The Glowing Knight Read Free

nod at the servant and began eating.
    James lifted an eyebrow. “Unfortunately it seems to me there’s not much we can do to halt the wraith’s approach, but there’s plenty we can do to mitigate it. Firmer laws on magic, perhaps.”
    â€œThe laws are already quite firm.” Mother stirred her soup. “And the punishment even more so.”
    â€œWhat is the punishment?” I kept my eyes on her, not looking at Hensley or James.
    â€œIt’s nothing for you to worry about right now. And certainly not a topic appropriate for dinner.” She smiled and turned to Lady Corcoran. “What did you think of the crab puffs? I asked the chef . . .”
    I glanced at Lord Hensley. “Did I see you with Professor Knight during the trials?” I asked.
    â€œYou did.” Hensley’s eyebrows rose. “I was so pleased to find him moving about after his mishap last week.”
    His mishap. As if he’d tripped and bumped his head. “Indeed. I’m looking forward to discussing it during my lessons tomorrow. I feel partly responsible since I’m the one who found him.”
    And left him, said Father’s sharp look.
    â€œI truly hope the police apprehend his attacker.”
    â€œAs do I. To think, attacked in Rayner Manor, of all places.” Hensley shook his head. “I suppose even our own homes aren’t as safe as we hope; isn’t that right, Cadet?”
    James’s face darkened, but if Aunt Kathleen noticed the remark, she didn’t react. “My thought,” said James evenly, “isthat the perpetrator was already at the party. Which is embarrassing to admit, since I wrote the guest list, but there were a lot of people invited due to rank or connection. As awful as I feel for Professor Knight, however, I’m just grateful no harm befell my cousin.”
    â€œIndeed.” Hensley’s tone turned grave. “I suppose that would have put a stop to your designs of becoming Prince Tobiah’s bodyguard. What a shame that would have been.”
    Was there a threat in there? Maybe I heard things because I didn’t trust him, but maybe . . .
    James heard it too.
    His eyes were hard and his voice deeper than usual. “I assure you that even without the formal title, I put the prince’s life above my own every time we’re together. There is no one I would not kill if it meant keeping him safe.”
    Mother and Lady Corcoran paused their conversation. “James.” Mother’s tone was sharp.
    James didn’t look away from Lord Hensley.
    Lady Meredith held her spoon halfway to her mouth, then lowered it. “Your devotion to your cousin is admirable, if perhaps frighteningly stated.”
    After a heartbeat of realization, James sucked in a breath and smiled. “My apologies for alarming anyone.” He bobbed his head toward Lady Meredith.
    Mother glanced at Father, her eyes narrowed with . . . what? Anger?
    Rain pattered on outside as more courses were served, and talk turned to lighter subjects. Renovations of Hawksbill houses, Aunt Kathleen’s upcoming return to Hawes—a conversation inwhich she did not participate—and even Lord Chuter’s affinity for his dogs and the hope that they might be trained to sniff out shine in the city.
    â€œWhat a clever idea.” Lady Hensley leaned back as a plate of sugar-covered pastries was placed in front of her. “And these dogs—could they be used for finding the people who use shine, as well?”
    â€œPresumably,” I said, “though I imagine a man who used shine in the last several days smells quite different than his stash. So the police might need different dogs for the various tasks. I’m not sure. I’m hardly an expert on the subject.”
    Father sat back in his chair, not even looking at his dessert. “I’ll be sure to speak to Lord Chuter about it. Of course I’m interested in anything that will help