Blake’s eyes closed as the words landed. She did not reply, just continued walking.
Chapter 16
They built the fires fifteen feet apart, the flames reaching ten feet high while the smoke painted the sky an eerie shade of grey. The cattle and sheep were brought in from the paddocks and driven between the two fires. The smoke was supposed to protect livestock from disease and promote fertility.
If only it were that simple.
People stood in their social or family groups, clutching cups of ale, watching the chaos of frightened animals as they were herded towards flames by farmers and working dogs. The merchants’ bleak expressions spoke volumes as all the meat they could ever imagine was paraded in front of them. Harlan moved between them, ready for trouble, but there was no trouble, only longing. Seeing the livestock all together like that made it look like there was plenty of food to provide for the entire kingdom, but Harlan knew breeding had once again declined year on year.
The commander allowed himself a glance at Blake. She had an arm around Eda as they stood watching the animals disappear into the smoke. She was angry with him. He could feel it. It was in the set of her mouth and her refusal to look at him.
Hehadkissed her.
Well, he had started to kiss her. Then he had sent her walking. She was probably wondering what she did wrong, when it was him who was in the wrong by starting something they were in no position to finish. Now all he could taste was the blackberry wine from her lips.
He faced forwards as the last sheep ran between the fires, a dog snapping at its back hooves. The crowd grew restless. The reason for that was simple: next up was gameball.
Two teams.
Two chapels.
One inflated pig’s bladder.
First team to kick the ball through the chapel door of the other team’s borough would be this year’s winner.
Men were already stretching and running on the spot as they eyed their competition. The women gravitated to one another, their excitement growing. A handful were preparing to join the game. Unfortunately, Blake and Eda were among them.
Harlan was instantly agitated. How was he supposed to do his job and play bodyguard at the same time?
He made his way over to her, making no effort to hide his annoyance. She was removing her skirt when he stopped in front of her, revealing a more practical one beneath it. He cleared his throat, but she made a point of not looking up.
‘Blake,’ he said.
She straightened, crossing her arms. ‘Yes?’
She was pissed all right, but if she thought that gave her licence to play in a game that always ended with at least one death and many more injured, she was insane.
‘Yes,Commander,’ he corrected, matching her level of childishness.
Her eyes narrowed into slits. ‘How can I help you,Commander?’
‘What are you doing?’ He kept his voice low so as to not attract attention.
‘It’s tradition for at least one member of each household to participate.’
‘Yes, onemale.’
She leaned in. ‘Well, our family is fresh out of those.’
He drew a calming breath. ‘Most of these men are twice your weight.’
‘Then perhaps you should have them all arrested and locked up.’
His jaw was working now. She had no fear of him—and it was entirely his fault. ‘Now you bring that up? It was obvious you wanted out of that conversation. I took care of it. You should be thanking me.’
‘Iwas already taking care of it.’
He rubbed his forehead. ‘There will be bloodied noses, broken bones. If you get hurt, they’ll just leave you on the side of the road.’
