Arens leans in his chair with a wicked smile on his face, letting me know that I’m not going to like his answer.
“My cousin offered the Prince to have a drink with us.Onlythe Prince, Lady.”
“Hmm,” I tip my ale to the blonde Discerni and sit back in my chair. I keep my smile on him as we hold each other’s gazes, proud of my quick assessment of this man. I still may not know his exact thoughts on humans or if he’s as like-minded as me, but he is certainly open to having a conversation about the rest of the Kingdom outside of Woodlands. That alone speaks volumes to everything I’ve learned of that Court recently, and he doesn’t even know.
I reach out and stroke Stormfall down his back, deciding to push him harder…
“Do you travel to Knowledge for the coronation?” I ask.
“We do,” Arens nods and takes a sip of his drink.
I give him a curious look, leading him with my next question.
“Why travel and stay in Brierman, then?”
Arens angles his back to block the two Woodlands companions behind him again. He smiles as if in secret, eyes sparkling as he gives a low response.
“It was a desire of my own, Lady.”
“Searching, then,” I grin from my chair.
“Searching, Lady Alexis?” he asks, lips pulling up in a small grin.
“Searching,” I affirm with a small nod, “though if I had to guess, I’d suspect your companions aren’t aware. I’d love to hear sometime what excuse you came up with to convince them not stay in Bardot or the Palisades…”
Arens’ eyes widen as I lower my voice.
“There’s no reason for someone from Woodlands to travel to Brierman, Arens, especially when their final destination is Castle Bardot. You’re curious and searching… and you’ve come to a good place for it.”
The Discerni grins, “and if I’ve already found what I’m searching for?”
“I doubt it,” I smile, “you wouldn’t be sitting in this pub if you had.”
“Perhaps my search has led to only more questions…”
“Perhaps,” I nod, “and I should love to know where they lead you in the future...”
I gently flick my eyes to his empty glass and then look back at him, my smile broad.
“Find me in Bardot when you’re ready to have more of your curious questions answered. I know I’ll enjoy the conversation immensely when that time comes.”
Arens moves to stand up just as Keane makes his way to the table. I can feel the Prince’s heated gaze on mine and begin to blush, actively avoiding his eyes. I look back at the blonde Woodlands Discerni and nod in goodbye, surprised when he gives me a small bow.
“A true pleasure, Lady Alexis.”
“Likewise, Arens,” I smile genuinely, happy in the knowledge of the moment that not all Discerni from Woodlands are so bad.
“Alexis,” Keane says my name softly, demanding.
He closes the door to our room as I walk towards my travel packs at the foot of the bed.
“Keane,” I tease his own name and rummage around to find my night slip.
“How did you know?” he asks quietly.
I grin to myself and pull out the thin green silk, holding it in front of me as I shrug my shoulder in answer.
Arens truly was a gut feeling.
