My hair hung to the floor, brushing against the wooden slats. Seth’s face loomed an inch above mine, our lips a breath apart. Warmth bloomed under my fingers, and I could feel his heartbeat rapidly thumping beneath my touch.
Wrapping his other arm around my waist, Seth lifted me back to my feet. His scarlet eyes bored into mine, hauntingly beautiful. Fingers traced my spine as his hand slid up my back to grasp my neck, pulling me closer.
Breathless, I let my eyes flutter closed.
The arms around my back dropped, and I stumbled as Seth stepped away. Cheers rang around the tavern as the people called for another song. Grinning brightly at us, Percy lifted his lute and strummed a new tune.
Playing with my bangs, I hid my face. Why would I expect Seth to kiss me after everything he’d said and done?
The tavern’s back door swung open, and an unassuming man with brown hair emerged. Meeting his gaze, I walked to an empty table and sat, quietly tapping the seat beside me.
Seth followed me, laying one hand on the back of my chair. The other slipped beneath his cloak and brushed the hilt of his dagger.
Pulling out the chair beside me, the man looked me over. “You’re new to these parts.”
“We are,” I confirmed, pulling my coin purse out. “I have orders from Laverna. I need entry into the city for five people—no witnesses. And no questions.” I pushed the coin purse towards him.
Grabbing the bag, the man felt the contents. “Laverna?” He said. “You’ve come all the way from Ikaria?”
“No questions.” I reminded him.
Satisfied with the pay, he pocketed the purse. “How deep into the city are you wanting to go?”
“As far as you can take us.”
“Five people on foot?”
“We have horses,” I added. “And a dog.”
“I can manage that,” He ran a hand across his beard, thinking. “Meet me outside the flagon in two hours. Miss that window, miss your shot.”
“Done.” I offered my hand, and he shook it. Once we dropped hands, we both stood and went our separate ways.
Seth watched the man depart through the back door before hurrying to my side. “That was quick.” He paused. “Almost like you’ve done this before.”
“Almost,” I said sarcastically, pausing at the door.
Catching my eye, Percy nodded, quickly finishing up his song and packing up his lute. Pushing the door open, I held it open for the bard as he rejoined us and stepped outside.
A pleasant breeze carried from the sea, tousling my hair. Enjoying this moment of respite, I shut the tavern door behind me.
“How’d it go?” Percy asked. “I expected it to take longer.”
“Our princess is a professional, Perse,” Seth said. “Everything’s taken care of.”
“But she’snota dancer,” Percy beamed at me.
“No,” I confirmed. “I don’t exactly infiltrate lordly balls.”
“Never say never.”
Seth groaned. “If I never have to see a garish ball again, it’ll be too soon.” He turned to me. “Need a lift back?”
“Last I checked, my feet work fine,” I said.
“But, it’s a lovely night,” Seth stared up at the bright moon and its twinkling stars. “Besides, what man would pass up a chance to hold you in his arms?”
“Again with the flirting.” I frowned.
