Any Way the Wind Blows (Simon Snow, #3)

by Rainbow Rowell

You look very smart in that coat, I think. “You look very smart in that coat,” Lady Salisbury says. “But you must get tired of hiding them—” She sets both plates on the table to cover her mouth. “Oh!” Simon’s wings are free. He spreads them some, careful not to stab Lady Salisbury, who looks genuinely dazzled. “They’re splendid,” she says. “Much bigger than I was expecting. And the loveliest shade of red. May I touch them?” She’s already touching the wing closest to her. Simon flinches, and she pulls her hand back. “Oh, I see, I’m so sorry.” She smiles again. “I understand why you keep them hidden from the Normals, but these are tremendous. Can you fly with them?” “Yeah,” he says. “Oh, that’s remarkable. Did you teach yourself?” “I must have.” “Imagine!” She holds a hand to her chest. “I’ve always wanted to fly.” She turns to me. “Haven’t you always wanted to fly, Basilton?” I have flown. With Simon. “Yes,” I say. “There are no good spells for it,” she says with real disappointment. “The most you can do is float around like a week-old party balloon.” “That’s true,” I agree. She looks down at Simon’s mostly eaten cake. “Here, let me cut you another slice. You, too, Basilton, hand me your plate.” “I have plenty.” “Rubbish. Look at you. You could use some shoring up at the foundation.” She serves herself some, too. “You can call him Baz,” Simon says. “Is that so?” She smiles at me. “Yes,” I say.