Lyle cocked a brow, finally glancing toward the rest of them. Cason saw the flare of nostrils as Lyle eyed Farrah and Elias. Not disgust, but dismissal nonetheless. And when that glare landed on him, Cason felt the fire curl tighter in his gut.
“No shit,” the sun-blessed soldier chuckled, a sly grin creeping over his face. “Oh, Valkip, this is too good. I’m surprised your pants aren’t currently on fire.”
“Lyle,” Cason grunted through his teeth. “Pleasure as always.”
The man couldn’t contain his laugh. “Forgive me, but I’m still in shock. You left Anfroy—turned down a position with the Eliteanda position leading your own legion—because you didn’t want to participate in the raids, and you still end up here? Isn’t that just poetic justice.”
Cason didn’t reply, and Serill finally said, “We’re camping here for the night but will be on our way in the morning.”
“Where are you headed?” Lyle asked, still studying Cason. Perhaps all his staring contests with Brela would finally pay off.
“Vuln,” the prince replied casually.
Lyle hummed. “You know your Valisea villages.”
“A perk to knowing how to read,” Serill said.
Oh, he would have to thank Serill for that distraction later.
The soldier’s cheeks flushed slightly as he growled. “Best remember who keeps these villages safe so you can prance around collecting useless trinkets with your band of tainted misfits.” His eyes flicked to Farrah before giving Cason another pointed look. “Some of us don’t run and hide when it comes to our duty of destroying those shadow-cursed.”
Then, as if he hadn’t realized Brela was standing there, Lyle’s eyes focused over Cason’s shoulder. “Who do we have here?” He inhaled and raised a brow, something glinting deep in his green eyes. “An Anfroidian with no magic.”
Brela showed no emotion at the mistaken heritage. Hells, Cason had somewhat suspected that she might be from Anfroy when he first met her. She merely glanced at Cason, looking delightfully bored with Lyle’s darkened gaze.
It took him a second to realize she was waiting for his order or permission to speak.
“She is my second in command,” Cason said. “She doesn’t need magic to do her job.”
Lyle looked amused, his gaze never leaving Brela as he strode past Cason. “And doesshehave a name?”
“That’s none of your—“
“Lilla,” Brela replied, cutting Cason off.
It was an effort to hide his surprise as she smiled and batted her lashes at his enemy.Herenemy. And that seductive look she gave Lyle… it made Cason see red. Flames licked underneath his skin, threatening to burst out of him as Lyle took her hand and kissed it.
“To not have magic and rise in the ranks, even in Severina’s Guard, is an accomplishment. You must be quite skilled, but you didn’t join Anfroy’s army. Where, my dear, are you from?”
“Esavine,” Brela replied. “My father is a skilled hunter and taught me everything I know, since he and my mother could not bear a son.”
Cason could only blink at how casually Brela mentioned the small Anfroy village. A perfect cover, because even though Esavine was on the river, it was still far enough from Ciethy to be frequented. The hunters kept to themselves, and only the men who were sun-blessed were ever accepted into Anfroy’s army. Lyle would never suspect the lie.
“A shame for your talent and beauty to be wasted in the moon kingdom,” he purred. “We could use someone with your abilities in our ranks.”
“Manners, Lyle. We have an audience,” she hummed. “You didn’t come here to recruit new soldiers. I’m sure you have places to be before the sun sets.”
Lyle turned back to Cason, his smile wicked. “I would hate to pass on the opportunity to catch up with my sun temple roommate. Besides, we haven’t had a good meal since leaving Arkta, and we sure as hells won’t get one tomorrow.”
The soldier strolled past Cason, smirking at what could only be his perception magic picking up on Cason’s grinding jaw. Brela’s eyes flared slightly, the only warning reaction she gave Cason before Lyle yanked a pack off his horse and announced, “We’ll stay here for the night.”
* * *
“Didyou really have to flirt with him?” Serill hissed, making an effort to pretend he was looking for a bowl amongst their bags.
“Why can’t you trust me?” Brela whispered, then quickly added, “Don’t answer that.”
Cason, Farrah, and Elias were sitting by the fire as Lyle droned on and on about absolutely nothing. Glory this, honor that, shadow cultists would bow to Anfroy’s might.
