“That’s good,” he said, his fingers sliding thoughtlessly up and down my arm, but it was clear from his tone that he didn’t like thinking of me among those men. “Was that the whole day?”
“No. This afternoon Akhane and I worked on camouflaging again. The other training was moved to tomorrow because the Queen summoned me.”
He nodded, but his expression only darkened. “It’s good for you to know those things for this mission, just in case.” Then he grew thoughtful. “I want you to know, I’ve had reports from both Ronen and Voski. Everyone agrees that you’re doing a remarkable job, picking up new skills quickly and speaking out when a change is needed. They see your strength increasing. And your confidence. And so do I. That’s agoodthing,” he said, eyeing me from the side as if he thought I might not believe him.
“Thank you,” I murmured, suddenlymoreuncomfortable with his compliments than I’d been when I worried he’d be angry.
“You’re welcome. It’s true. I wouldn’t say it if it weren’t. As I said, I believe our orders to fly will come soon. Very soon. Tomorrow, or the next day at the latest. The king is getting antsy, and tomorrow I expect to get the message of the assessment team’s verdict. I’m well aware how crucial you are to this mission, and I want to make sure we’ve found our balance with it. I’ll do my best not to let my personal feelings influence my orders. I won’t stand in your way. I’ll use my knowledge and experience tohelpyou be more effective.”
“How?” I blurted.
“I think it’s good that you’re learning from someone in the royal circles—someone with that perspective. But when we’re flying, I want to give you the benefit of what I’ve learned as someone moving in those circles who isn’t highborn. And we’ll discuss how to entice a man without making unspoken promises.”
That thread of fear knotted in my chest again.
But Donavyn shook his head. “I won’t pretend I like it,” he growled. “I won’t pretend I can let you go in that meat marketwithout wanting to crush anyone who lays eyes on you. But Idoknow we need you. And no one will train you better than me. I’ve given up trying to stop this. I’ll do everything to make you more effective. I’ll be here for you now—and later—whenever you need me. I’ll help. Even if it’s… uncomfortable.”
I stared at him.
After a moment he frowned. “What?”
“I don’t understand how you’rereal,”I said with a bemused huff. “Donavyn, you’re so good. Even your flaws are driven by love and honor… it’s not normal.”
He chuckled. “I could say the same for you.”
“What? I’m not a General and honorable and—”
“You rose from abuse and neglect andhell. Look at everything you were put through, and yet, here you are—fighting to do more. Bren, you’re inspiring.”
I was literally embarrassed, and about to argue with him, when a quiet knock sounded on the door and we both froze.
We were naked, entwined, and I wasn’t supposed to be here.
Shit!
‘Did you lock the door?’
‘I don’t remember!’
“Who is it?!” Donavyn barked at the door, pushing to his feet, one hand back to keep me in place.
“Sir? Sir, it’s Benji. I have a message for…”
He trailed off and Donavyn frowned, grabbing his leathers up from the floor and throwing my clothes to me as he yanked his up and buttoned them while he walked to the door. I scrambled to get dressed.
Donavyn stood at the door, opening it only a crack. “Benji, it’s late—”
“Sir, I have a message forher.”
I froze halfway through pulling my shirt on.
Donavyn also stilled. “Who? Speak quietly,” he muttered.
“There’s a man at the stables, Sir. He’s looking for her. He sent a message, I gave it to her yesterday, but he says she never came to his Inn and he has to speak with her—”
What the fuck? I scrambled to tuck my shirt into my leathers and get buttoned.‘Could it be anything to do with the nobles?’
‘Not if they’re staying in an Inn,’Donavyn pointed out.
