Not that it mattered. If one Outlaw was in trouble, they all were. Because the one oath they’d sworn to each other was that no member of their family would ever be left out on their own.
The world might have failed them when they were young, but they would never fail each other.
I’m coming, brother.
He just hoped he wasn’t coming too late.
Xaydin literally jumpedas someone slammed a tankard down by his arm. His heart settled as he realized it was only Gisela trying to get his attention.
“Was that necessary?”
“You told me to let you know when you were giving yourself away.” She glanced over to where the imposter sat, hustling fortunes, then gave him a pointed glare. “You’re being obvious in your glower and staring.”
That had always been a problem for him. He wasn’t one to hide his emotions well. Especially not his fury.
“It bothers me that he’s all happy in his role while thinking we’re idiots.”
She nudged the tankard toward him. “Keep drinking, butterbean.”
“Butterbean?” He deepened his scowl.
“Form of endearment. You look like you could use one.”
He grunted as she took a seat next to him. It should bother him how comfortable he’d become with her. Normally, he’d be more than ready to ride off and find solitude after this many days spent in the company of another.
She didn’t invoke his desire to run.
Rather, he liked conversing with her. She was funny and observant.
If it wasn’t for her lethality, he might even call her sweet. Shame really. But for her mother, she’d have made a perfect lady.
And that was what she should have been. A woman wrapped in protection who knew nothing of how ugly life could be. How vicious others were.
But was that really a benefit? Those who didn’t know were prey for those like her mother.
Like his uncle.
They didn’t constantly sweep their gaze at the door, watching every creature who came and went. They didn’t make sure to keep their backs unexposed.
But it made him feel good that she currently had her back to him while she scanned the room.
Somehow, she’d learned to trust him. Yet what scared him most was the fact that he was beginning to trust her, too. Something about sharing their secret over the fake Masakage had bonded them. It was that need for comradery in suffering that allowed them to understand each other.
Rely on the other even when they knew it wasn’t wise. But what choice did they have?
All they had was each other.
The true test would come once the threat was eliminated.
Sighing, Xaydin motioned for a server.
The ogress took one look at Gisela and curled her lip.
“Don’t,” he warned, pulling out gold coins. “Bring us some pork and porridge. Extra if you can find honey cake.”
Her eyes widened appreciatively on the amount he was offering. “Yes, my lord. Is there anything else you need?”
A bed would be nice.
