“Perhaps that’s why I said yes, to infiltrate the competition and bring back all the information I can to my team.”
Olivin came to a stop next to her, his hands in his pockets. His clothes were more fitted than she was accustomed to seeing those from Meru in. They were almost Solaris in style, and the overall look suited him. The man was a striking line of midnight against the gray and fading sky. A wispy scarf of silk and layers of chiffon wrapped around his neck, as though he were some ethereal being who had tangled with the clouds and brought some to earth as a fashion statement.
“Is that it?” The words were said leisurely, hanging on his tongue. “Are you infiltrating me tonight?”
“I didn’t say that.” She made a noise of disbelief as she fought to hide a blush at the implication. She had been joking about trying to gain information on her competition, but perhaps that was why they had invited her. Perhaps she’d walked into their trap without thinking.
He merely laughed and extended his elbow. “Shall we?”
“Where are we going?” Eira accepted his gesture.
“Just to the common house.”
“The royalty is coming in here?” The village wasn’t squalor…but it certainly wasn’t fit for the Queen of Meru.
“We’re not allowed to leave. In case you’ve forgotten.”
“I would’ve assumed the nobles’ gardens we attended before would be more fitting.”
“They said nothing about it. And, unless I’m told otherwise, I’m not leaving here because I wouldn’t want to risk disqualification.” His tone was the epitome of paragon. As though he were the ultimate rule follower.
“Yes, of course.” Eira noticed Olivin slowed his pace. They were a step behind the other two. “What did you want to speak with me about?” she whispered.
“Not just what, but with whom.”
Whom?“Are we speaking with Lumeria?”
“Not quite.”
“Why can’t you ever give a straight answer?” She sighed.
“Maybe because I like the way your brows furrow when you’re frustrated.” His words were hushed.
“You and Ducot are quite the pair against me.”
His bicep tensed under her hand. “You’ve been keeping me on my toes as well.”
Eira nodded toward Evanel and Menna. “Do they know?” There wasn’t a need to elaborate beyond that simple question.
“Not everything. But some.”
Eira suspected he’d told them enough that they weren’t questioning his disappearances. But likely not everything about his relationship with the Court of Shadows. He’d clearly struck a better balance than Eira had when it came to not telling his friends the truth of what he did while still soliciting their help.
They were almost at the common house. A carpet had been rolled out underneath the front doors in the same shade of gray as Olivin’s scarf. Eira knew their more serious conversations would have to wait.
Olivin had the same idea. But what he pivoted to caught her slightly off guard. “You look beautiful, by the way.”
“This is nothing special.” She ran a hand over her dress.
“No garment is special on its own. It’s the wearer that imbues it with such properties.”
“Insults to flattery. You’re going to give me whiplash.”
“I thought ladies enjoyed a bit of hot and cold verbal foreplay?” He brushed his hair out of his face and it came cascading back in a fan of black silk.
“The benefits of consistency and directness can’t be overstated.”
“Then what I said is nothing but the truth. I thought it looked lovely the first time I saw it on you.”
