“Oh, I’m deathly serious,” he nods.
“What about your court?”
“Desmond is managing the night just fine without me.”
He leans down to the bedroll below him and sits on top, then settles his back against the large trunk. He hoists a knee to his body and lets an arm rest on top, the full of him perfecting a look of cool casualness.
“I planned on staying the night and into the morning,” I cross my arms at the sight of him sitting so close to my bedroll, “until our group departs.”
“I know,” he nods, “I’ve prepared for it.”
“There it is again,” I huff at his vagueness, “howdo you know?”
“I’ll tell you what, Alexis,” he reaches to the side and pulls out a small flask, “I’ll tell you something you want to know in exchange for something I want to know.”
My eyes narrow on the Prince as he leans forward and offers me the drink. I know the game he wants to play…
“Or I could just go back to sleep,” I reply with an uninterested shrug.
“You try sleeping next to me and see how well that works out for you,” he nods.
Blessed Ancients.
I shift on my feet and ignore the way my body flushes at the words. Sleep probably won’t greet me tonight, not with him laying so close to me, but I can capitalize on the game he’s offering and get some answers, even if they come at the expense of indulging my own…
I take a hesitant step towards the Prince and slowly grab the offered flask from his hand. He eyes me in approval, watching as I unscrew the top and sniff at what’s inside.
“Whiskey?”
My lips part in a genuine smile, betraying my previous hesitation. Keane gives me a knowing look and nods his head, eyes watching me intently as I bring the drink to my lips and take a hefty swig.
“Okay,” I reply softly.
“Okay?” he repeats, wanting me to confirm his words.
“Yes,” I run a hand through my hair and bring the strands to my front, “let’s trade secrets, Your Highness.”
Keane’s eyes move sharply over mine, his face thoughtful before he extends his hand for the drink.
“How did you know I was here?” I ask squarely, watching as he takes a sip, “how did you know about myeventfulday today?”
Keane shifts against the tree and lets his head fall to the trunk in a relaxed pose.
“A part of my summoning allows me to locate people.”
“Too vague,” I shake my head, setting the tone, “let’s keep this real, Your Highness.”
“Then I expect the same from you, Lady Alexis,” he watches me for a small moment, “I don’t want to hear any more of your pretty lies.”
“You have my word,” I nod, “now,howare you locating me?”
The Prince takes another small sip, “so long as your feet are planted on the earth below you and I can envision your likeness in my mind, I can locate you through my summoning. It’s how I knew you and Alanna were at Mary’s Tavern on the first night. How I knew about every stop you made in Gaumond today.”
Dear fucking Ancients.
Him and his family are fucking intrusive.
His father reading my thoughts, brother feeling my emotions, and him,damn him, able to follow me no matter where I go. My quiet laugh is one in disbelief as I look up to the Shadow Oak and shake my head at the lot of them.
