“You have to bring your own mug?”
“If you don't want to purchase one, yes. What did you expect him to put the drink in?”
Cyn grimaced. “I don't care. Buy me a mug if you must. It will be a nice souvenir from my time here.”
I stared at him. “Souvenir? Like this is a pleasure trip?”
“I know it's not a pleasure trip.”
“No, it's not. Don't you realize that I've put my clan in danger by bringing you here?”
Cyn's face fell, his eyes widening. “Ru, I—”
“No.” I cut him off. “Forget it. I'm glad you're having fun.”
“Gods damn it,” Cyn growled and grabbed my arm. He yanked me around to face him, then stepped closer, enveloping us in a cocoon of our cloaks and leaving the other shoppers to walk around. “I know this is dangerous, and I appreciate all you've done for me, Ru. But regardless of all that, I am having fun. I'm enjoying every second because I'm with you.” His hand went to my cheek. “You have made a terrible situation into something precious. That's why I want something to remember it by. I'm not making light of anything.”
I grimaced. “Well, now I feel like an ass.”
Cyn chuckled softly, then leaned down to kiss me. It was quick but wonderful, and I stared at him in awe as he lifted his head. He was right. I was enjoying myself too. Because I was with him.
I cleared my throat. “All right. Let's get you some coffee.”
Chapter Seventeen
We eventually reached the used furniture seller and purchased a chair. Cyn wanted to get two, but I thought that was wasteful. We only needed one, since we could use the bed as a seat. Cyn argued that we wouldn't be able to eat at the table together, and I pointed out that my table wasn't big enough for both of us to eat at anyway. We went home with one chair.
We spent the rest of the day settling in and, all right, yes, having sex. We had to test out the bed after all. It turned out that it would hold the two of us comfortably. And by comfortably, I mean with me tucked up against Cyn, my arm over his belly, and his arm around me. Yeah, I could sleep like that.
At last, it was time to meet with my clan.
I crept through the cold, dark streets with the King, monitoring the rooftops. Yes, I believed he was safe there, but I would not underestimate our enemy. They had already infiltrated the Forgotten and of night, there were very few pedestrians to blend in with.
We reached the Sable Fist without incident, and I nodded to Brev, who stood guard at the door, guaranteeing that the Raltven tavern wouldn't have any non-Raltven guests tonight. Once inside, I threw back my hood and motioned for Cyn to do the same. The room went quiet as soon as we were spotted. They had reserved a table for us at the front, near the bar. I took Cyn there, greeting my clan members along the way.
Once we were seated, the introductions began. Sinna brought drinks over and was first to greet the King. Then the other Raltven flowed to our table, moving with grace and ease, everyone aware of everyone else. Cyn greeted them all warmly, shaking hands and thanking each of them for giving him sanctuary.
At last, the entire Midnight Clan had arrived and introduced themselves to the King. After someone shut and barred the door, I stood up to face the room. But before I could speak, Cyn joined me.
“Men and women of the Midnight Clan,” the King began. “It's been a pleasure to meet all of you. I know my presence has put you in danger, and yet you have accepted me without hesitation. Your bravery and generosity will not be forgotten.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Diyak, the leader of the Midnight Clan, stood up to say. He grinned and added, “It's about time the Crown has seen our worth.”
The room laughed.
The King did not.
“I wish that weren't true,” Cyn said. “I feel as if I have failed all who live in the Forgotten, not just the Midnight Clan. As a ruler, it's difficult to see to everyone's needs, but that is no excuse. I will do better.”
Diyak went serious as he stepped over to us. “Kings cannot control life, Your Majesty. And life is what has brought us here. I don't place blame on anyone for my circumstances, nor do I make excuses for the way I live. It simply is. We Raltven excel at things done in the dark.” He winked at the clan when they snickered. “And that has drawn us to work that most would consider beneath them. We are criminals!” He lifted his voice and mug to the Midnight Clan.
They cheered, even me. It was hard to resist Diyak when he was charming a crowd.
“We are thieves!” Diyak shouted.
Another cheer.
“We are assassins!”
