Well, likethis.
Nymiria was still stiff beside him, her eyes darting around the room. Looking more like a scared rabbit than a seasoned assassin. He hadn’t failed to notice how she moved closer to him upon seeing the large group ofvery large men shouting loudly at their cards in the corner. It piqued his curiosity enough to assess each of their faces, noting each distinguishable feature. And then he sawhim.
She saw him too. The large fae male with black hair and a black beard, his shoulders wide enough to take up his seat and part of the one next to it.
Don’t.
The warmth of Aziel’s magic blanketed her. And while she didn’t stray down the dark paths of her mind, her cautiousness was still there. She wanted to hide her face. She wanted to turn and run away, but it would only lead to more questions and more frustration from Aziel. And while she usually wouldn’t hesitate to piss him off to get her way, this was different.
This was…shame.
“Mr. Haze,” the bar maiden chirped. “It’s been a while.”
Nymiria looked over the young woman, calculating her to be about her age. She seemed harmless enough, but there was something in her eyes that made Nymiria feel uneasy. The young woman wasn’t looking at Aziel like a regular patron, but rather someone who frequently ruffled her sheets.
With a frown, Nymiria looked up at him, his throat looking like the perfect target for her fist. Or a knife.
She thought they came here torest, not for him to get a quick fuck.
“It certainly has,” he smiled at her.Smiled at her. Good gods, Nymiria didn’t think it was possible. Maybe he had an affinity for brunettes. But, then again, it seemed like his usual scowl and sneer was reservedjustfor her.
How lucky.
The young woman grabbed another glass from the bar, smoothing her rag around the rim in a way that—Nymiria believed—was not how one was supposed to polish glasses. “What can I help you with tonight? A drink or a kink?"
Aziel chuckled, his thumb brushing over Nymiria’s ring finger at such a slow pace that it made bumps form along her arms. Before she could jerk away from him, he was lifting their joined hands to flash shinywedding ringsat the youngmaiden. Nymiria did her best to give a shy smile, but deep inside she was seething for his lack of disclosure.
“I’m afraid the kinks are over for me now. Just a drink and a room, please. For the missus and I.” He said. “Siobhan, this is my wife. Mrs. Aziel Haze.”
I’m burning this entire establishment down.
Nymiria gritted her teeth, squeezing his hand a little too hard as she gave a small wave with the other. “A pleasure to meet you Siobhan. How is it that you knowmy husband?”
Aziel turned to her, his eyes threatening to narrow for just one moment before the creases at the corners relaxed. “I’m afraid that will have to be a story for another time, dear. Siobhan and I have known one another for years.”
I’m sure you have, you little forest demon.She forced a giggle, taking up a strand of her glamoured auburn hair and twirling it around her finger.
Siobhan and Aziel exchanged a few more pleasantries before she was handing him a key to a room. Nymiria was fine with sharing a room with him. She knew that he wouldn’t do anything nefarious and, besides, sleep was sleep. As tired as she was, she could use a pile of cow shit for a pillow and grass for a blanket and still sleep like a baby.
He led her up the stairs at the far side of the room, tugging her along behind him with each creaking step. The hall above the tavern was just as loud, but there were far more scandalous activities happening. Couples clung to one another, their lips locked and hands roaming. Some were even engaging in the act, itself. Rooms be damned.
Nymiria took a final peak at them over her shoulder before Aziel tugged her forward, shaking his head at her in amusement as they headed up a second flight of stairs.
This floor was nearly vacant, filled with the melancholy sound of a flute playing behind a closed door. After passing three doors, Aziel paused. He released her hand to unlock the door and scanned the hallway once again before he opened it and stepped into their room.
It was dimly lit by a red oil lantern that sat on the bedside table. The sheets were left in a folded pile at the end of the bed, as well as fresh drying cloths. Aziel was already making himself at home, unlacing his boots and kicking them under the bedside table so that they were out of the way.
Nymiria glanced out at the hall and loosened a sigh before finally closing the door, muffling the noises that permeated through the inn.
"Too promiscuous for your tastes?" Aziel hummed from the corner.
Nymiria adjusted her tunic, partially wishing she'd stuffed something more comfortable to wear for bed into her pack before they left. It would suffice, she thought, seeing as how the hem covered almost everything of value. She looked up at him and shook her head. "I've slept in worse places."
With men who had the worst intentions.She didn't say it, but she knew that Aziel had already caught on to what she was insinuating.
"The king's favored… how scandalous." Nymiria snorted at that, reaching for the waistband of her breeches and pulling them away from her hips. "What are you doing?"
The shock in his voice caused her to look at him again, her hands bracketing her hips. "What are you talking about? I'm getting ready to go to bed."
