His hazel eyes searched mine, expression confused. Of course he was confused. In his mind I had no cause to possess hair-trigger reflexes. He didn’t know I’d spent four years at war, full-out living on the battlefield in my final year. A man living a peaceful life as a businessman had no cause to react like a soldier just because someone appeared behind him.
Edwin studied me with furrowed brows, as if I was a walking contradiction that didn’t add up, which didn’t help unwind my nerves any. I found it hard to shake off the adrenaline rush, my fingers still twitching under the need for a sword in hand. Trying to regain normalcy with Edwin staring at me was not an easy task.
Shit.
Still, Sir Collins let go and forgave me with a smile. “It’s my fault for walking up so quietly. Think nothing of it, Your Highness.”
I felt like shit regardless. “You walk like a damn cat, Sir Collins. A truly unique ability in a knight. I’d expect that kind of behavior from an assassin.”
“Perhaps I’ve missed my calling in life, then,” he joked. “Also surprised you remember my name, as we’ve only been around each other once.”
Dammit, I probably shouldn’t remember his name right now. Too late.
“Ha, quite. Again, apologies. Did you need me for something?”
“It’s protocol to have a knight accompany you if an outsider comes into the palace to meet with you.”
Ah, right, I’d forgotten. With my business partners coming in, of course he would need to be in the room. “They’ve arrived, I take it?”
“So they have. I came to fetch you, but I see you’re on the way.”
“Yes, so I am. Well, let’s hurry there.”
Rhody and Seth were busy people, so I didn’t want to make them wait regardless.
We weren’t far, just one hallway and a staircase away, as the tailors’ suite was between my wing and the main building. I arrived in a minute flat and was greeted by two of my most trusted business partners and friends.
It was good to see them face-to-face. I hadn’t the chance since my return and had to quell the urge to hug them both, as they’d find it quite strange. According to them, I’d seen them only two weeks ago, after all. Still, the urge to wrap my arms around them lingered.
“Rhody.” I greeted the matron with a warm smile. “You look stunning in that color.”
“I must.” She laughed, the sound warm and vivacious. “I always get a compliment from you when I wear it.”
That sage green truly did highlight her warm, honey colored hair, causing her skin to glow. She was half Mospean, or so she once told me, which explained her olive skin tone. Old enough to be my mother, Rhody had been hired and trained by my grandparents, so she knew the business inside and out. I leaned on her when any trouble arose, as she was more than competent enough to handle any situation.
Turning, I greeted my other business partner. “Seth, thanks for trekking out here.”
“It was a trek,” he admitted ruefully.
Seth had a thin frame and dark hair with a slight wave, and he always seemed to wear black to one degree or another. He looked rather austere, which amused me, since he had a goofball personality.
The tailor, Caesar, bustled over to us, a measuring tape over his shoulders and a pencil tucked behind his ear. “I get him first. This way, Prince James.”
I obeyed the summons, coming closer as he ushered me into a fitting room. “I’m not a prince yet.”
Caesar waved this away. “Semantics. You will be shortly, and it’s my job to make sure you’re presentable. Now, try on what I’ve made. Let’s make sure it fits you well.”
I was sure it would. Caesar had a gift for making clothes, and he’d never put me in anything problematic. Well, to my eyes at least; he was far fussier than I am.
I changed into the vest and suit coat first so he could see how they looked on me. As expected, Caesar immediatelytskedwhen I exited, moving from one side to the next, nitpicking things I didn’t even see. It was perhaps best I’d never tried to be a tailor.
Rhody surprised me by coming in closer and laying a hand over my forehead, the gesture one of concern. “Are you ill?”
“No?” Only heartsick, which didn’t count. I didn’t think.
“Then why do you look like you haven’t slept well in days?”
Well, I actually hadn’t slept well in years, so… “I’m having a hard time adjusting,” I answered truthfully.
