So much for not acting like a crazy idiot.
I smacked a hand to my mouth to hide my embarrassment. “I’m so sorry. I only realized after I knocked that this was likely an adjoining chamber with yours. I didn’t mean to bother you.”
What I was coming to think of as hisvery-Koleexpression didn’t change.
Grinning like a buffoon, I called, “Enjoy your evening!”
I promptly slammed the door closed and re-locked it on my side, then placed my back against it.
Once again, my heart was beating so hard, but I tried to tell myself that it wasn’t because of Kole’s blazing blue irises or broad shoulders.
“Must reclaim sanity,” I muttered. “If that’s even possible.”
Music continued to carry through the windows, and I eyedthe salopas across the street again. My stomach let out a loud rumble, and in a flurry of movements, I was securing my cloak around my shoulders and sailing out of my chambers because putting distance between myself and Kole Swordwielder seemed to be the only way to keep my head clear.
The musicin the salopas was in full swing. A lively wildling band played in the corner, swaying and shifting to their beat. Several patrons filled the tables in the small establishment, but there was plenty of free seating still available.
A barkeeper stood behind a long wooden bar, taking his time filling drinks and then placing them on enchanted trays that floated through the air to patrons.
As was common in most eating establishments, he was the lone employee in the room, although, I suspected fae or wildlings worked in the back, making the food.
When he glanced my way, I dipped my head in greeting, but all he did was narrow his eyes and give me a once-over.
Despite his snub, I kept my head high and approached him. Even if I wasn’t local, and he had no intentions of acknowledging my presence, I figured he would still feed me. Rulibs didn’t come from thin air after all, and everybody had to make a living.
At the bar top, I folded my forearms together and placed my elbows on the notched wood. He didn’t even look at me, soI stopped waiting for him to and asked, “May I please have a pot of mint tea and whatever hot food you have on special tonight?”
He finished topping off a large glass ofleminai, then filled another. I was about to ask my question again in a sterner tone, but he finally replied, “Ten rulibs, then have a seat. It’ll be over shortly.”
I placed a ten-piece coin on the counter and turned stiffly.
Several other fae were watching me, their expressions cool, but at least the music was pleasant, the air warm, and the seats looked comfy enough.
Despite the unwelcoming atmosphere, I reclaimed my good mood and smiled pleasantly to those I passed, then sidled to a table near the crackling fire and waited for my food to arrive.
I didn’t have to wait long, since thankfully, the barkeeper wasn’t petty enough to take my rulibs andnotfeed me. Only two songs passed, and then a tray glided toward me with a large pot of tea and a steaming plate of sustenance.
My stomach growled, but while it wasn’t an ustorill roast and herbed potatoes as I’d been dreaming of, it was baked hen drizzled in gravy and plenty of root vegetables and greens on the side. Simple, hearty fare and exactly what I’d been craving.
“Thank you, galaxy,” I muttered to no one in particular.
I dug in, enjoying each bite and sip of tea as the music continued, and as I slowly devoured my supper, I figured it was a good time to do my daily check-in with my aunt and Ree.
Turning my attention inward, I released a stream of magic and resisted the urge to close my eyes. It was always easier to connect mentally over a long distance with all of my attention focused on my magic, but I also knew that would look weird, so I gazed toward the musical stage and gripped my hot mug between my palms as I connected with my aunt.
Prim? Are you all right?As Gwen had been every night that we’d spoken, she sounded worried the second our connection solidified.
Yes, I’m just fine. I actually booked an inn for the night. I’m currently in a small village in Stonewild called Inisville. It’s much colder up here, and it’s started to snow. The thought of camping tonight had my insides dying, so I opted to splurge on a room.
She sighed in relief.That’s probably wise, and I’m glad to hear that also means you’re not alone if you’re in a village. So you’re still in Stonewild, then? Are you sure that’s where the Stone landed?
I shrugged, even though she couldn’t see it.The seekerill led me here, and it keeps telling me to go north, so at this point, I can say fairly certainly that the Stone is definitely somewhere in Stonewild.
I felt, rather than saw, her nod.Which direction are you heading?
I’ll be going into the Wildland Mountains tomorrow.
Her breath sucked in.Be careful up there, Prim. That part of the Wood isn’t for the fainthearted.
