Page 82 of Legacy of Glass
Markus grinned. “Thank you, my lady.”
“Oh, I’m not a lady. Just Daphne.”
Markus grinned. “Well, I always appreciate praise for my cider—whether it comes from a commoner or nobility.”
“With cider this good, I’m surprised your stall isn’t teeming.” She took another long drink.
Markus leaned forward, his eyes shifting from side to side. For the first time, he actually looked as if he were about to impart a secret, a break from his usual subtle manner.
“I don’t give everyone the good stuff,” he said in a hoarse whisper. “I’m very discerning about who gets to enjoy it.” He patted the barrel their drinks had come from.
Julius sat back and laughed. “Consider us honored in that case. Although I suppose it’s Olivia we have to thank, since she was the first one to win you over.”
Markus smiled at Olivia. “I can recognize an overwhelmed, homesick expression when I see one. And I’m willing to offer a bit of cider-flavored comfort to those that need it.”
Olivia laughed. “How long ago that seems! I remember my first visit—I couldn’t believe how enormous the market was. I was wishing I had convinced my cousins to come with me instead of braving it alone when I sat down at Markus’s stall just to escape the crowds.” She smiled at him. “I’m glad you took pity on me as I can’t imagine my time in the capital without your delicious cider.”
“Have we waited long enough?” Cade murmured, clearly struggling with the task of looking calm and relaxed for enough time to finish a tankard.
Julius threw him a sympathetic look. His respect for Cade’s self-control had grown considerably since learning about his connection to Marigold. He had shown remarkable self-restraint in appearing so normal for the last months.
“I think we can go now.” Julius drained the last of his drink in one long swallow. “Ladies?”
“Oh, yes! I’m done.” Daphne stood up with a satisfied sigh. “And you can be sure I’ll be back, sir.”
Olivia laughed. “Cider appreciation runs in the family, apparently.”
Julius caught the intensity of the glitter in her eyes. Her laughter was the only outlet she was allowing herself, but her emotions were running high.
They left their two grooms at the market in charge of the horses, walking the short distance to the Larkins’ home on foot. They hadn’t bothered to bring any guards since they couldn’t risk taking them anywhere near the Larkins’ anyway. And Julius was no longer concerned about the need for a guard in the market. The people had already grown used to his and Olivia’s frequent visits, and he no longer feared they might be crushed by an enthusiastic crowd.
Thanks to the new hint of cool in the air, they had been able to get away with bringing cloaks, and all four of them donned the garments and drew up the hoods shortly after leaving the market. Julius looked around keenly as they walked, searching for any hint of watchers. He could see no one.
His heart beat quickly anyway as they waited outside the Larkins’ door, the seconds after their knock seeming to stretch impossibly long. Were the Larkins not home?
Finally the door swung open. The young maid on the other side fell back with a gasp at the sight of four cloaked figures on her doorstep. But there was no time to reassure her. Rushing forward, the four of them pushed their way into the house, the maid staggering back out of their way.
“But who…who are you?” she gasped.
Olivia pulled off her hood and Julius quickly followed suit. The girl gave a squeak of delight as soon as she got a good look at Olivia, reassuring Julius that she wasn’t too upset at their abrupt entry.
“Your Highness!” She dropped into an exaggerated curtsy.
“What’s this?” Master Larkin’s harried voice came from further down the hall. “Is it?—?”
He caught sight of Julius and hurried forward. “Back to the packing now,” he told the girl. “I’ll see to our guests.”
The maid obeyed slowly, looking disappointed. She threw frequent glances over her shoulder until she was out of sight, but Larkin waited patiently for her to disappear before speaking again.
“We don’t have many staff,” he said, “and we haven’t mentioned you to any of them. It seemed safer that way.”
Julius nodded. “Very wise. And you’ve received the ransom demand?”
“That we did.” Larkin led them into the sitting room from their previous visit. “And we’re nearly packed and ready to go. You came just in time.”
“Packed?” Julius asked blankly. “How much coin did they demand?”
“None,” Master Larkin said grimly. “Their demand is that we pack and leave the city immediately, collecting our daughter on the way.”
