Willoughby grinned. “Nothing good happens after midnight,” he said. “Remember our discussion on the art of subtlety?”
“I’m sorry,” I said. “You’re right. I tried to fool you.”
He shrugged. “I’m not offended. I might have done the same, but I’d be better at it.”
I tsked and shut the door. After a second I reopened it.
“Ser?”I said.
“Hmm?”
I took a deep, regretful breath. “Sometimes I say things I don’t mean because I think they’re funny or they take the attention off of something I’m insecure about,” I said. “I don’t think you’re dull.”
He narrowed his eyes.
“Elías told me you heard me. Back home, when we were leaving,” I said. “And you can pretend like you don’t know what I’m talking about, and maybe I’ll believe you because I, too, had to place the comment, but I…I don’t think you’re dull and I wanted you to know that. I never have. I’ve never thought a bad thing about you actually. I’m just very mean.”
“You’re not mean,” he said.
“I am. Especially when I am nervous or angry. When I called you that, I was on my way to speak to His Majesty,” I explained. “My father makes me both.”
“Alright. No worries. I forgive you,” he said.
I pursed my lips. “Thank you,” then closed the door.
Chapter 13
“Good morning, handsome!” I called, stepping into the stables, rested and raring to go, but someoneunexpectedlyreplied.
“Oh! I was hoping to surprise you,” Sameer said. He donned a happy look. “But it seems you’ve caught me. Good morning,beautiful.”
Cyrus was behind him. He fussed with one of the saddles. We shared a look; he tried not to laugh at me. He said, “Sam here was insistent we go into town today. Together. Apparently.”
“Together?” I asked. “Why?”
“Why?” Sam said. “Why not?”
I checked the barn. “Wait. Where is Ser Willoughby?”
He nudged my arm. “I dismissed him.”
“Youdismissedhim?” I asked. “…Why? Who will talk to Jocelyn?”
“Jocelyn?”
“My maid,” I reminded him.
“Ah, I dismissed her, too,” Sam said. “And why? What do you mean why? Again, why not? I think between Cy and I, you should be well seen to, love. Besides, we’ll have a nicerconversation if we can speak freely. At times I find myself uptight around servants.”
“You dismissed them,” I said, dubious. “What joy.”
He beamed. “I’m glad you approve and I’m glad you’re so happy this morning. I love to see you smile.”
I was frowning.
Cyrus set the seat he’d been working on back on its hook. He picked up his sword from where it leaned and he slid it into his belt.
“Are you not riding with us?” I asked.
