She looked back at Talon to see him grinning. “See? Easy.”
“Well,” Janus smiled half-heartedly, “I hope nobles enjoy hearing about centuries-old squabbles over rocks.”
“That’s a good strategy. Bore them until they leave.” He winked, riding away to talk to Kalid.
Janus’ mind froze as she replayed the wink in her mind. She had expected her guide to be a place of comfort, an eccentric with an inviting crinkled face, not a charming young man.
Was this a blessing or a curse? She couldn’t decide.
All she knew was Gemellus would have something snarky to say about it.
4
Janus
Gemellus has been taunting me again. Tell him to meet me in the courtyard tonight if he’s so confident quick wits can outmatch my big axe.
-Message left by Professor Aevus on the Valerian duel board
This ride hadn’t quite been the adventure Janus was hoping for. Since leaving Piona city behind, she had seen only dust and sand. This roadside inn was the first building in a few days.
As they tucked their horses into the inn’s stables, Janus gratefully slid from the saddle and patted her horse affectionately.
Many people never named their animals, but it felt wrong to give no name to a stalwart companion. Janus had picked a special one for her gentle mare.
“Night, Taniyn,” Janus whispered.
Talon overheard her. His bright purple eyes landed on her. “Taniyn? Did you name her after the Argiris goddess?”
Stunned, Janus stared at him. Precious few people in Piona knew that name, but this merchant did. “Yes.” She blurted out happily. “Where did you learn that?”
He ran a hand down the horse’s snout. “Dragon mother. It’s a good name.” He winked. “I told you I’m well-traveled.”
“How much do you know about them?” Janus clung to his side as they approached the inn. “Their history is fascinating, I-”
“I’m teaching you to dance tonight.” Talon interrupted. “The history lesson can wait.”
Kalid opened the door for Janus and bowed. Looking down nervously, Janus shuffled inside.
The room inside was crowded. A swathe of colors met Janus’s eyes as discordant words and faint music reached her ears. Travelers from all walks of life littered the tables, and boots rapped on the granite floors. The lighting was low, with only a hearth in the corner and a chandelier providing the glint of fire.
Panic surged in her throat, and she swallowed it down. She loitered awkwardly as Kalid arranged their reserved rooms and Talon approached the bard to make a request.
When her guide returned, he extended a hand. The bard strummed a lively tune.
“We’ll start with an Athelstani dance,” Talon said, pulling her to an empty corner.
“But everyone’s watching.” Janus protested.
“So will everyone at the ball. Just look at me. I’ve been told it’s easy to get lost in my eyes.”
Janus glanced at his bright purple eyes and stared somewhat longer than intended. Had she ever danced with a man who wasn’t her brother before?
Oh, gods. She hadn’t.
Turning scarlet as Talon placed a hand on her waist, she gasped in surprise when he pulled her to the music.
Janus had always imagined dancing with a suitor to be a sensual experience. Reality proved quite a bit different. She stumbled and flailed as her teacher gave her instructions with practiced precision.
