“Truly?” I grasped at the subject, eager to talk about anything besides my own eligibility or the various ways one might murder one’s servants. “Have you studied at a university?”

Ruven waved a depreciative hand. “My expertise and interests are limited to practical applications of magic. We do not have universities in Vaskandar. It is a wild land, a beautiful land, where we learn the rough lessons the forests and the mountains teach us. But it does mean I must travel to the Empire to sate my craving for books and learning.”

“Well, we do have one thing in common,” I said. “I am quite fond of books as well, with a particular interest in the magical sciences.”

“You would love our family library in Kazerath, then.” Ruven held my eyes. “I have assembled the finest collection of books on magic in Vaskandar. You must come and visit.”

“Speaking of books Amalia would love …” Domenic drummed his fingers on the volume he’d dropped on our table, grinning. “You’ll never believe what I found in a bookshop in Palova.”

“Oh?” I raised an eyebrow. I wanted to tell him about the Muscati, but Ruven’s presence would spoil the revelation. Better to wait until I had it in hand to show him.

“Volume one of Interactions of Magic!” He spread his hands wide, as if inviting applause.

I frowned, trying to remember. “Didn’t they have volume two in the Ducal Library in Ardence?”

“Indeed! But it kept referring back to volume one, so it didn’t make much sense. Which was a pity, because it laid out some interesting ways to combine seemingly incompatible types of magic, like alchemists and vivomancers working together, but we couldn’t figure it out without all the pieces.”

Ruven leaned forward. “I am interested in this book as well. I have heard of it.”

“But now you have the first volume!” I eyed the book with more appetite than I’d had for the cakes. “Have you had a chance to read it yet?”

“I’ve only perused it a bit. I’m hoping to read it along with the second volume when I eventually return to Ardence.”

“Perhaps I can join you in the Ducal Library on my return trip, then.” Ruven eyed the book. Relief washed over me to have his attention directed elsewhere. “Ardence is a fine city, and merits more of my attention on my way back to my beloved Vaskandar.”

From there, the conversation turned to the merits of the university library versus the Ducal Library. Ruven remained a perfect gentleman, showing no signs of his earlier viciousness. I relaxed enough to nibble a couple of apple cakes and a miniature summernut tart, though I still felt any social occasion that didn’t serve wine was an aberration against the Grace of Bounty.