By Rachel Ann Michael Harris
When I took this bounty, I didn’t think it would be this boring.
During the last five parties hosted by high-ranking officials in this region, rare items had disappeared. As if fading into thin air.
Zaivar stifled another yawn behind his hand.
The hypnotic dancing had almost lulled him to sleep more than once.
As a warrant chaser, he sometimes ended up accepting duds like this one. But while it wasn’t a life-or-death job, at least it paid well. Very well.
Next job better be more exciting. But not too exciting. No need having someone pull a sword and try to take his head off.
Shaking off another drowsy nod, Zai focused on the nearest noble and mind-dropped—as he liked to say—into his thoughts, hearing the man’s voice in his mind.
Bumbling, old coot. When will this windbag finally keel over?
Zai stifled a snort as he took a drink to hide his smile, considering the “old coot” was the other man’s benefactor. Then again, his benefactor was ancient, so the question wasn’t completely out of line.
Browsing the room, Zai spotted a beautiful, young woman, her arm linked around a middle-aged man’s.
Skipping into her mind, he popped out a moment later, eyes widening.
Wow. Was there such a thing as soap for the mind? Her poor fiancé. It certainly was not him she was thinking of.
I wonder what Father would say if he heard of anything so scandalous?
As if speaking about the man conjured him, his father—Sir Witz—walked across the room about halfway between Zai and the woman.
Suddenly, the ballroom shrank in on him.
Spinning around, Zai’s mind raced with how to escape.
And slammed into a young woman.
“Hey!” The lady toppled to the side, her red wine splattering all over her.
“I am so sorry!” Perfect. Zai gently grabbed the woman’s arm, helping her to her feet. He quickly escorted her to a quiet, and far away, corner of the room.
The woman swiped at her dress to wipe away the liquid as it soaked into the fabric.
She sighed as the stains set in and turned to look him straight in the eyes.
Oh, great. At least tell me her shoes are adding some height. But her gown was too long to see her footwear. One or two more inches and he’d have to look up at her or stare at the ruby necklace gracing her neck.
She scowled at him. “Do you always go around spilling drinks on women?”
Zai smirked. “Only the ones I want to get the attention of.”
“Oh?” She raised her eyebrows.
He gestured to his face. “With a muggle like this, I don’t have much of a choice.”
“No, you don’t.”
Ouch. He might not be the most handsome man in the kingdom but did she really have to say it?
She reached out her hand. “I am Lady Talli.”
Zai took her hand, bowed to kiss it, and slipped into his charming nobleman persona. “I am Lord Natan.” He could almost hear his father’s horror at calling himself a lord.
“And what brings you here tonight?”
Zai’s mind scrambled for an answer and heard himself say the first thing that popped to mind. “I’m here with Sir Witz.”
“The diplomat?”
Pig snout. “Yes, I’m his aid.”
A chuckle rose to her lips. “And what role does a diplomat’s aid play at a party?”
“I get to charm all the ladies.” He held up a hand to frame his curly hair and golden skin.
Her laugh sounded like bells. “I’m afraid your eyes give you away. All the women would know not to trust a word you say. Besides,” she picked at her dress. “If you keep spilling drinks, I see why diplomacy is necessary.”
“You are my fifth one tonight.”
“Then I’ll let you get back to it. Have a good night, Sir Natan.”
“Evening,” Zai muttered as she brushed past. With a final glance back, she disappeared into the crowd.
Zai held back a whistle. What was that? He placed a hand on his chest, his heart thrumming. Must be the stress of the hunt.
Searching the crowd once more, he spotted Lady Talli and peeked into her mind as she disappeared through a door.
That was too easy, her voice rang in his mind.
Zaivar’s brow lowered. Easy?
A second later a woman screeched and patted her neck. “My necklace! It’s gone!”
A second later several people rushed forward.
Zai stayed back but hovered close enough to hear what happened.
“Could you have mislaid it?”
“No!” the woman responded. “I would never take it off. It was my grandmother’s. A tear drop ruby.”
A ruby tear drop? Zai’s eyes widened, remembering Lady Talli and her ruby encrusted neck. Forgetting to keep his cover, he dashed to the door she disappeared through.
He collided with a servant, pushed past her, and ran down a hall until he reached a door leading outside. He thrust it open to the darkness. No one was in sight.
Zai braced his hands on his sides as he scanned the grounds.
And felt a lump in his pocket.
What? Reaching inside, he pulled out a ruby necklace and a scrap of parchment tied to it. He removed the paper and unrolled it.
This necklace isn’t really my taste. I do like your cufflink however. Thank you for a fine evening “Sir Natan.” I look forward to seeing you again.
How… He glanced down at his sleeve which hung open. One side of Zai’s mouth rose as a smile broke over him. Clever girl.
Returning inside, he worked one of the smaller rubies out of its casing, slipped it into his pocket along with the note, and dropped the necklace in the hall to be found before heading home. He didn’t need anyone thinking he took it. But the little ruby would remind him of his unfinished job.
Maybe he was going to enjoy this hunt.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Clever ending! Zai should’ve been more alert.
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Yeah, he’s going to have to watch himself around her.
To the young singles reading this story: Yes, spilling red wine on someone counts as flirting. Go and try it today!
Haha, that is one way to get their attention. There might be some better meet cutes out there. Ones that are less messy. Lol
There might be “better” ones, sure but none more memorable! And beside our stained dresses, what do we have but our memories? 😂🤣😂
True, it would be very memorable. And it also gives a good reason to get a new dress. 😂
I like this! A nice take on Zai, and I love the hint of unfinished adventure.
Thank you. Yes, so much more adventure as these two try to out with each other.
This was so fun. I loved their banter. I was smiling throughout it!
Oh, yay. I’m so glad. Yes, their banter was very fun. I wanted to write more of it.
Loved the setting and dialogue! Great story!