The slightest whisper of a “yes” brushed her mind. Eva couldn't tell if it was her imagination or if it actually had originated from Sebastian. In the end it didn't matter.
She kept her strokes soothing and her voice melodic as she began to tell the story of Cammi, a young girl who never fit with the people she'd been born to, and yet managed to save them anyway.
It was a story well known in her old village and one she empathized with. She'd just reached the part where the girl made a deal with the tree hags and was absorbed into them when Hardwick said, "We're done, Eva. Now, get out of there."
Eva released a relieved breath as she patted the Kyren one last time and stepped back. "See, that wasn't so bad."
Sebastian tilted his head down at her, the look in his eyes asking, who did she think she was kidding? Her smile in response was surprisingly mischievous. "I think you just like being grumpy."
She pointed at the straps. "These will keep you from accidentally injuring your leg further. If necessary, you can fly out any time you want."
She started past him. The glimpse of Caden's tense face where he stood at the very edge of the wagon, surprised her. As did the sword he held in his hand. Her lips parted on a question.
Sharp teeth closed over her shirt, stopping her.
Eva jerked back, even as Caden started to lunge forward. "No, it's fine."
Her words halted him in his tracks. His eyes narrowed, unhappiness on his face.
Sebastian shifted, finally sensing the Anateri commander. He blew out a sharp breath and lifted one back leg in warning as his head turned.
She glared at Sebastian. "Enough of that."
Sebastian bared sharp teeth as he stared her down.
Her back straightened and she narrowed her eyes.
"Eva, what's the hold up?" Ollie asked.
"I need a minute. It seems the lummox is being a wee bit difficult," she said.
The lummox in question snorted disdainfully at her.
"Now, see here, " she started, propping her hands on her hips. "I have to get out there so we can get going. You're the one who was in an all fire hurry to start. The least you could do is not make my life any harder than it has to be."
For a creature with an equine face, Sebastian was incredibly expressive.
Right now, insolence and demand radiated from every feature. She wasn't getting past him without a fight.
"You wouldn't dare."
Caden's body was tense, his focus piercing as he crept an inch toward them.
Sebastian's muzzle darted forward. Eva danced back as his teeth clicked shut on the spot where she'd just stood.
Caden crouched, his sword lifting for a strike.
"No, I'm fine."
Caden didn't look like he believed her, but he didn't advance again.
"This is quite the development," Ajari said.
She looked up to find the Tenrin perched on the wagon wall where he propped his head on one hand and smiled lazily down at her.
"Do something," she said.
"Oh no, I wouldn't dream of interfering. If your people want a relationship with the Kyren, you're the one who is going to have to establish it. My stepping in anytime you have a communication problem will only delay things," he responded.
