Naamah's Kiss - Jacqueline Carey [106]
"How very thoughtful." I closed the book quickly. "Daphne, I thought I might go to the Academy of Occult Philosophy to seek out Master Lo Feng. Is that inappropriate?"
"I don't see why it would be." She eyed me. "But whatever for?"
"I liked him."
She shivered. "Somewhat about him makes my skin crawl. It's those slanty eyes, I reckon. You don't know what he's thinking."
"Really?" I was surprised. "I thought he was lovely."
Daphne shrugged. "They say the Ch'in eat dogs. They're barbarians."
"Well, I'm not a dog, so I've naught to fear." I didn't feel like arguing with her. "If Raphael returns before me, tell him I'll be pleased to accompany him tonight. And, um… do I need to reply to Prince Thierry?"
"Aye, my lady. I'll have paper and ink sent to your chambers." She gave me a disapproving look. "Though you oughtn't turn down an invitation from the Dauphin for no good cause."
"Why?" I asked. "I don't wish to go to Balm House with him."
"But he's the Dauphin!"
"Oh, aye," I said wryly. "And his status and wealth should dictate my desires?" Daphne looked hurt, and I immediately felt guilty. My father might have made the same point, but he'd have done it with grace. "I'm sorry." I gave her a quick hug. "I know you mean well."
She sniffed. "Don't forget about Atelier Favrielle."
"I won't."
It was a blessed relief to ride out of the City and across the ancient Tiberian bridge in the open air. Blossom thought so, too. I let my thoughts ease into hers. We got on well together. She was gentle and willing and needed little direction. I let the reins lie slack and guided her with my knees, watching the water of the Aviline River slide past us, laughing when the sun emerged from behind a bank of clouds and Blossom shied and pricked her ears at her own shadow cast in sharp relief on the venerable stones.
"Silly," I said fondly. "It's only your shadow."
The thought seemed to amuse her. Blossom arched her neck and picked up her gait, trampling her own shadow defiantly.
In the courtyard of the Academy, I turned her over to an ostler's care. She looked at me with prick-eared alarm. "It's only for a little while," I assured her, and she relaxed.
The ostler clucked his tongue in a friendly manner. "Smart one, isn't she? You'd almost think she understands you."
I smiled. "Almost, aye. Do you know where I might find Master Lo Feng?"
"That Ch'in fellow?" He jerked his thumb toward the west, his expression hardening. "Try the glass pavilion."
I thanked him and set out in search of it.
The Academy was a sprawling complex with a multitude of passageways and hidden courtyards. Twice, I had to ask passing scholars for directions. They obliged with an air of pleasant distraction. Once I found it, I felt foolish for having had to ask.
The glass pavilion was exactly that: a vast pavilion made wholly of glass. I stood for a moment and gaped at it. I couldn't even begin to imagine how it had been built. The domed roof rose high into the air. The structure that supported it was made of white-washed iron as delicate and intricate as lace. Countless panes of glass glittered in the sunlight.
And behind them, greenery.
It was filled with plants.
At length I found the door and opened it. Warm air wafted out, redolent with moisture and the aroma of green, growing life. I stepped inside and shivered with pleasure. If one had to be indoors, surely this must be the most wondrous place on earth.
A pretty young woman watering an unfamiliar tree glanced up. "May I assist you, my lady?"
"I'm looking for Master Lo Feng."
"Ah." She smiled and pointed. "You'll find him in the bamboo gallery."
"My thanks." I came over to touch the tree's slender, ridged trunk. At the top, fronds like giant ferns radiated