“You mean the Azure King sends people to their deaths for the slight chance that he may recuperate that land,” Cassiel said, a bite lacing his tone.
“Aye, and I don’t agree with it either,” Kye said with a weak clearing of his throat. “But I don’t have any say in the matter.”
“Oh, don’t mind him,” Dyna said, giving Cassiel a frown. When the corporal walked ahead, she whispered, “You ought to be kind to humans, Cassiel.”
“What would that serve? Protecting you is my only priority.” His fingertips brushed her temple as he swept a lock of hair from her eyes.
The touch sent a course of warmth through her, heating her cheeks where his fingers touched. But Cassiel froze, and he dropped his hand. With a deliberate step, he backed away, taking her brief happiness with him.
Chapter 41
Cassiel
Cassiel winced at the look on Dyna’s face. He backed away, and she looked to the ground, rubbing her arms. The feel of her skin hummed on his fingers. The touch was intimate, unsuitable, and beyond the boundaries of their association. He couldn’t seem to maintain his wits about him when it came to her.
When Dyna had asked him if he thought their bond meant nothing, he couldn’t reply. He had been fighting the answer to that question since the moment they exchanged blood. Thinking about it meant he would have to think about other things. He didn’t want that vulnerability, but she continued to chip away at his walls.
It was ludicrous. He was a Nephilim, and she was a human.
Their bond couldn’t amount to anything.
Corporal Kye Willam cleared his throat. “In any case, you will enjoy my family’s tavern, I assure you. Come along. It’s around the bend here.”
They continued their walk in silence. Cassiel peeked at Dyna from the corner of his sight, remaining close by her side. She kept her gaze downcast, watching her boots move over the worn cobblestones of the street. They passed by lamplighters with long poles lighting the oil lamp posts. Evening was descending and the temperature with it. Their breaths clouded in the air.
“How long has your family owned the Cobalt Tavern?” Dyna asked the corporal.
“It has been in my family for three generations,” Kye said. “My grandfather worked in the mines, mining sapphires, and other precious stones until he had enough to have the tavern built. It’s been passed down in my family since.”
Dyna smiled. “That’s lovely.”
“Aye, my mother is the owner now. Her name is Annora. I’ll have her give you two a cut-rate.” He winked at her.
“Oh, that’s very kind. Thank you.”
“It’s my pleasure, lass.” Kye chuckled, but it faded when he noticed Cassiel’s glower. He cleared his throat again. “Right, well, here we are.”
They came before a towering stone structure with three chimneys on the roof. Hundreds of windows decorated the elevation, all of them made with stained blue glass. The two wide doors at the entrance were painted rich cobalt. The bustle of voices and music leaked from inside. A couple of men on horses pulled astride the tavern. Stable hands came out to take the reins, leading the horses to the stables beside the tavern.
They followed Kye through the front doors. A colorful throng of bodies packed the lobby, the voices merging into a boisterous roar. The hot and stuffy air carried the scent of sweat, stale mead, and roasted meat. The Corporal motioned them to follow. Cassiel took Dyna’s elbow and kept her close as they made their way through the mass, but he soon lost sight of Kye. There were too many people. Elves jostled past them. He scarcely dodged the hooves of a centaur and swatted at the fairies flitting past his ears. A drunken man stumbled against Dyna and leaned in close, chortling in her face.
“Watch it, sodden fool.” Cassiel shoved him back into the crowd.
“This way!” Kye waved at them over the crop of heads.
Cassiel guided Dyna in front of him, shielding her from the bustling bodies bumping into them. She made it to the bar and pulled him through the last wall of bodies to Kye’s side. The Corporal leaned over the bar counter and waved at the young barmaids who shared his features, but they were too busy attending the demanding crowd. He gave up calling them and yelled through his cupped hands at a pudgy woman rushing to pour ale from a wall of stacked barrels into mugs. She wore a dark navy dress under her dirty apron, brown curls tied in a messy braid. Sweat gleamed on her forehead and flushed cheeks.
“Mother!” Kye put force into his shout, rising above the noise. “Mother!”
She beamed at the sight of her son and hurried over. “Oh, thank the heavens you’re here, Kye. The gods know I could use the help.”
“Sorry, I have to return to cargo duty. I brought you a couple more patrons.” Kye clapped Cassiel’s arm. “They require lodging for the night. Dyna, Cassiel, this is my mother, Annora.”
She cocked an eyebrow at them. “You promised them a cut-rate, didn’t you?”
Kye patted her chubby hands. “Be a dear. You can’t turn away this young man and his bonnie wife.”
Cassiel coughed at the sudden lump in his throat. He wanted to protest the assumption, even though it wasn’t incorrect. He thought Dyna would clarify the mistake, but she blushed and fidgeted with her dress sleeve.
