Chapter 20: Gilded Cage

Zadkiel’s blue-green pupil-less eyes followed Alix as she set about making a pot of tea, tuning out the conversation Marie was having with Nathaniel. Este watched her like a hawk with a scowl on her face. The pot whistled and Alix started pouring five cups.

“Aren’t you going to offer me any?” Este questioned as Alix handed Nathaniel and Marie steaming cups. At the question, Alix skipped over Este and handed the next cup to Zadkiel.

“That would imply you’re a welcome guest and not, in fact, a corpse on reprieve.” She took her own cup and took a long drink before shoving Este’s cup into her hands, “Take your damn tea.” That shut her up for the moment at least and Zadkiel's gaze shifted again as he watched Alix take up the edge of the counter beside him; he wondered if she pressed to his side consciously.