“He’s not complained,” I said.
“Good,” he said. “Right. I’m here to apologize for my behavior.”
“You’re-? No,” I remarked. “No. You have not-”
“I was out of line,” he said coldly. “You have authority over me; I thank you for reminding me of my station. You wish that I remain at that distance, I shall heed to it.”
“Heed thedistance?”I cried, though his face did not wear the same way mine did. “Please, I don’t want that!”
A loud, “Ow!”erupted from somewhere, twisting my attention. I was certain Cyrus had been maimed, but when I discovered it was the Prince’s cry, I breathed. The moment was not lost upon my knight; he watched me with careful eyes, eyes I tried to evade by shaking my focus.
Sam shook out his hand, angry at first. The line of his jaw hardened, but by the time he went to reach for his sword, he wasgrinningand at the end of Cyrus’s.
“Always keep your eye on the opponent,” Mr. Evergreen told him. “A moment can make the difference between life and death.” He lowered his weapon.
The men exchanged bows, and Sameer conceded, throwing his blade into a mound of hay.
“Aye, then,” he exhaled heavily. He found me for support. “Now you see why I employ this one.”
“He’s very good,” I called, clapping. “Well done. Both of you.”
Sam’s excitement rerouted from Cyrus tome. Unfazed by his loss, he crossed the short space, planted his feet determinedly in front of mine, and smiled at my knight.
“Ser,” he said.“Princess,”he said softer.
My eyes narrowed. “Your Highness? Whom I have already greeted?”
“I’d given it some thought,” he said. “And it is a lovely day. So lovely that I’m sure you’ll join me for a stroll anyway?”
“I will?” I asked.
“Of course,” he said. “And you’re invited as well, Ser.”
“A… stroll?” I repeated.
“Yes, love. Seeing as you’ve gone out of your way to find me today, I can give you an hour,” he said. “That….sounded better in my head. I’m afraid our little fight got my blood boiling. I apologize for my rudeness. I meant, would you still join me, please?”
Elías glanced between us. “I’m not much of an outdoorsman, though I’m happy to leave Her Highness with you, sir.”
I glowered. “Oh, he’s joking,” I said, but Elías shook his head.
“I’m not, and I trust Her Highness to be left alone, anyway.”
“Grand,” I said. I shot daggers at his face.
“Yes! It is grand!”Sam cheered. “Alright. Right… Could I freshen up for you, Svana?” He beamed. “Svana. Beautiful, elegant Svana. I’ll be right back. I’ll meet you right here.”
“Are we-?” I paused. “Wait. We’re going on a stroll? Did I agree?”
“Yes,” Sam said. “Of course you did, love.”
“A-Are we not going to invite M-Mr. Evergreen? It seems very rude not to. He’s right there.”
Mr. Evergreen cackled. “Oi. I am tragically uninterested and very busy.”
“Busy?” I croaked.
“Yes,” he replied. “Oh well. Enjoy.”
