“Which means that I've been waiting nearly an hour to eat with you,” I shot back. “I eat at six.”
“Why so early?” He started to scoop up the reports he was reading.
“Uh, because I have to get up at half-past four.”
“Dear Goddess,” he exclaimed in horror. “Why?”
“To bake your bread,” I said in a duh tone.
The Falcon Lord blinked. He obviously had no idea that preparing his food took a lot of time. I shook my head at him, a lot of wealthy people were like that, but I'd thought a warlord would know his camp better.
“Right,” he murmured. “I'm sorry, I don't eat until eight.”
“Yeah, I know when you eat,” I said pointedly. “But I couldn't wait any longer. I go to bed at nine.”
“Nine?” He just couldn't get past my schedule. “Very well then.” He stood up and set his reports aside, then went to the tent flap. “Have a seat.” He waved at the table, then leaned out the opening to tell one of his knights to summon dinner.
I wondered if Tod, who was in charge of the Falcon Lord's kitchen, would be annoyed or relieved to serve dinner sooner. Probably the former. His team—including Vanessa—would have to scramble to get everything prepared, which was the only reason I'd tried to wait. But I was starving, and I knew the quality of food I'd be served with the Falcon Lord would be ten times better than what I got normally, so I didn't want to ruin my appetite by snacking.
I went to his war table as I glanced around the room. It wasn't much different in the bright fae lights, just a large room with a heavy table and lots of chairs in the center. Lanterns hung from the ceiling, holding those fae lights I'd mentioned. They glowed without burning; just a small magic but it never failed to impress me. I glanced at the bedroom—that was much more interesting. I recalled it vividly, but along with the image of the Falcon Lord's beautiful furniture came the memory of his dead lovers lying around his naked body. I rubbed a hand over my face, disturbed on several levels. Shit, I had tossed that soldier's body aside as if she were nothing. She hadn't deserved that.
“It should be here soon,” the Falcon Lord said as he resumed his seat at the head of the table. Then he frowned at me. “Why are you sitting there?”
I'd taken a seat one down from his.
“To give us some space to stretch out.”
“Not because you're afraid to sit beside me?” He lifted a brow.
“What is it with people calling me a coward today?” I huffed and leaned back in my seat.
“Is that what started the fight with Daron?”
I grimaced and sighed. “That and other things.”
“And why did you lie for him?” He cocked his head at me, his gaze going sharp.
“I don't know what you're talking about, my lord.” I grinned.
The Falcon Lord snorted and leaned back to mimic my pose. “So unaffected. Soslick.” He looked me over. “I've heard you're a singer, Shane. Quite the bard.”
I blinked. “Yeah? Who told you that?”
“A little birdie.” He grinned broadly at his own joke, then removed something from beneath the table—my guitar.
“That's my guitar!” I sat up straight. “You stole my guitar?”
He tsked me. “I don't steal. Iborrowedyour guitar so that I could have it here when you arrived.” He handed it over to me. “Show me how you seduce your lovers.”
“What?” my voice came out in a higher pitch than I'd intended. I admit that the thought that he might try to seduce me had crossed my mind, but I never thought for one second that he might turn things around and make me seduce him.Fuck, that was brilliant. I'd have to remember that trick.
“You heard me,” the Falcon Lord drawled, his voice like warm cider—sweet and sharp but with a depth of rich spices. “Sing for me. Play your . . . instrument. I've heard you're a talented seducer.”
“Me?” I chuckled. “I think you've confused me with yourself, my lord.”
The Falcon Lord's eyes went half-lidded. “I don't seduce, Shane. I don't have to.”
Fucking arrogant ass. The worst part was that he was right; they lined up for him. Me, on the other hand, I had to work with what nature had given me and add some music to it. That contrast, of his effortless appeal against my practiced moves, made me want to show him exactly what I could do. It made me want to see the Falcon Lord's jaw drop onto his war table.
