“Mr. Evergreen pursued me,” I said. “Despite my every effort to lose him in the crowd, he kept pace. Then, when we were confronted, he drew his sword ready. Ready tokillforme. He protects me now, still because he hasn’t realized you’re sharp, too, Ser. Too sharp to ever fool.”
“I see,” Elías said, canting his gaze toward my Sword. “Is this true?”
He shrugged. “Mostly.”
“Then I am glad for your vigilance,” Elías replied. “I’m disappointed with the approach… but Svana is… difficult.”
“That’s right. I am,” I stated. I raised my nose. “And you’re glad for hisbravery,”I added.
“I beg your pardon?” Elías asked.
“You’re glad for his bravery,” I told him.
“Your Highness,” Cyrus said.
“Mr. Evergreen wasquitevaliant,” I said. “Quiteintimidatingwith his steel. He saved me.”
Eli gestured a lazy, “Yes,” glancing at my swordsman. He said, “For that as well,” then stood and walked steadily to the door, motioning for the man’s departure.
I lent Cyrus a nod. He offered a small bow of his head.
“Farewell, Your Highness,” he gave. Then he left.
Elías closed the door.
“You’re treading in deep water, Svana,” he said.
“I apologized for my recklessness.” I looked into the mirror and studied my face, collecting and smoothing what disruptions I could find in its appearance. “But I cannot help that I have lived a sheltered life, Lord Commander. How was I supposed to anticipate a robbery?”
He nodded. “I’m speaking of theBlade,” he said.
“I-I’ve apologized to him for running off. What more do you want?”
He didn’t say.
“Honestly, Eli. It was a couple of crooks.”
“A couple of crooks today, tomorrow these southern bandits. You think nothing bad can happen to you,” he said.
“That isn’t true,” I muttered. “I think plenty of bad happens.”
“I don’t say it with the intent to upset you. I say it as I wish to keep you safe.”
“Elías.”
“Please, Svana. Remain near someone at all times, even if it’s him. We don’t know the nature of the people here,” he said. “You were lucky today.”
“I wasn’tlucky,”I reminded him. “I was guarded.”
He acknowledged the comment curtly. “I cannot find fault in that statement. Much as I would like. If the boy did what you said he did, then I am pleased with his priorities. For now.”
I pursed my lips. “...What did youmeanby the way? When you accused him of being a decorated soldier?”
He shook his head. “What of it specifically? Evergreen had many merits in the war.”
“…Cyrus told Ser Willoughby and I that he remained here.”
“I see. …It’s not my place to discuss another man’s service, nor do I long to have another fight between us,” he said. “Though I would challenge the idea if he should insist upon it. Rarely have I seen able-bodied men grounded like that in a war. Notsomeone of his skill set. No. If he remained here, there was a purpose.”
