“With who?”
“You and Caleb. Like, are you guys friends, enemies, casual or is there something more?”
I blink as the question takes me back. In truth, I was wondering the same thing. But that was more of a question of my own sanity. Surely on his end he couldn’t see me as more than an obligation. An itch to scratch when there’s no one else.
“What would make you think there’s something going on between us?”
“Well, for starters, he’s... different these days. I’ve known him forever, and Caleb isn’t the type to lose his cool. Even when he would be well within his right to. Usually he’s the preppy sweetheart, full of confidence with nothing to lose, but lately, he’s been tense and unsure of himself, more calculated and thoughtful in his decisions.”
“It could just be the grief.”
Taya fidgets with her hands in her lap, and her new manicure. “I thought that, too, at first. But.” She stares off into the distance like she’s recalling a memory. “I don’t know. It feels like more somehow. Almost like he has something to lose...” Then she shakes whatever thought and continues her previous. “Anyway, the other reason I ask is because he’s currently holding a public execution defending your honor.”
Taya says it so casually, but I react accordingly.
“What?” I exclaim. My sudden movement causes a slight pinch in my neck. I ease back onto the pillow and breathe through the pain, which subsides quickly. “What’re you talking about?”
“The people who did this to you.” Taya gestures at my body. “He had them drawn out to the quarters and executed them just a few minutes ago.”
Why would he do that? I ask myself.
Taya leans in. “Are you sure there’s nothing going on between you two?”
“What?” I shake my head vigorously. “No. Are you kidding? Caleb and I? Pfft. No.” I was answering her, but really, Taya was bearing witness to me processing the possibility.
Unconvinced, Taya tilts her head to the side, and her eyebrows furrow. “Jay. Come on now.”
“I assure you Caleb is not into me. I’m nobody.” I look at her again, trying to gauge her reaction and seeking reassurance.
Taya gives up, shrugging. “Okay.” She smooths her sundress over her thighs and sits on her hands before batting her eyes and hitting me with a hard question. “Are you interested in him?”
“I . . . N-No.”
She raises an eyebrow, once again, not buying what I have to say.
I speak with more confidence. “No. I’m not interested in him. I mean... Why would you even ask that? Did he say something?”
Taya clicks and sucks in through her teeth. “It sure sounds like there’s some interest there.”
“I’m not interested. I’m . . . curious.”
Taya playfully rolls her eyes.
“I’m serious. Look, who wouldn’t want to have someone like him into them? It’s nice to be wanted. But interest does not mean I’m invested.”
She puts her hands up in surrender. “Oh-kay... I’m just saying I don’t know anyone who would kill multiple of his own for someone who meant nothing to them.”
It’d be naive of me to think that, in any scenario, the captor would fall for his captive. Especially a rogue like me, who has done the unimaginable. He would be so much better off with someone like Medein. Not that I don’t think I have nothing to offer. It’s just that one of the things I have to offer is a constant reminder of hey, remember that time I killed your father?’
Yet Taya makes a sound argument. Why would he bother to avenge me if he didn’t care? My stomach flutters at the thought. I quickly shy away from the feeling. I don’t want to get my hopes up.
“He’s probably just angry that he didn’t think of it first. He’d love the chance to execute me himself.” I joke.
She clicks her teeth and stands. “I don’t know... I think if he wanted to kill you, he would’ve done it by now. Besides, with the king’s orders, he can’t. Anyway, I’m glad you’re okay.”
“Oh, before I forget.” She walks out and quickly returns with a book. But not just any book.Mybook. Myspicybook to be exact. I’d been looking for it. “Tell Caleb I can’t hold on to this for him any longer. Sam’s starting to get ideas, and I’m running out of ways to tell him I have a headache.”
Fiddling with the book, I find something that wasn’t there before... Colorful sticky tabs.
