“This offer is only going to be for a limited time, so you better be at the castle and order your beers before six.”
The two nodded enthusiastically, their shock still holding the shop captive.Hawk turned to Lilian and whispered, “Did I just make a horrible mistake?”
“Maybe.”She laughed, bumping his shoulder.It was the only physical contact she would allow herself at the faire, but it felt good when he leaned back against her.His muscle was a solid presence that kept her grounded.
“Show them the real me.Isn’t that what you said the other night?”
She turned and found that chocolatey gaze holding her own.He flashed a smile, and she practically melted onto the floor.
He was doing this because she’d made the suggestion.It made her feel heard.Reassuring her that this thing between them wasn’t one-sided.It wasn’t Hawk calling all the shots or making all the business decisions.He valued her thoughts as well, and for someone who was still trying to determine her own self-worth.It meant everything.
When the faire closed its gates for the night, the actors remained within the kingdom walls, celebrating the day’s success with drinks and merriment.Most retired to the campsite behind the faire, where the traveling actors and vendors made their home for the season.But tonight, The Grog was the center of festivities.
Lit torches kept the atmosphere stuck in a time before electricity.The fading sunlight hid the more modern edges of the faire.It was a trick of the light, one that made the paint look worn and gave the pirate-ship stage the appearance of a real vessel.With their costumes still on, Lilian could almost believe they’d been transported back in time.
The sound of fiddles, flutes, and accordions filled the space, layered with cheers.Logan’s pirate band played a jaunty tune, singing naughty sea shanties.Alex led the charge, surprising the crowd with a rich, melodious voice as she danced across the stage with her crew.
“I didn’t know Alex could sing,” Lilian said, watching the way the crowd hooted for their pirate queen.It had been a while since she’d seen Alex perform like this.Back when she and Margo had worked as wenches at The Grog, they’d caught glimpses of her act more often.But never like this.
“Yeah,” Logan sulked, eyes watching the other woman closely.“I should be up there.Not her.”
“Oh, don’t get your leather pants in a twist.”Margo laughed.“You can’t dance in your condition.”
“But I can sing.”He stood, reaching for his crutch as he muttered, “She is not going to show me up onmyweekend.”
“Sit down,” Hawk said, coming to the table and setting a frothing pint of beer in front of Logan.“Or I will give this to someone else.”
The sight of the free drink forced Logan back to the bench.“I suppose I can enjoy one drink before I take to the stage.”
Lilian smothered a smile as she and Margo accepted their drinks from Hawk.“Thank you, goodsirrah,” she trilled in a dramatic English accent.
Hawk pulled her drink out of reach.“I will dump this on the ground if you say that again.”
“How about, thanks for the beer, boss,” Margo offered.
He raised his eyes to the sky, shaking his head good-naturedly.He set the beer in front of her and bent to join them when someone barked his name.They all turned to find King Rothbury standing in the shadows on the outskirts of the crowd, his mouth twisted and arms crossed.
Her anxiety spiked at the sight of him.
Hawk let out a long exhale.“Give me a second.”
The small group watched as Marcus talked to his son.It was impossible to hear what exactly was being said, but from the sharp movements of his hands, it was clearly not something good.
“I wonder what that’s about,” Margo said, sipping her beer.
“I don’t know.”Lilian was unable to take her eyes off Hawk.He stood there, back ramrod straight, face set in the same mask of contempt.It was like watching him retreat within himself as he talked to his father.
Curious, she glanced around for the queen.It didn’t take long to find her.With the relaxed nature of after hours, she was holding a small court at one of The Grog’s largest tables.Laughing and enjoying herself with a crowd of nobility, peasants, Vikings, and pirates.
Her eyes went back to the dark corner where Marcus had sequestered Hawk.The memory of how uncomfortable her last conversation with Marcus had been was burned in her mind.And she couldn’t stand seeing Hawk in that same position.
“I’m going to go check on him,” she said, sliding out of the picnic table.
Margo and Logan spun on her, eyes wide in surprise.
“You’re leaving?”Margo asked, looking down at her untouched beer.
“I’ll be right back.”Lilian offered a reassuring smile before hustling through the crowd.
