“Why? Because you’ve pissed him off?” I quirk a brow, testing him.
Thane tenses.
“Hey.” Kelrean puts on a smooth smile as he claps a hand on Thane’s shoulder. “She’ll be taken care of, my friend. Don’t you worry.”
“I’mnotyour fucking friend,” Thane growls, swiping Kelrean’s hand away.
Shock fills Kelrean’s eyes before his face settles with a frown. “That swamp has clearly shaken you up. Perhaps you should return to the castle and have a lie down.”
“And leave her with a man who is intentionally drugging her and drowning her in wine?”
“What are you talking about?” I cut in, mildly annoyed. “Iwantedto try the talmoon, and I grabbed my own wine. Besides, I’m nowhere near drunk, and the talmoon is already wearing off.”
“Right,” Kelrean adds, “and I would never do such a thing anyway. She only had one pull of the talmoon, and that was it. I wouldn’t have let her try more.” Kelrean sizes Thane up as he puts on a knowing smile. “You know what I think it is? I think you’re jealous, my friend. I can’t blame you, truly. She is unbelievably gorgeous. I’ve been drawn to her all night.”
My heart thumps faster as heat crawls up my neck.
Thane grimaces. “Call me friendone more time, and I’ll punch you in your fucking nose.”
I gasp. “Thane!”What is it with himalwayschoosing violence?
Kelrean throws his head back to laugh at the audacity of Thane’s words. “Right. You know what? You’re a bit too hostile right now, and frankly, even if Zaira were ready to go, I wouldn’t trust her running off with the likes of you. Leave her with me. She said she’s fine, and I believe we should respect the lady’s wishes. Okay…friend?”
Before I can blink, Thane slams his fist into Kelrean’s face. Kelrean howls, and I gasp as his nose immediately starts gushing blood.
“Ow!What the fuck?” Kelrean roars—literally—as he clutches his face. “You nearly broke my nose!”
Thane looks the prince up and down. “Sorry about that…friend.”
“What the shadows is wrong with you, Thane?” I snap, setting my wine down to assist Kelrean. “Kelrean, are you okay?”
Two guards appear with swords in hand, pointing the tips of their blades at Thane’s back. “Are you all right, Your Highness?” one of them asks.
“Give the order and we’ll detain him, sir,” the other guard says.
Kelrean raises a patient hand as bystanders swarm, murmuring among themselves with worry as they focus on their prince.
Oh my gods.
This is so embarrassing. This reckless assassin just punched royalty. Perhaps it will be Kelrean who causes Thane to finally meet his demise. What a twist that would be.
“I’m all right, I’m all right,” Kelrean announces, sniffling as he swipes a hand under his bloody nose. “Our friend here has suffered a rough journey. He had a few drinks, and I believe he needs rest. Mercy is needed here.” He fixes the lapels of his suit, then brushes imaginary dust off his shoulders. “Guards, please escort ourfriendto the castle so he may reorient himself.”
The guards go for Thane immediately, grabbing either arm.
“Get the fuck off of me.” Thane manages to maneuver himself away from them and storm off.
“Kelrean, I’mso sorry.” I clasp my hands together, looking at his bloodied nose. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m all right, Zaira. He got me good, I must admit.”
“I’ll talk to him. I’ll make him apologize,” I swear. “That was unbelievably rude of him.”
“Yes, it was, wasn’t it?” Kelrean accepts a handkerchief from another guard. When the blood is cleared, he sighs. “I should calm my people. See you at the castle?”
“Sure. Yeah.” When Kelrean saunters away, I chase after Thane and the guards, making sure to catch up before they reach a covered carriage. The guards shove him inside and demand the coachman take him straight to the castle.
“You’re lucky the prince is forgiving, otherwise we’d hang you on the mountain for what you’ve done!” one of the guards spits out.
