Naamah's Kiss - Jacqueline Carey [88]
"To coax it?" I asked.
He nodded. "Will you?"
I sighed. "And how is her majesty?"
Raphael touched my cheek. "I've made you no false promises, Moirin. Will you come with me tomorrow morning to see the lad?"
"Of course," I murmured.
"Good." He kissed me, then released me. "I'll send word to the Academy. Master Lo Feng has a concoction he says will help, and I'm eager for him to meet you." He paused. "Out is a passing vague term. Where did you go? Daphne said you left with the King's Poet."
"To the banking house." I jingled the purse at my waist. "And then to Cereus House. I have an appointment there the day after tomorrow."
It was worth every penny I'd spent to see the look of pure astonishment on Raphael de Mereliot's face. "You do?"
"Oh, yes." I reveled in his disbelief. "The Dowayne was very kind. She's arranging a private Showing with two of their finest adepts that I might witness the full range of Naamah's arts, and then I may take my leisure with either or both as I choose." I raised my brows. "You did say I had a lot to learn."
"Blessed Elua bugger me," he muttered. "So I did."
"The Dowayne asked if I thought I might enter Naamah's Service," I added with a certain malice. "She thought I might have the gift for it."
"Moirin." Raphael caught my hands. "Don't rush into anything. Elua knows, I'm the last man to disparage Naamah's Service, but it's not an uncommon calling. What you can do…" His thumbs rubbed my inner wrists. "It's unique and unprecedented, and we've just begun to explore it. Promise me that you'll give it a chance?"
Now I felt petty. "I will. It's just—"
"I took you for granted." He raised my hands, planting a kiss in each palm. "I shouldn't have done that and I'm sorry for it. Do you accept my apology?"
"I do."
His eyes gleamed. "Do you still mean to keep that appointment?"
I. lifted my chin. "Aye, I do."
He laughed. "So be it! The gods also know I've a penchant for stubborn women."
"Oh?" I asked. "Is Jehanne stubborn?"
"Yes." Raphael let go of my hands and regarded me. "I'll make you a bargain. Don't ask me to speak of her, and I'll not speak of you to her. Jealousy doesn't become you, Moirin."
In my heart, I thought it was unfair. After all, he was the one to make oblique reference to her and I was more curious than jealous at this point—but there was a warning edge in his voice. I remembered how Cillian's jealousy had pushed me away from him, a memory forever tainted with guilt. I didn't want to cause Raphael to push me away. "All right," I agreed.
He bent down to kiss me. "Good girl."
I hoped Raphael would take me to bed again that night. I thought it would be better between us if I weren't drained and exhausted. But he merely escorted me to the guest-chamber and gave me a chaste kiss good night. Whatever he'd been up to with the Queen, I supposed it had left him somewhat drained.
In the morning, we paid a visit on the de Thibideau household.
The Comte de Thibideau greeted us at the door himself, ushering us into the foyer. He was a burly blond man I vaguely recalled seeing at the King's fete.
"Come in, come in!" he said, pumping Raphael's arm. "Ah good, you've got the witch-girl with you. Remarkable thing, that. But if she can help poor Marc, I'll take back everything I've ever said about her folk." He lowered his voice. "That Ch'in fellow's here waiting with his surly lad and some noxious brew. You sure he's all right?"
"Very sure." Raphael extricated himself from the Comte's grip and stepped past him to greet his mentor, clasping his hands together and bowing. "Master Lo Feng, well met."
"Lord Raphael." The Ch'in physician clasped his hands together and inclined his head in greeting. His lilting accent was like nothing I'd ever heard. "It is ever a pleasure."
Raphael bowed again, then turned to indicate me. "Permit me to introduce Lady Moirin mac Fainche to you."
I got a good look at Master Lo Feng and fell in love at first sight. In his own way, he was as elegant as the Dowayne of Cereus House. He