one of your mechanics. Elena. She was, um, doing a personal job for me.” Pip found himself amazed at his own mouth’s capacity for betrayal, how easily the lie rolled off his tongue. He was becoming accustomed to it, and he did not like it.
The supervisor blinked. “She didn’t come in today,” she said shortly.
“Was she due time off?”
“No. But I know she works in the outer ring. She may have been caught up in the rioting this morning.”
Pip’s very blood froze. “There was a riot in the outer ring?”
“Some traitor was executed, some people revolted. I hear it’s all under control now.”
Then why isn’t she here?
“Was anyone else hurt?”
The supervisor shrugged. “Probably. I haven’t seen the casualty report. Maybe ask the General, if you’re interested.”
