Kade looked shocked at his own words.
Killian’s body flushed hot. His rage, aimed at Kade, felt like poison in his veins, tearing him up from the inside. He needed to leave—run—before he did something he would regret.
Snatching up his shirt, Killian shouldered roughly past Kade.
“Killi, wait. I didn’t—”
Killian slammed the door in Kade’s face so hard it rattled in its frame.
By the time Kade gathered himself enough to give chase, Killian was long gone.
CHAPTER SIX
THE TAVERN WAS packed, everyone having finished their work early to gather in quiet celebration of Pella.
“Whiskey,” Killian ordered, sliding into a stool at the tavern bar.
That earned him a glare from Sila, the tavern owner. He was tall and skinny, with straw like hair and pale eyes. “We don’t serve criminals here.”
Killian was not in the mood. “I was pardoned.”
“Doesn’t matter. You’re not welcome.”
Killian glowered up at Sila, his expression dangerous. “Just give me the fucking drink, Sila, and I won’t cause any problems.”
Sila didn’t move.
“What? Want me to pinky promise?”
Sila’s eyes drifted to Killian’s uniform and the crest sewn into the fabric. Then, reluctantly, he poured Killian a glass and pushed it over the high counter.
Killian watched the entire time to ensure Sila didn’t spit in it.
Raising his glass to Sila in a mocking toast, Killian threw the drink back. It burned in the best way, warming his throat and chest. “As if you can afford to be picky with who you serve.Coin is coin, especially in a backwater place like this.”
Sila filled Killian’s glass again. “The elves of Turell are fine patrons.”
Killian scoffed.
“And besides,” Sila said, picking up a glass to dry. “I’m sure I don’t have to tellyouthis but with the king’s jubilee coming up, coin is the last worry on my mind.”
“Ah. Right.” Killian took a sip. “I’m sure the palace will be buying out your entire stock.”
“And then some,” Sila said smugly. “Every drop we produce from now on is promised to the throne. Same goes for everyone in Turell, and the entire kingdom, I’m sure. One month of endless partying in the streets of the capital.” Sila shook his head and whistled. “That’ll run the entire kingdom dry.” He threw his towel over his shoulder and reached for the bottle of whiskey, topping off Killian’s glass again without being asked. “Not to mention the king’s own personal celebration, whatever that entails.”
Killian hummed.
“It’s said the king likes his lovers pretty. Sometimes even willing to go so far as to tame them from wild dogs.” Sila looked Killian up and down, his eyes full of malice. There was no mistaking what he was implying. “So, what say you, Killian? Did you get an invitation to the king’spersonalcelebration?”
The tavern was quiet. Everyone was listening. They weren’t even trying to hide it.
Killian ran his tongue over his teeth and smiled. “Are you calling me pretty, Sila? I’m flattered, but you’re not my type.” He set his glass down and leaned heavily on the bar counter. “I would suggest you walk away now. Before I end up breakingmy promise.” Sila grimaced, and then turned away. Killian stopped him. “Leave the bottle.”
The noise in the tavern soon picked up again and Killian faded into the background. He sipped slowly, swirling the dark amber liquid around and around in his glass.
Kade’s words drifted back to him in the noise.
In all the years he’d dreamed of reuniting with Kade, not once did he imagine their first real conversation ending in a fight. A punch in the jaw perhaps, but not a fight. It was almost funny. Killian couldn’t remember the last time they fought like that. A real fight. Not just arguing for the sake of arguing.
