The voices around us roar as we both tip back our mugs and begin drinking. The ale is warmer this time against my throat, the liquid dipping low into my belly with each gulp. I tip the mug back farther just as I spy Cal doing the same, our drinking matching the other’s in a matching cadence. There’s no way I am going to let this end in another tie, but the way Cal is drinking so fervently has the two of us tipping the drink back farther and farther with eachother, neither of us giving up.
My eyes dart to Cal, noting that’s he’s still got another large drink to go as I ready myself to throw my mug on the ground. I decide to slow myown drinking in that instant and let Cal finish his ale, his hand dropping to the ground in triumph as mine follows not far behind.
The crowd yells in celebration as ringing cheers fill the room.
“To the big man!”
Hands begin slapping Cal on the back, his grin beaming from head to toe as I shrug in humble defeat. He gives me a look that saysmaybe next timeand then turns to the crowd, accepting their happy chatter as he disappears to enjoy his night.
“You let him win,” Keane lean down next to me, his voice whispering in my ear.
I can’t stop the chill that races down my neck. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, Your Highness.”
“Mhmm,” Keane straightens at my side with a smirk, “I’m sure you don’t.”
I shake my head with a hidden smile and look at Storm on his shoulder.
“Come on, Storm. Let’s go get some air.”
Stormfall jumps off Keane’s shoulder to mine.
“Would you like some company, Lady Alexis?”
I pause before I can even get a step away from him, my heart racing in my chest. I ache for his company and to have his hands all over my body, but my mind is thankfully level-headed enough to deny.
I turn away from the Prince without a word, knowing that my lips would betray my mind. His gaze follows my back with every step I take out of the boisterous crowd, his eyes never once leaving until I make it out into the Great Hall.
The smoky haze of court clears as I start walking towards the double doors leading to the entry of the castle. Storm immediately notices the yard ahead and pushes off to fly into the cool night air, melding into the dark. I smile at him and stop at the top of the stairs, crossing my arms over my chest to the slight chill as I watch Storm fly into the night sky above. His long black wings glide past the stables and towards the small woods that rest around the castle, disappearing from sight.
“You seem to be fitting in quite well here, Lady Alexis,” a sly voice greets me from behind.
I grimace at the voice and turn in small greeting. “Lord Tadeo.”
“Warrior Court suits you, Lady,” he continues with a smile. His dark blonde hair is pulled behind his neck in a tie, that overly friendly grin on his face making me cringe.
“Thank you,” I nod and turn back around to find Storm. The Bird of Ash dips through the small woods behind the stables before I lose sight of him again.
Lord Tadeo moves to my side on the castle steps, his shoulder nearly brushing mine.
“Will you be here for another extended stay?” he asks.
I shake my head, “not this time. We head back to Knowledge tomorrow.”
The Discerni shifts on his feet, still grinning. “A pity.”
Certainly not for me.
“Your bird,” he looks out past the stables, “was he with you on your first visit here?”
A cool breeze of air rushes past us, my arms tightening across my body as I shiver.
“He was not.”
Lord Tadeo takes a step closer to me, his shoulder brushing against mine in a gesture to fight the cold. I still at his closeness, still not appreciating how easy he is with his movements, and ignore the friendly smile he sends my way that holds too much smugness behind it.
“A new friend then,” he nods, eyes darting to the steps below us and to the open doors at our back, “and your Golem? Does he still travel with you?”
I turn to Tadeo with a questioning frown.
