She raised her chin. “Damn right.”
I looked at Shana. “Do we have any wine?”
“I have two jugs of Favonian red mead,” she said.
“That will do.” I took off my shoes and headed into the house.
CHAPTER42
REDBERRY21
Maggie!”
Someone was shaking my shoulder, and I was absolutely sure it wasn’t Mom. Because I didn’t live at home anymore. I had moved out to my own apartment ages ago.
“Maggie!”
My eyes snapped open. Clover leaned over me. My head pounded like someone was beating my skull with a hammer.
“What time is it?”
“The bells have struck eight.”
I’d gone to bed drunk just after midnight.
“My lady, Lord Arvel is here.”
“What do you mean here?Herehere?”
“Here, downstairs, by our front door. He is waiting in the street.”
I sat up and winced. My poor head.
“Your hair is a mess,” Clover said.
I hadn’t bothered unbraiding it last night. I’d just taken all the metal out.
“How many people does he have with him?”
“Just one knight.”
“Please let them into the courtyard and put them at the table by the wine tree. Do we have any snacks?”
“I already have tea brewing. Let me help you with your hair.”
Clover held up one of my house gowns.
Twenty minutes later, I was in the courtyard, sitting across the table from Arvel and his guard. The Golden Knight wore a plain hooded cloak and his face looked like he was about to lead an army into battle.
Gort and the brothers formed a triangle behind Arvel, maintaining a respectable distance. If he decided to make himself into a problem, there wouldn’t be much they could do to stop him. His magic made him invulnerable, so I had to win this fight on my own.
I wouldn’t be running from that confrontation. No, I welcomed it. That was one good thing about having your heart broken—you stopped giving a crap, and he’d just presented me with a target for all of my frustration.
“What an unexpected visit, my lord. The last time I visited the Citadel, you served such wonderful tea. I’m afraid mine can’t compare. But our pastries are second to none.”
“They are indeed superb.”
“To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?”
