Distracted, she bumped into Zev when he halted in the middle of the street. His sharp yellow eyes scanned the throng.
Cassiel moved closer to her, eyeing the sea of faces. “What is it?”
Zev frowned in confusion. “I had a sudden feeling we were being followed, but it must be nothing. I am unaccustomed to being around so many people”
“Yes, it is making me edgy as well.”
Zev shook his shoulders to get rid of the feeling and continued onward. “We’re almost done here.”
“Can we explore the rest of the market?” Dyna asked. “We didn’t have the chance to do so yesterday.”
“Cassiel, do you mind?”
She made a face. Since when were they so friendly that they asked each other for permission? Why was she so annoyed when this was what she wanted?
Cassiel shrugged. “I suppose.”
Zev smiled at her. “Go with him while I continue buying the provisions. That should give you some time to look around.”
She and Cassiel looked at each other, then away. “You’re not coming with us?”
“No, there are a few more items we need.”
“I’ll go buy the provisions,” Cassiel blurted. “You stay with her.”
Zev chuckled. “Oh no,Iwill buy the food. I cannot live off pomegranates and seeds. I’m going to the butcher for salted meat.”
Dyna kept her gaze on the ground waiting for Cassiel to protest further. He didn’t want to be alone with her any more than she did.
He sighed and handed her cousin some coins. “See if you can find a farmer that sells rice milk. And don’t take too long or we will miss the caravan.”
“Aye, I’ll meet you here in an hour.” Zev patted her head. “Take care of her,” he told him then merged into the crowd.
She and Cassiel stood in the middle of the street, looking at anything but each other. She fidgeted with the tapered sleeves of the sapphire dress she wore, the sun catching on the hem decorated with embroidered roses. Yesterday, it had thrilled her to receive the dresses. They had been gifts, evidence that he cared. Now she only wanted to give them back.
“Silly girl. Men don’t buy dresses for acquaintances.”
Ridiculous. Namir had filled her head with scandalous suggestions and illusions.
But Cassiel had given her his blood. He had defended her against that man. He held her all night and reassured her of her fears. He was there for her. Why do any of it if he didn’t mean it?
Dyna wanted to ask but couldn’t bring herself to. She waited for him to say something. To explain, to give an apology, or even to call her stupid for making assumptions. Anything to relieve the air full of things left unspoken.
He said nothing.
She really was a stupid human.
Fighting the embarrassing urge to cry, Dyna wandered away. She stopped in front of a stall at random. It only sold weapons, though. Before she could move on, Cassiel lined up beside her.
She lifted a crossbow, feigning interest. The thing was crude and heavy, a bolt sitting in the groove. The weapons merchant finished a sale and ambled over to them. He was a willowy man in a showy taffeta waistcoat and gold rings on his bony fingers.
He gave her a haughty simper. “Poison is a better-suited weapon for a woman. That crossbow is too much for you, love.”
“You’ll refer to her with respect,” Cassiel’s cool voice drifted over her.
“Of course, milord. Your pardon, miss.”
They remained side by side, both stiff and unmoving. Dyna held the crossbow awkwardly, not knowing what else to do with it or with herself. She fiddled with the string and with a lever.
