Silence enveloped us and I pulled my hand back, nervous fingers instantly reaching for my blade as I focused upon my task. “And thank you for earlier, with Aldrin." My lips pursed thoughtfully. "You're right thatI could have handled it alone, but sometimes it's nice to know that you don't always have to."
He smiled then, a genuine one, that had a rising heat flush across my cheeks.
At that moment I thought I would very much like to see that smile more often as the warmth of my face spread and nestled deep into my heart.
ChapterNineteen
The walk to the market from the palace walls was short but freezing. The wind nipped at my cheeks as my eyes watered from the biting chill.
“Please, do tell, why in the Nine Hells I'm needed for this?” My voice was a whine—almost petulant in tone. I couldn’t help it. I was cold, exhausted, and perhaps still a little hungover from the wine Rena and I partook in back in our rooms last night.
Kairen glanced back with a faintly amused smile on his lips, golden eyes sparkling in the dimly lit street. My scowl deepened. Arrogant prick.
“Because you’re actually good with people. I’m too brooding and they can smell Kairen’s aristocratic charm from a mile away—makes people distrusting of him. But you, little menace,” Roan drawled, his eyes dancing as he explained, “you’re a woman of the people.”
My eyes narrowed slightly, “So I’m being punished for being likable? Perhaps I should start being more of an ass, like the two of you.”
“Never too late for an old dog to learn new tricks,” Kairen called lightly.
“Couldn’t we just take one of your royal naval ships, why do we need to scout out a crew?” I asked. Kai’s jaw tightened at the question, just barely. Like my question had struck a nerve.
“You ask too many questions.” He muttered before he pushed his way through the tavern door.
The door swungopen on a hinge that sounded like it was dying a slow, dramatic death.
Every head turned.
“Subtle,” I murmured.
“Thank you,” Kairen replied easily, already stepping inside like the place belonged to him. “At least I didn’t announce myself.”
“No, but your attitude itself is an announcement.” Roan grumbled beneath his breath, exasperation lacing his tone.
I watched as Roan scanned the room with the kind of efficiency that suggested he’d already mapped every exit, every threat, and every person who might try something stupid. Which, given the clientele, was most of them.
“It’s fine,” the prince added, flashing a charming smile at a table of sailors who were very obviously not charmed. “No one knows who I am.”
This tavern was smaller than my usual haunt—the one Rosie ran—but it was nice. Soft music floated through the room, air thick with smoke, drinks flowing, and laughter bright. Most weren’t Amori City natives, but rather merchants and sailors who had made the three day ride inland to sell their goods and wares.
“See anyone worth speaking to?” My voice was a low murmur as my eyes flicked around the room.
“Him.” Roan said simply, head dipping to a back corner. A man sat, his drink in front of him. Quiet, unassuming, but half lidded amber eyes watched our group curiously. His hair was a pale blond—Luanthian born then. My brow rose.
“He looks half asleep,” Kairen argued, and I could see the hesitation in his eyes.
“Exactly,” I grinned, seeing the potential Roan had. “And somehow still the most aware person in the room.”
We approached, but the man gave no reaction.
Not when we stopped at his table. Not when Prince Kairen shifted his weight like he expected acknowledgment. Not even when Roan planted a hand on the chair across from him.
Finally, the man spoke without looking up.
“Table’s taken.” His voice was quiet. Not rough, but certain.
Prince Kairen smiled, charming and sharp. “We’ll only need a moment.”
“No,” the man said, taking a slow drink. “You won’t.”
