“What’s going on?”
“Nothing,” Croak said quickly with a wink. “We’re sitting here waiting for you to wake up. How are you feeling?”
She groaned and closed her eyes. “Like shit.”
Melanos sauntered over. “You’re weak,” he said. “You should rest more. With the state of you, you should remain here at least for the night.”
“I’m staying too,” Croak said quickly.
Melanos grumbled but did not object. He looked pointedly at the others.
Only Rydon took the hint.
“We’ll… be back in the morning, then,” he said and moved closer to the couch. He bent over and squeezed Terena’s left shoulder. “I’m glad you’re alive.”
She snorted and opened her eyes. “I bet you are,” she said with a weak smile.
The others turned to leave.
“Daris,” Terena called out, then winced and shifted her head on the pillows.
Croak curled his lip as the commander came closer.
“Aye, Terena,” he said awkwardly.
She looked up and held out her hand. Daris hesitated a second before he reached out and took hold of it.
Terena looked up at him and Croak turned away.
“Thank you,” she said.
The commander stared at her for so long, Croak turned back to see his sister gazing at the man with her heart in her eyes.
Gods help us.
The inn wasquiet and dark when they arrived. Jason went inside to get rooms while the rest saw to the horses.
No one spoke.
Michael cast furtive glances at the others as they left the stables. Rydon caught his eye and arched an eyebrow.
“Something on your mind?” he asked, not unkindly.
Michael frowned. “Quite a lot, in fact.” But he looked away and Rydon did not press him.
They walked back to the inn slowly, Daris alone up ahead of Gabriol, Michael a few steps behind, with Rydon trailing them all.
Gabriol fell back, waiting for Rydon to catch up. “What a mess, lord,” he muttered.
Rydon only nodded.
When they reached the inn, Jason was waiting for them in the common room, alone, a pitcher and five tankards on the table.
Of the innkeep there was no sign.
“Do we have rooms?” Daris asked, strolling over to join his man.
Jason draped an arm over the back of his chair and smiled tiredly at them. “Aye.”
