Prince Keane has his arms folded across his chest, his fingers flicking away from the lantern he just illuminated as his eyes dance in quiet pride. Lord Daniel is to his right, a hand resting relaxed on his beard as a small smile graces his lips. Desmond is to the Prince’s left, his dark features staring at me without emotion as the standard look of Discerni indifference takes over his face.
“Seemed like the perfect night to take a walk,” I offer in casual greeting.
“How she is awake right now is beyond me,” Lord Daniel replies, his brows furrowing.
“Awake and then some,” Desmond mutters, eyes flicking up to the would-be sky, “it’s past apex. The woods should have already taken her, but she’s been able to continue along the path for some time.”
“It truly is curious,” Lord Daniel agrees, stroking his beard in thought, “what prompted you to follow us, Lady Alexis?”
I remain silent and look over the men who are talking about me like I’m not here.
“She’s the first one to find us,” Desmond states plainly, turning towards his brother.
“We could learn from her,” Lord Daniel replies, “find out where we’re lacking, what made her follow.”
“Or I can escort her back now,” Desmond offers with a hint of anger behind his voice, “before more is seen or heard.”
My gaze moves to Keane in confusion. He’s still watching me, his arms folded over his chest as his lips tilt into a small smirk. He’s amused at the whole scene taking place right now, listening to his two Lords as they debate at each of his sides.
“Is anyone going to tell me what is going on?”
At once, all three sets of eyes land on me. They all stare quietly, considering, but it’s the Prince who replies with a chuckle.
“You followed us into the woods, Lady Alexis. We caught you sneaking behind us and now we’re deciding what to do with you.”
Oh.
I want to take a step back, to tell them that I won’t follow them again and be on my way, but my curiosity is still overpowering, still wondering what they’re up to.
“Answer Lord Daniel’s question,” Keane commands calmly, “what prompted you to follow us?”
My eyes look to Lord Daniel who is still watching me thoughtfully, no hint of anger or annoyance showing on his features. Desmond looks cold and collected and narrows his eyes when I turn to Golem, while my friend seems relaxed at the whole conversation and gives me a brief nod, the gesture urging me to explain.
“I was awoken on our first night in the village,” I tell them slowly, “and watched the three of you leave the courtyard from the window in my room.”
“And you followed us then?” Desmond scowls.
“No,” I shake my head, “my sleep was heavy. I let it take me back under.”
“But your interest was piqued?” Lord Daniel asks, fingers tugging on the bottom of his chin.
“Of course,” I nod with a question in my eyes.
How could it not be?
“Did you try following us again last night?” Desmond asks, his gaze still narrowed.
“Yes,” I nod in truth, “but I wasn’t prepared.”
“So you prepared yourself tonight?” Keane grins.
“I did.”
“Butwhatprompted you to follow us, dear?” Lord Daniel presses, “surely not a few midnight walks between Lords, though I can see where that would be an interesting sight. Most would let that go…”
“Lady Alexis is not like most, Lord Daniel,” Keane replies, eyes never leaving mine.
“I agree with Lord Daniel and want to know what curiosity led her into the thick of the forest in the middle of the night,” Desmond demands.
