Chapter 298
In a way, it was a relief to see cracks in Julian's visage. The way his fingers drummed nervously against his leg. The little stress lines around his mouth that betrayed worry, despite considerable effort to stay aloof. Beyond conveying that he wasn't exactly thrilled to be talking to me like this, it was more evidence to the fact he was exactly what he presented himself as.
What was less of a relief was that I'd so recently spoken to him without the mask. The mask would alter the sound and pitch of my voice, but Myrddin and Matt had similar speaking patterns, a precedent I'd established before realizing how many problems that was going to cause.
Julian was perceptive. I needed to amplify the differences that did exist, or the connection would be plain as day.
Leaning into that, I tried to push past him. "Out of the way, dickhead."
Instead of trying to stop me, Julian reached out a hand. "We've never met. I'm Julian. Prince of the Parcae Court."
"And I'm in a hurry."
"Better get to the point then." His voice was firm but calm. "There's a kid outside slowly choking to death. Me and some others have been trying to cut him down, but it's hard to get leverage on a ladder and the rope is shockingly resilient."
"Didn't you get the memo? The court wants nothing to do with me, they made it perfectly clear. Didn't want to add more shady associations to the already sketchy origin when they're about to make a public debut." I hit him with the facts, letting them speak for themselves. "New boss, same as the old boss."
Again, the rogue was in no real danger. Audrey would send a warning if he was. I'd planned to leave him hanging there like a living gibbet until my business was concluded, then dismiss the summon and wash my hands of it.