Chapter 6: The Man He Barred

Caerovan asked to receive Thalvian in the study.

Ysmerelle put her handbag on the hall table.

"You can ask somebody else to carry you," she said.

He looked toward the high study door.

Then he walked to it and waited until the footman opened it.

She followed because Thalvian had asked whether she would hear the answer too.

He wanted another adult present when the duke spoke.

Caerovan climbed onto the low bench beside his desk.

From there he flew toward the blotter.

His wings carried him as far as the near edge.

He caught the leather with both foreclaws and rested, hind feet against a drawer handle.

Ysmerelle stayed where he could ask.

He looked at her.

"The drawer," he said.

She pulled it out a little.

He stood on it and climbed onto the desk.

The drawer closed when he pushed against it.

He lay flat for a moment with his tail hanging over the edge.

Thalvian waited without laughing.

That made the duke straighten more slowly when he finally stood.

"I was advised to apologize," Thalvian said.

Caerovan looked at him.

"By whom?"

"Your aunt."

The dragon glanced toward the closed door.

"You declined my challenge."

"You challenged me because people enjoyed my company."

Ysmerelle looked from one man to the other.

She had imagined an offense serious enough to justify the silence surrounding it.

Thalvian had brought no excuse for a secret offense.

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