Heart Fortune

Like all the FirstFamilies, strings they set in place tended to be sticky.

But Jace was helping Glyssa fulfill her obligation to her friend and the FirstFamily GreatLord—writing a fictional account of Captain Hoku based on his journals. Jace could take pride in that.

He slowed to a walk, slapped dust from his shirt and trous, straightened his cuffs. Of course he would never be the same status as Laev T’Hawthorn, but he had nothing to be ashamed about in his life. He’d lived it as well as he could have, done what he wanted, just like any man should.

On a big sucked-in breath, he waved the spellshield and door of the canvas tent aside and stepped in to see the screen set up on a small table Glyssa had donated. He had no time to check out the other instruments in the tent because his gaze was riveted to the man in the frame who radiated power even from thousands of kilometers away.

“GentleSir Jace Bayrum?” asked Laev T’Hawthorn, his violet gaze fixed on Jace.

“That’s me.” Jace refused to let his hand shake as he drew out the stool. He’d never seen such clothing, so obviously made of expensive materials and in a fashion that flattered the man. Tailored.

“Laev T’Hawthorn here,” the GreatLord said.

Despite himself, Jace dipped his head. “So I was told. How can I help you, GreatLord T’Hawthorn?” More courteous than asking what the guy wanted.

The man’s smile flashed even, brilliant teeth. “Odd you should ask that.”

Jace had said the wrong thing. He was in trouble now. Maybe the man wanted him to do something at the site, but he figured the lord was interested in something else. “You want me to come to Druida City.”

“And you’re very astute. Yes, I do. Glyssa is unhappy that you remained there.”

“How do you—” Then Jace recalled that Glyssa “spoke” with her friends telepathically. Distance didn’t matter to such mental connections.

“The bonds of love.” T’Hawthorn actually looked a little sympathetic. “Glyssa is unhappy and my HeartMate wished me to speak with you, see if I could persuade you to change your mind.”

Jace stiffened, and though it hurt him to say it, he continued, “I won’t be bought.”

A small nod. “I understand. But I’m not offering to pay you to come, though I would take care of all expenses.” Now the man paused. “And offer to house you here, in my Residence.”

Surprise squeezed the breath from Jace and dizzying visions flashed before his eyes. Him staying in an intelligent Residence! With a FirstFamily GreatLord.

The adventure of that. Once in a lifetime, if ever. And he still felt the pain of being far from Glyssa. He sure hadn’t anticipated that would happen.

“I see that you like the idea?” T’Hawthorn pressed. “You would have the use of one of our new gliders to visit the Licorices.”

The bubble of the dream popped. Of course this was all to facilitate Jace meeting Glyssa’s uptight and upright Family.

“What’s the deal?” His own tone wasn’t nearly as smooth as the lord’s.

Another smile. Not as sharklike as Jace had expected.

“We—Camellia and I and our friend Tiana Mugwort—get the opportunity to grill you. Specifically on your relationship with Glyssa and, in general, on the excavation, the Elecampanes, and the project.”

“Yeah?”

“You’ll come? My HeartMate wants this and I like to give her what she wants.”

Jace grunted.

“We’re still newly wed.” The GreatLord’s expression softened. “And I like Glyssa, too. I’m sure I can make it worth your while. I have many projects in my hands.”

Now Jace felt like he’d taken a sock to the chest. “I told you I wouldn’t be bought,” he growled. “Glyssa doesn’t need a man to be bought for her—”

“Indeed she doesn’t,” T’Hawthorn said.

“And I’ve always made my gilt honestly.”

The entrepreneur’s smile was charming. “I truly would like to get a take on the Lugh’s Spear excavation venture.”

“I’m loyal to the Elecampanes, and I have a share in it,” Jace said.

T’Hawthorn’s smile broadened. “Nothing wrong with just talking.” He tapped his fingers together then spread his hands wide. “Just think, see Druida City as you have never seen it before”—a pause—“as you may never see it again.”

Was that a threat? The guy’s eyes still looked mild, nearly guileless. Jace decided the words hadn’t been intended as a threat. A lot of people at the expedition were looking at settling near Lugh’s Spear, especially those with shares.

“I have a BirdFam,” Jace said. Even as he mentioned Zem, the hawkcel glided through a crack in the flap to perch on his shoulder.

Laev T’Hawthorn’s eyes widened and he whistled. “Beautiful Fam.”

Tell him thank you, Zem said.

Jace relayed the sentiment.

“Perhaps . . . Zem . . . would be amenable to being paid for information on the area?”

I am not a greedy, dealing cat, Zem said.

With a smile, Jace told T’Hawthorn Zem’s words.

The GreatLord laughed, then grew serious. “I want you here, Jace Bayrum and Zem the FamBird. Tell me how I can make that happen.” His expression went beyond serious to sad. “Glyssa misses you.” He coughed and for the first time his eyes shifted from Jace. “My HeartMate and I had a very rough wooing. If I can make it easier on Glyssa . . .”

Jace stood and the stool tipped over behind him. “I’ll come . . . we’ll come.” He grimaced. “Try not to manipulate me too much.”

T’Hawthorn’s brows rose, he inclined his head. “I’m sure we’ll come to a meeting of minds. Ah, the airship is on its way and will be there this evening. The pilot is one who shuttles there and back quite often. He can bring you back tomorrow.”

Jace set his teeth, then had to unlock his jaw before saying, “Pretty sure of me.”

But the guy was shaking his head. “Not at all.” He smiled. “Sure of Glyssa and HeartMate lo—, sex.”

Jace turned. “Later.”

“I’ll deposit a thousand in your account pursuant to the deal I made with Raz D’Elecampane to converse with you.”

More gilt than Jace’d seen in a long time, but he didn’t answer. He had no doubt the man knew which bank held his pitiful savings.

* * *

Jace awoke before dawn and, with Zem on his shoulder, walked toward the landing area carrying a small duffle. Inside were gifts for each of Glyssa’s two friends. Since the pilot had stayed up late, Jace was surprised to see the man checking his vehicle. He waved and grunted a greeting at them, stuffing some food into his mouth as he did a last walk around the airship.

When the sun rose, they were off. The trip passed fast and interestingly as he and the pilot talked a lot about flying, the excavation, airships, starships, and Raz Cherry Elecampane, who the pilot knew from Raz’s childhood around the Cherry Airship business.

Zem was fascinated with the trip—how much he could see, and how much he couldn’t, just clouds and the blazing white of the sun, set high and tiny in the deep blue sky.

Jace had convinced himself that he was doing the right thing in making this trip, especially since he literally ached due to the last two days and nights without Glyssa. As he’d told her, he had absolutely no yearning for any other woman, which scared him, too. He was not thinking about that word, that term, they’d sort of discussed, the one with the permanent bond.

But when Jace hopped down from the door of the sleek, fast airship, he didn’t see Glyssa waiting to meet him and his excitement dimmed.

An elegant, richly dressed man stepped from a nearby building and walked toward him and Zem. Jace recognized T’Hawthorn. The man strode toward him and nodded a greeting, not offering Jace an arm to clasp.