“Yes, a friend.”
“Justa friend?”
I raised an eyebrow at him and walked towards a quieter area. He followed. Then I asked, “Does it matter?”
“He wasdroolingall over you.” Aegir’s words reminded me of Semuel and Faern’s teasing.
“So? You don’t see me asking questions about the women drooling over you,” I countered.
“Whenhave you ever seen a woman drool over me?” he asked, his tone sounding genuinely convinced.
“Seriously?” I raised both brows.
“Yes, seriously.”
“Have you forgotten about the heavy-breasted waitress at the inn?” I asked, crossing my arms.Not to mention the way Princess Yasmina was looking at you like you were her final meal. I did not say that sentence, though. I didn’t say it lest he notice her. Them. The three princesses of Lady Nadania were the true definition of perfection. All with beautiful faces and perfect figures, always wearing the finest dresses and jewellery.
“Were you jealous?” he purred.
“No, of course not,” I quickly replied. “And do you knowwhyI never asked you anything about her whispers?” A brow-raised pause. “Because it’s none of my business.”
“But I have questions,” he cooed. I only gave him a simpering smile followed by a shrug. “Mmm, shall I interest you in a bargain, perhaps?”
“What kind of bargain?” I asked, a bit too eagerly.
“How about two questions for two?”
“Go on.”
“You’ll allow me to ask you two questions about the stableboy, and I’ll allow you to ask me two questions in return. Truthful answers only, of course.”
“Any two questions?”
“Mmm, sure.”
“Deal. You go first.”
“Did you share a bed with him?”
“Really?” My eyes widened and I walked as far away from listening ears as possible. He followed me behind an abandoned wooden stand.
“Yes, really.”
I let out an exhale, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Fine,” I said. “A stable stall, once.”
I expected him to tease me about it but he didn’t. Then to my surprise, he asked, “Are you…in love with him?” And I swore that for a split second, I glimpsed a trickle of white mist forming along his lips. It was too fast for my human eyes, so I doubted them.
“No, I’m not. My turn now.” He gestured to go ahead. “The book you gave me, was it really a gift from the market lady?”
“I think you already know the answer to that question.”
“But I want to hear it from you.”
“No, it didn’t come from her.” I had to force myself not to break eye contact.
“Second question. When we were at the inn, on the carpet, before we slept, you were going to ask me something…what was it?”
“I was expecting different sorts of questions.”
