Deciding to give Seth space, I squeezed his hand and stood. Running a hand across Whisper’s back, I quietly ordered him to stay with his master. Shifting closer to Seth, the hound rested his big head on the prince’s lap.
Slipping out of the grove, I followed the stone roads back to the inn. A glint of fire caught my eyes, and I slowly raised my head, knowing who I’d find.
Seraphim stood under a lantern post, arms folded.
“I can explain,” I started, raising my hands.
“Is it true?” Seraphim asked. “Phaedrus leapt to Eleos’ defense, in the square?”
Relieved I wasn’t in trouble, I lowered my arms. “I was a little out of it, but from what I recall, yes. He helped save us all.”
Rubbing her forehead, Seraphim slid a hand down her face. “It’s like being with my brother again. Like nothing happened.”
“So he was always a sarcastic ass?”
“Yes.” She smiled. “Just like his son.” Her eyes brightened. “Have you done anything fun since we left Ikaria?”
“No,” I chuckled. “I never did anything fun in Ikaria, either.”
“New orders. I’m stealing you.” Taking my wrist, she hauled me back to the inn. Percy trotted down the steps as we entered, and she locked eyes with him. “Come here. I need you.”
“Why does everyone keep saying that?” Percy wondered.
“And get your lute!” Seraphim yelled as she dragged me down to the basement.
She released me to relight the lantern, and I sat on the table’s edge. “Are we singing a round?”
“No!” She struck a flame and hung the lantern up. “I never shared my hobby with you.”
“Maiming men?”
“That’s second best.” She grinned wickedly. Clearing her throat, she bowed and extended her hand. “Shall we dance?”
My eyebrows flew up. “Youdance?”
“I do,” she said, maintaining her pose. “And I’ve been told youdon’t.”
“I never needed to learn,” I said, taking her hand. “Prolongeddancing with noblemen would have just gotten me caught.”
“Well, you need to learn now.” Seraphim placed a hand on my back. “Youarein love with a prince.”
“I’m not—” I protested.
Laughing, Seraphim looked up as Percy descended, lute in hand. “Play whatever you like. Something rousing would be good.”
“Ooh, are we dancing?” Percy’s tone changed—he sounded like he had back on the Merchant Isles—happy and carefree.
It struck me, then, how somber we’d become since arriving here.
“I have just the thing.” Grabbing a stool, Percy hopped up on it and strummed an opening chord.
“Follow my lead,” Seraphim whispered, guiding me to the tune.
Grinning, I followed her movements, twirling around our little makeshift dance floor. I still couldn’t dance well, but Seraphim was an easy teacher to follow.
She moved with grace, and I could just imagine her in her youth, dancing with her wife like this.
Relaxing, I opened my mind to hers. So much sorrow drowned her in its depths. A tiny fire blazed at her core, fragile and flickering, yet bright as the sun.
