Dame Temperance had her back to me, conversing easily with him. “I think my fate is sealed. This particular stallion seems to adore me, and I’ve no idea why. A single apple was all it took. Strangely, he refuses treats from everyone else. Er, Your Highness, why are you looking at…” She twisted to see me, and then enlightenment dawned. “Ah, Edwin has arrived. Your face now makes sense.”
James did smile at me in a way he didn’t for anyone else. Much like a dog who spied a favorite person, complete with wagging imaginary tail. Yes, that smile was a great boost to the ego.
I handed James the water, which he took and drained in one long pull. “Hello, Dame Temperance. What did I hear about a horse and treats?”
“One of the stallions His Highness bought for all of us has taken a shine to me,” she explained. “I was actually hoping for a shorter horse, as I’m not really that long in the leg, but this one loves me for some reason. I’ll have to adjust the stirrups andmake do, I suppose. When a warhorse likes you that much, you thank your stars and roll with it.”
“Yes, so I understand. James explained it to me after Titan busted down a door to get to him.”
“Ha! We all heard about that. An extreme example, to be sure.”
James used the towel I’d brought out to wipe his temples and neck, and I was relieved to see a smile on his face now. The man had a very even-keeled disposition most of the time, which was why it was so frightening when he completely lost his temper. I was glad he had the good sense to come out here and beat his frustrations out. That was the healthier choice.
“Come out to check on me, then?” James asked, batting his eyes.
“No,” I answered, playing along. “I came to ask you out on a date.”
The flirty eyes gave way to surprise before he perked right up. “You did?”
“Today is the first day of the Summer Festival,” I reminded him. “Wouldn’t you like to go watch the fireworks and eat fun sugary things?”
His expression turned wistful. “I’d love to, but considering what happened yesterday…”
“Captain Rowan and Sir Collins have promised to be incognito guards if we wish to go.”
His eyes closed for a second, his expression incredibly happy. “I am truly blessed by those around me. In that case, absolutely, let’s go. We’ve got enough time for me to wash and change into something less prince-y before we go, I think.”
“Indeed we do. Let’s eat a light dinner as well, so we don’t act like out-of-control ten-year-olds with too much pocket change.”
He laughed and didn’t deny the possibility.
James and I went to his bedroom, where he washed and dressed in something much plainer—something that made him look like a businessman out for a night of fun. I shed some of the layers of my suit, keeping only the shirt and pants on, as I knew the summer night would get very warm. I’d not want a jacket later.
After a light dinner of fish and rice, we headed to the festival grounds. The sky was just turning, a wash of purples, blues, and a touch of reds and gold in the sunset. A beautiful sky with not a cloud to be seen. Perfect for fireworks. This date night couldn’t have better weather if I’d planned it. Hopefully this was an auspicious sign.
I slid my hand into James’s as we walked to the ticket booth. He returned the grip, smiling at me, his high spirits restored. We both knew there would be much work in rebuilding the warehouse and putting it to rights, but no one could tackle that kind of work in a bad mood. Better to raise his spirits first.
James bought tickets for us, then two more, before turning and handing them to our escorts. He also handed over a small purse that clinked. “At least get snacks and such while you’re following us, all right?”
Always generous, this man. I wasn’t at all surprised he was paying their way too.
Wait a second. “I invited you on this date, so why aren’t I paying for the tickets?”
He kissed my knuckles and pointed farther inside the fair. “You can make it up to me with cotton candy.”
The “street” formed by vendors was filled with people already, a whirlwind of food smells, alcohol, hyper children, and ongoing games. I could barely hear James over the din, and my nose almost overloaded trying to sort through all the smells, but he’d somehow spotted cotton candy in this mess? How?
“You’re craving it, aren’t you?”
“Guilty.” He winked and then towed me directly to the booth.
I did pay up, getting us both one, but I also suspected my efforts to get real food in him so he didn’t binge eat sugar all night had already failed. He was going to wake up with a stomachache and culinary regrets tomorrow morning.
I would bet on this. Any takers?
Forty
James
