Eefa smiles and uncorks the wine with a pop that echoes in the empty, otherwise quiet dining hall. “And for you, Major Kilkenny?” she asks, turning his way.
He sets a no-nonsense gaze on her, and she giggles.
“I thought I’d try,” she says with a shrug. She winks at him, but he doesn’t react.
My head swivels back and forth between Durvla and Tiernan. My stomach curdles for many reasons. Gods, I hate the jealousy that rises in me like a tide at any given moment, for no purpose other than to be there. I have zero romantic interest in Tiernan, and yet… I hate that he may have an interest in someone other than me.
Our relationship was forged five years ago when he saved my life. I’m uncomfortable in my own skin as I recall the sacrifice he made for me. He could’ve lost his own life. He’s been an unwavering boulder in many storms throughout the years. He’s been kind and patient, even though I constantly tease him for being broody and a stickler for the rules. If he has feelings for Durvla, I should be happy for him.
Just like I should be willing to let Durvla go for the sake of her own happiness.
“Carys?” Eefa’s standing beside me with a goblet of wine outstretched.
“Right,” I say, clearing my throat as I take the goblet. I intend to just sip the liquid, but it’s gone within seconds. I plop into a chair and demand a refill. I don’t stop drinking until my mind slows down, even as Tiernan protests each goblet. My limbs grow heavier, until I am warm, sleepy, and blissfully unbothered.
“I shhhgotooo my shamber,” I say, bracing my hands on the table to stand. I turn the words over in my head and chortle. Am I slurringmy words? “I mean… myshamber…” Concern draws Durvla’s brows close, but Eefa laughs along with me.
“Princess, I think you’ve had enough,” says Tiernan, suddenly at my side. He grasps my arm, and I pull back.
“Unhand me, you brute. Just because you shaved my lie does not make me mine—yours.”
There’s a mixture of amusement and worry on his face. He presses his lips together.
“Do you find me funny, Sir Killian?” I frown. “That’s not your name. I know your name. The knight who prefers Major.” I sing the last phrase.
“Come on. Up you get,” he says. He turns toward Durvla. “Would you mind helping me get the princess back to bed?”
Then suddenly Durvla’s at my side. It takes a bit of hoisting to get me out of my chair, and even then, my legs are like pudding. We start to move, but it is more like I’m being dragged. “This isnotthe way to fleet a princess,” I protest. My tongue betrays me with each word. “I can walk by my own.” I tug my hand away and stagger several steps forward before Tiernan catches me. “My hero. Again.”
Durvla and Tiernan continue half dragging me to my bedchamber in silence.
“Do you regret the ar— the aaar—thea-rrow?Fugin ’ells, that word’s hard to say!”
Deep lines form in Tiernan’s forehead. “That was years ago. And you aredrunk.”
“Idon’t get drunk.You’redrunk!” My legs give out and I squeal, but Tiernan scoops me into his arms. I rest my head against his shoulder. “Teran, I don’t want Durvla to go. She’s very lovely.”
Tiernan keeps his focus ahead as he walks.Rude. I put my hand on his head and force it toward me. His brows shoot toward his hairline.
“Your eyes are also very lovely. If we get married, our looks will be shildren.” I frown. Not what I meant to say. At all. “I mean our shildren will be?—”
“Princess, with all due respect, you should stop talking.”
“I make the commands around here,Major.” I salute.
He smirks and keeps walking. I grow sleepier with each step until my back sinks into a soft surface. I lay against my pillows and caress my sheet. Durvla appears out of nowhere. “Oh, hello! Where have you been?”
She smiles at me. “By your side the whole time.”
“Oh, you sweet dove.” I pat her hand. For a moment, I close my eyes, but they fly open again of their own volition. “Broody knight?” I call out. “Where are you, broody knight?”
Tiernan looms over me. “Yes, Princess?”
“Good night.” I pat his face and he flinches so hard that it makes me laugh. The bed welcomes me like a giant hug and tugs me into the most peaceful sleep I’ve had in ages.
CHAPTER 33
Durvla
