“You. You should know better, you fool!” Wistari scolded, turning her attention on the man laden with clean dishes. “What do you think would happen if the king found her here washing dishes.”
He gave a throaty chuckle, dismissing her concerns. “He ain’t comin’ down here, and ain’t no one goin’ to tell ’em.”
“He’s not the only one,” she hissed, her gaze flicking to where Pierce stood at the edge marking the temporary kitchens, eyes trained on us.
“Pierce won’t say anything. He’s like us,” Eleanor insisted, but I kept quiet. Despite his respectfulness and the strange trust I found in him, he still worked for the king. Though, I doubted he would find any issue with us working in the kitchens. What would the king care if we were here?
“See?” the cook said, and Wistari flashed him an incredulous look. He stepped closer to her, and there was no mistaking the heat filling his gaze. “If yer so concerned, Wista, I’d ’appily let yer check me over.”
“Oh, buzz off, Fallon.” She shooed him away and ducked her head, but I caught the light tinge of pink dusting her cheeks.
Fallon nodded toward us. “Ladies, let me know if yer ever need anything. We look after our own ’ere.” Then he strolled away, taking up a cheery whistle.
Wistari shook her head after him. “Come on,” she urged, dragging us away from the temporary kitchens. “What were you thinking? Coming here. It isn’t proper for ladies.”
For the second time in two days, I was reminded of my mother scolding my unruly behavior. I scoffed, beyond annoyed. “Trust me, Wistari, I have never and will never be alady.”
Wistari pursed her lips, but there was a sparkle of amusement in her eyes. I liked her.
“So, you and Fallon?” I asked, changing the subject. The sparkle dimmed, and I immediately regretted my words. I could practically see the walls being built around her. “I won’t say anything. Neither of us will.”
“It’s no one’s business,” Eleanor added, but it was clear her guard was already up.
I was dying to ask her about what Fallon had said, but I couldn’t with Eleanor here. I’d already shown her too much of my concern in front of Fallon. I couldn’t worry her any more.
Eleanor yawned when we reached our tents. “I’m going to turn in, Meline said she’d find some books for me to read.”
I drew her into a hug. “Will you be okay?” I murmured into her hair.
She laughed, but it was an exasperated sound. “Yes, Lia. I’ll be fine in the tent next to yours, in a camp filled with soldiers. Besides, Pierce is standing guard.”
“Actually, miss”—our guard stepped forward—“my shift will end shortly, but I have personally vetted every single man on rotation, you can trust them.”
I stared at his scarred face, seeing nothing but sincerity reflecting back at me, and surprisingly, found myself trusting his word. The moment he’d pulled me from my spiraling panic had definitely made an impression.
Wistari had already prepared a bath, and I spent far longer soaking than I ever would have dared at Port’s Tavern. The lasting effects from days traveling upon a horse then another day of walking had my legs in dire need of the relief warm water would provide.
After the bath turned cold, Wistari delivered another hearty meal consisting of tender meat and root vegetables, the flavorful food another significant improvement to our lifestyle.
It wasn’t until Wistari was fussing over the bed that I found an opportunity to question her, and I didn’t hold back, getting straight to the point.
“Fallon said there had been others.”
She paused in her movements, then placed a white garment on top of the covers, avoiding my gaze. “You should change for bed.”
I sighed. I would give her a moment, but I wasn’t going to let her leave without getting some answers. After tugging off my robe, I reached for the nightdress she placed out for me. Though the clothes were beautiful, the lacy material was almost sheer and would do nothing to hide my body.
“Wistari, what is this?”
Her gaze darted to me before she continued straightening the sheets on the already perfect bed. “Your night clothes.”
I gave an incredulous laugh. “Believe me, I have never owned something like this. I may as well sleep naked.”
Wistari’s light giggle reached me, and I turned to find her hand clasped over her mouth, eyes wide as if she’d been caught doing something treasonous.
I grinned broadly, groaning dramatically. “It’s ridiculous, right? Please tell me the king didn’t order these clothes.”
She nodded slowly, her smile still hidden behind her hand. I rolled my eyes, but my smile didn’t falter. It had been so long since I’d joked with a friend. It was nice.
