The way she winced only a few minutes ago. Maybe it wasn’t because she was embarrassed to know Ben. Maybe it was because Viv called her Sir Mariel.
Could it be…?
Every warrior wanted the best armor.
But maybe Charlie longed for silk and starlight, too.
Warrior Princess.
“Here’s the forge but I don’t see them,” Ben heard someone say, the voice sharp with anger.
“They’ve got to be here somewhere,” someone answered. “This is the only place selling chain mail.”
Were they talking about Vivienne and Rowan?
Ben turned toward the voices and saw a knot of people—five of them—clustered together, all wearing Caiden Bramble’s Embersworn capes. They were scanning. Hunting.
Shit. How did they know Rowan and Viv were coming here?
Had they been recognized earlier? No—the prosthetics had changed their faces completely, and the costumes did the rest. There was no way they could have picked them out.
“Maybe they’re checking out the other shops first,” one of them said. “Let’s split op and keep looking. Text when you see them.”
“Bitch thinks she can just walk around like nothing’s happening,” one of the men said.
Shit.These weren’t just fans hoping for autographs. This was an angry mob.
One of them was headed straight toward the costume shop.
And Charlie.
I’ve got to get them the hell out of here.
Not caring about his forge, Ben moved.
SEVEN
When Charlie steppedoff the elevator into the hotel lobby that morning, still damp from her shower, she stopped.
Viv and Rowan were already in their Ren Faire costumes, and she barely recognized them, even though she'd been there while Gina's friend, Nettie, measured and later fitted them with prosthetic noses and cheeks the day before.
If I can't recognize them, there's no chance anyone else will, either.
That loosened the tight knot in her belly that worried they'd be spotted and harassed. And gave her brain just enough room to think about something else entirely. Like seeing Ben at his forge today.
Stop it. Focus.
So far, the week had been uneventful---no sign of any Caidansworn, no protests, no threatening messages waiting at the hotel desk, not even a lot of chatter on the fan sites.
Do not think easy day, she told herself.Don't jinx this.
They were waiting for her at a table on the outside edge of the lobby bar, in full Ren Faire costumes—which also helped draw attention away from their faces, especially the goofy hat onRowan’s head. The two of them were leaning in, staring intently at each other with soft smiles, not saying anything.
If I didn’t suspect it before, I sure do now. Those two are having an affair.
Which was perfectly fine—neither was currently married—and it was none of her business unless it interfered with her ability to protect Viv.
“Hey,” she said to gain their attention. Neither one looked away. Charlie cleared her throat and tried again. “Hello?”
