Tarben gave me a deeply apologetic look as Magnus went on. “My apologies, milady, I was so taken aback by your beauty that I momentarily forgot my manners. Would you allow me to make it up to you by buying you a drink?” He nodded towards the tavern.
“We were on our way back to the castle,” Tarben said. “Another time.”
“Not even one drink?” Magnus persisted, feigning a look of hurt. “I’ve been back for days now, and you haven’t once bothered to seek out your oldest friend. You wound me, Tar.”
Tarben shot me a look that said,It’s your choice either way.
I was torn. While I didn’t particularly care to entertain any more of this asshole’s brash leering and crude remarks, I hadnever been inside a tavern before—mortal or otherwise—and I desperately wanted to.
I found myself saying, “We have time for one drink.” It seemed as though my hunger for new experiences had not yet been satiated.
Magnus looked smug. “Excellent! You won’t regret it.”
Thinking I may regret it, I accepted Tarben’s elbow and allowed Magnus to lead the way.
***
The brightly-painted tavern was surprisingly dim on the inside, despite the numerous windows lining the front of the building and the central hearth housing a blazing fire. Dozens of wooden tables, chairs and benches were spread across the generous space. The walls were adorned with nautical-themed paintings, netting, framed maps, a brass compass rose and the worn wooden wheel of a ship. What caught me by surprise was the impressive pair of mounting antlers displayed proudly above the hearth. An interesting choice amidst the seafarer iconography.
Peeling my feet off the sticky floor, I followed Magnus and Tarben to a vacant table in the corner where we’d be on the periphery of anyone’s attention. Inhaling the overpowering scent of spilled ale, I didn’t need to think twice about what soured the floorboards.
I wouldn’t exactly call it charming, but there was a certain allure to the lively atmosphere of the tavern. The place was bustling with all manner of patrons—wealthy and poor, young and old, male and female. The clientele was made up of sailors, merchants, artists, locals, travelers and even, to my fascination, ladies of the night seeking suitors to warm their beds for a cost. I would have been happy to spend the rest of the afternoon nestled in the corner, quietly watching them indulge in their various vices.
My thoughts were interrupted by Magnus announcing that he was going to get us a drink. As he retreated towards the serving area, Tarben turned to me. “We don’t have to do this. Say the word and we’ll leave.”
“Why? Is it not up to His Highness’s royal standards?” I teased.
“I think you’ll find I’ve ventured into the city enough times to know my way around a tavern,” he countered. “Besides, it’s notThe Stag and SternI’m worried about.” He nodded towards Magnus, who was chatting animatedly with the barkeep like they were old friends.
“You don’t need to worry, I’m fine.” Truthfully, I was not concerned about the likes of Magnus. I knew exactly how to handle an arrogant male. Goddess knew there were plenty of them at court in Vantillios.
“He means well, he’s just… Well, he’s just Magnus.”
“Your oldest friend.” He returned my pointed look with something between a smile and a grimace. “I’d hate to think what kind of mischief the two of you have gotten up to over the years.”
“None whatsoever, and if Cook ever tells you we stole those apple pies, she’s a liar and I maintain it was some other hungry midsummer revelers.”
I raised my eyebrows in mock horror. “Stealing from the castle cook is a very serious offense. I had no idea I was fraternizing with such a delinquent.”
He laughed in that easy way of his. “Fraternizing? Is that what we’re doing?”
I tilted my head. “Would you prefer we call it performing your royal duty?” I asked, echoing his earlier words.
Leaning in closer, his eyes locked on mine. Lowering his voice, he said, “I don’t care what we call it, as long as we keepdoing it.”
Before I could respond, three foaming ales were unceremoniously slammed onto the scuffed table. “If the two of you would quit your flirting for five minutes, I’m ready to hear all about how you met,” said Magnus.
Tarben shoved him, then launched into the story about the shipwreck and how I came to be at the castle.
While he spoke, I sipped my ale. I immediately hated its bitter taste and the way that bubbles seemed to float up my throat and towards my nostrils. Still, I forced it down, partially out of politeness and partially for something to do.
Once Tarben was finished with the tale, Magnus whistled and glanced at me with admiration. “So, you’re telling me that all I need to do is damn near drown, and a magnificent creature like you will come and rescue me?”
“I think you’ll find that in your case, they might make an exception,” I retorted.
His responding guffaw was like gravel to my ears. “It’s alright, I’m taken nowadays anyhow.” He shrugged.
Tarben pinched the bridge of his nose, shaking his head in disbelief. “For how long do we have the pleasure of your company?”
