“We’re going into the city today,” I say. “Talon wants a new bone flute, and we heard about a shop that sells instruments.”

He shrugs and pushes off the wall to follow us. “No need to ask my permission.”

“Oh, I know. I just thought I’d keep you apprised of our plans. I mean … if you don’t want to go, we could probably find another day.”

He snorts. “It’s fine.”

“I figured as much,” I say. “It just seems like you never have any time to relax, and—”

Tessa shoots me a quelling look. I’m being too talkative. I press my lips together.

“You don’t need to concern yourself with how I spend my time,” Rasmus says.

I open my mouth to apologize, but then decide that perhaps I can’t be trusted to speak. Tessa and I walk in silence as Rasmus trails us down the stairs. Bram, Talon, and Niklas are all waiting for us in the grand foyer, but Jacey is nowhere in sight. A spasm of panic goes through me. Our entire plan depends on Jacey. I asked her for details last night on how exactly she plans on dosing Rasmus without him knowing, but she brushed me off.

“I’m working on it,” she said. “Don’t worry.”

“Good morning, Rasmus,” Talon says brightly once we reach the bottom. “I’m in the market for a bone flute.”

“So I’ve heard,” Rasmus says dryly.

Time seems to shuffle along as we wait. We make small talk. We glance anxiously to the upper level.

“Should I go try to find her?” Talon asks.

“She’ll be here,” Niklas says. “Let’s give her another minute.”

Finally Jacey appears, bounding down the stairs like she’s just heard good news.

She gives us all a big smile. Then she turns to Rasmus and wrinkles her nose. “You have something on your face.”

His eyes widen in surprise. He rubs his cheek with his fist.

“Other side,” Jacey says.

Rasmus wipes the opposite cheek.

“Ew. Now you’ve gone and smeared it everywhere.”

He turns a deep red. He spits on his palm and scrubs furiously at his face.

“Oh, for bones’ sake,” Jacey says, rummaging through her satchel. “Here.” She holds out a handkerchief, pinched between her thumb and forefinger like it’s a rattlesnake.

I hold my breath. Rasmus will never fall for it.

But he doesn’t even hesitate before snatching the cloth and attacking his skin like it’s the bottom of a crusty pot.

“You got it,” Jacey says after a moment. Either he doesn’t hear or doesn’t believe her, because he keeps moving the handkerchief over his cheeks. He’s going to end up dosing himself with far too much of the potion. She touches his shoulder. “Rasmus, it’s all gone.”

“You sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure.”

He holds the cloth out to her. “Here you go then.”