I laugh in response, a full laugh that has me grinning at his bluntness and the fact that I would love nothing more than to have his eyes all over me tonight. But this is a challenge I know I can win, so I shake my head in denial.
“I shall sit at the farthest edge of the table, Your Highness, away from you.”
“We’ll see about that,” Keane looks at me knowingly before heading to the tables behind us.
I grin and turn back to the countertop to finish my own drink before joining the group behind me. Cal and Mana were the two who entered the room first, Cal’s eyes flicking to mine in concern before they land on thePrince. I give him a small shake of my head, letting him know that everything is all right, and move to take the seat next to him which is a bit further down the table from where the Prince now greets the three human soldiers in our group.
Desmond and Lord Daniel enter next, with Lord Daniel giving me a broad grin before asking to take the seat next to me.
“I would appreciate your company, Lord Daniel,” I reply a bit louder than normal.
Keane’s head slightly tilts to the side and watches as Lord Daniel sits next to me, the tips of his lips curving up as he resumes his conversation with the soldiers.
Holis and Alanna enter next, Alanna not greeting anyone and heading straight to the pub to get a drink. Cal notices her and stands from his seat with a grin, my big friend quickly joining the blonde Discerni and ordering for them both.
“How are you enjoying Fumagalli, Lady Alexis?” Lord Daniel asks from my side.
“It’s definitely serene and cozy,” I smile, “a complete change from Gaumond. I feel like I could curl up under a blanket in front of the fire in my room and not leave that position all day.”
Lord Daniel grins at the words, his hand resting on his beard as he nods.
“I understand the feeling. Most of our oldest of Warrior Court come here to do just that.”
Undefended with an elderly population.
Am I the only one who thinks this is abnormal?
“Tell me, Lord Daniel,” I shift towards him, “does Fumagalli get many travelers from the two Kingdoms passing through its forest?”
He shakes his head, “unless they are from the lands of Disce, not many brave entering our forests at all.”
“But if they wanted to visit,” I press casually, “they’d have to take the Great Road through this village, right?”
Lord Daniel smiles at me curiously, “I suppose they would,” just as the innkeeper makes her way to our table and takes our drink orders. I ask for another ale while Lord Daniel orders a toddy, his gaze still curious as he looks back at me.
“Why do you ask, Lady Alexis?”
“Alexis,” I smile at him, “please just call me Alexis.”
“A beautiful name,” he replies with a nod, still waiting for my answer.
“I guess I’m just curious as to the lands beyond our borders and if we’ll be seeing any travelers passing through during our stay here.”
It’s a believable excuse, surely, but Lord Daniel still looks at me with a curiosity that doesn’t seem to leave. Thankfully, Cal decides to sit back down at that moment.
“You’ve got to try this ale, Alex,” he tips the mug my way.
It’s amber in color, just like toddy, but not as thick as the other drink. I grab the mug and sniff the liquid, confusion lining my face.
“It smells like ale but it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen.”
All ales in the Kingdom of Disce are a tanned gold.
“That is the amber ale we brew here in Fumagalli,” Lord Daniel explains, “at a few mills we have in the forest.”
I quickly turn in my chair to him, still holding the mug. “Mills?”
As is in more than one?
