“Hello,” I greeted the gaunt man with sun-kissed hair. “I’d like to order something to eat as well as a glass of red wine, if you have it.”
“There’s fish soup,” he replied coolly.
Of course, that was the day’s special. Each night, I had found the creature staring from the plates of those around me. Thankfully, Col was considerate enough to keep it off my dish.Sometimes he had given me beef or venison, while other times it was jarred vegetables with a grain or pasta.
“What are your other options?” I smiled.
“No other choice.” He leaned in close enough that I could smell the beer brewing on his breath. “What is your business with Col? Have the Suttons sent you here to seduce him or only to destroy us?”
With a gaping mouth, I sat stunned by the accusation.
The man scoffed, but still obliged my request and pulled a bottle from behind the counter. The room was silent except for the sound of the burgundy liquid pouring into the thick wine glass.
“I would never bring harm to anyone in Kuroden.” I cringed as I heard just how unconvincing my words sounded.
The man slid the glass in front of me and started to leave without acknowledging my statement.
“Wait, how much do I owe you?” I fumbled for the coins in my pocket.
“Your departure will pay your bill,” the man gritted out over his shoulder as he continued down the bar.
Nosy patrons snickered at a table behind me.
Several minutes passed before conversations picked up to a low hum, and though I couldn’t hear their words, I was sure they were all talking about me. The time I had spent with Col in the area was so different than at the tavern.
I drained my glass, forcing my near-empty stomach to tilt. There was no reason to stay where I wasn’t welcome.
Pulling a few coins from my pocket, I began stacking them on the bar. If the man wouldn’t tell me how much I owed, I’d make a guess. By the time I decided on an amount, my body was swaying like a ship at sea.
“Hey, you. Col said you’d be in town today.” Sky took the seat next to me and waved over the man who’d been shootingdaggers with his eyes. “A beer, please. And what do you have today?”
He glanced at me and then back at Sky. “Fish or goat soup with a slice of bread.”
I glowered at him. Had I known there was another option, I would have ordered it. Even if I could’ve purchased only a slice of bread, I would’ve convinced him to sell it to me.
“Two goat soups.” She set half a dozen coins on the counter. “And make it quick since my friend here is already tipsy.”
My vision bore into his back as he walked away. If I could’ve conjured wind, I’d have forced him to his knees. But in a kingdom nearly empty of plants or workable land, I might as well have been born without magic.
“Are things so terrible that you’re trying to drown your feelings in alcohol instead of eating? Col can’t possibly be that bad in bed, can he?”
I shook my head, not wanting to admit that the man had basically refused me service.
“Regret, then—is that what it is?” She gestured with a hand. “Because whateverthisis, doesn’t look good on you.”
“The only regret I have is back home," I huffed.
Sky nudged my shoulder. “C’mon, if you were a man you’d be praised for your sexual endeavors. I’ve never seen a single one of them give a damn about who they slept with, and you shouldn’t either.”
I kept my eyes fixed on my empty glass.
Sky raised a hand and ordered another round for us. “Well, it’s clearly your own hang up. Col doesn’t seem to care, and I imagine he’s well aware of the situation withPrince Asshole.” She leaned in to me. “Not that Col’s said anything happened between the two of you, but I did see him with a ridiculous grin on his face earlier.”
I frowned and twirled the empty glass between my fingers.
The bartender returned holding our drinks and set Sky’smug in front of her. He snatched the empty glass from my hand and placed the new wine barely within reach and walked away.
“Oh gosh, don’t take it personally. Col’s a private guy. I don’t think I’ve ever heard him talk about anyone he’s been interested in.”
