The next evening, Nikolai knocked on Laura's door just as she finished dressing.
"I have business in town tonight," he said, his eyes carefully neutral as they met hers. No trace of last night's intensity remained. "I thought you might like to see where real information is gathered."
Laura hesitated. After their confrontation in the garden, she hadn't expected him to include her in his affairs.
"No moon lilies involved?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
The corner of Nikolai's mouth twitched. "Just business."
Something in his voice—a new respect, perhaps?—made Laura nod. "Give me five minutes."
---
The carriage took them to what appeared to be an ordinary tavern in the nearby town. The Silver Paw looked like any other establishment catering to travelers and locals, with weathered wood
