Page 83 of Legacy of Glass
“The abductor wants you to leave the capital?” Cade asked. “That’s all? But why? What does he stand to gain from that?”
“Or she,” Daphne murmured, but Cade didn’t seem to hear.
“That’s not quite all,” Master Larkin said with a note of resignation. “I’m also to drop my current business plans. I assume he wants me to leave the capital to make it harder for me to ever pick them back up again.”
“And what are your business plans?” Julius asked, tension knotting deep in his belly. Would they finally get a clue to the identity of the abductor?
“I’m not a skilled man myself,” Larkin said. “Not in the way of making things anyway. But I can recognize quality when I see it. I found several smaller glass workshops that produced quality products but were struggling to distribute their wares effectively. I’ve been negotiating a deal to pool their products and managed the sales and distribution as combined stock. We were planning to focus on Glandore to begin with as I have a good merchant contact there who would take possession of the goods at the border.”
“And someone sees your deal as a threat,” Julius said. “It sounds like the abductor works with glass in some way.”
Master Larkin’s lips pressed into a thin line, his eyes darting around the group before he shrugged, not speaking.
Cade shifted uncomfortably beside Julius. “I take it there was no direct responsibility taken by anyone?”
“No, my lord.” Master Larkin looked down, seeming nervous.
Julius frowned. Was he hiding something? But why would he want to hide something from the people who were trying to help him?
He glanced at Cade, wondering if he had some insight, but from the tightness of his muscles, he was too on edge to think clearly. They would have to make do with the clue they had been given and hope the father wasn’t holding anything back.
When he looked for Olivia, he found her a few steps away, fumbling with something in her pocket. When she caught his eye, she nodded reassuringly.
“I know this must all be very terrifying for you and your wife, Master Larkin,” she said in a gentle voice. “But we intend to help you retrieve Elisabeth safely.”
“Thank you, my lady.” The man didn’t seem very reassured, despite his words.
Julius’s brow creased even further, but when Olivia gave him a second small nod, he accepted her judgment. He didn’t know what made her so certain about Larkin, but she was silently asking him to trust her, and he was willing to do so.
“Do you really intend to flee the city, even with our support?” he asked. “We can protect your family.”
Larkin’s head jerked from side to side. “Thank you, Your Highness, but as long as my daughter’s abductor is free, I won’t sleep a wink in the capital. We will obey our instructions to the letter.”
“Can we at least have the two letters?” Julius asked. “They can serve as proof of the abduction after you’ve left.”
Larkin hesitated. But after another glance at each of their faces, he retrieved two folded parchments and handed them over to Julius.
“We truly do appreciate your support, Your Highness, but all we want now is to have our daughter safe back in our arms again and to take her far from any future danger. If I have to give up a new business opportunity, I’ll do so without a second thought.”
“You’re a truly loving father,” Olivia said softly, “and that is to be admired. I hope you have your daughter safe at your side again soon.”
Larkin cleared his throat. “Thank you, my lady.” He hesitated. “I don’t wish to be rude, but we’re currently in a frenzy of packing. If we’re to make the rendezvous on time, we’ll need to leave in half an hour. I’m afraid I have to ask you to leave now.” He nodded toward the letters. “I hope those can be of some use.”
“We will do all in our power to make sure they are,” Cade said earnestly, and Larkin smiled although it didn’t reach his worried eyes.
“Will you not let us accompany you?” Julius asked, shocked at their sudden expulsion. “We could stay back out of sight when you approach the rendezvous.”
“No!” Larkin said sharply. “We were directed to come alone, and we intend to obey all instructions. To the letter.”
“But—” Julius started to protest, but Cade laid a restraining hand on his arm.
“Come on,” he murmured. “We can talk outside.”
Julius frowned, wanting to argue further, but Olivia approached on his other side.
“The Larkins have helped us. We can’t do anything to put their daughter in danger.”
Meeting her eyes, Julius sighed and capitulated.
