“I do.”
Rowan snorted. “He made one once. Years ago. Wouldn’t let anyone touch it.”
Ben shot him a look. “It was a prototype.”
Viv’s eyes lit up. “Youmadethe Ember Sword.”
“An early version,” Ben said carefully. “I’ve learned a lot since then.”
She held his gaze. “I want you to make it again. For the show this season. If that would interest you, of course.”
Ben barely registered Rowan’s laugh as the world narrowed to a pinpoint.
“Yes,” Ben said, without hesitation. “I-I’d be honored.”
“As if he’d say no.” Rowan clapped him on the shoulder, beaming. “Congratulations.”
Charlie watched Ben, her eyes gleaming.
Wait. Did I just impress her?
Viv launched into logistics—timelines, materials, historical versus cinematic needs. Ben answered confidently, the way he always did when he talked about his work.
When Viv told him how much she’d pay him for the sword, he had to brace himself against the table.
“It’s a deal.”
“Great! I’ll get a contract written up for you.” Viv nodded toward the costume shop across the path. “Now, I want to take a look in there before the jousting’s over. Ben, it was a pleasure meeting you. We’ll see you again at Rowan’s jousting match?”
“Of course.”
“Maybe we could go to dinner as well,” she added, glancing at Rowan. “You could regale with me stories I can’t get out of him otherwise.”
Rowan laughed and Ben realized his old friend was head over heels for Viv.
“I’ll pay you double what’s she’s giving you for the sword to keep your mouth shut,” Rowan said.
Ben laughed. “Pay me triple, and you have a deal.”
“A bargain!” Rowan slapped him on the back again and they started across the path. Charlie walked beside Viv, her head on a swivel. Rowan followed the women.
Ben watched them go, barely believing what just happened.
He was going to forgetheEmber Sword.
Even better, Charlie looked at him like he was…someone special.
No. It’s just your imagination.
But he couldn’t take his eyes off of her.
Charlie slowed just slightly as she reached the shop. She lifted her hand and brushed the edge of a gown hanging beside the entrance. Pale gossamer fabric. Intricately embroidered bodice. A gown fit for a princess out of a story.
No, not just any story.
Her touch lingered no more than a second, but even from here, Ben could see the longing on her face.
Then she disappeared inside.
