That strange sensation returned, a green thing twisting in my gut.
Envy?
Shifting in discomfort, I banished the feeling. Envy was something you felt when you stood a chance, when your relationship was even possible. Stormborns like me could not court Solhearts.
Even had such a pairing been allowed, a far superior woman had just ridden off with him. Bláth was a gorgeous Solheart with an even bigger heart. Why would Reese even glance my way?
They'd already slept together, presumably many times.
I rubbed my eyes and ground my teeth. Thinking about their history had only made things worse.
With twisting envy renewed in my soul, I dismounted and tied my elk up. Sleep sounded wonderful right now. Pulling Reese's coin pouch open, I counted the gold inside and trudgedup the porch steps. Several men gathered further down the long porch, drinking and talking. I avoided their gaze and slipped through the door, holding it open for Liam and Ferris.
The prince stared into the distance and ran into me. He flew back, eyes wide as though shocked to see me there.
"Surprise," I said dryly, mouth stretched in a crooked frown. "Something wrong?"
"No, no.” He ran a hand through his hair. "Fetch me when you've got our rooms. It's nice out, and I want to enjoy the air a little longer."
"Nice out?" I echoed. "Maybe if you're crazy."
"Doesn't everyone say I am?" He winked and leaned on the porch railing, looking out over the city.
Shrugging, I stepped inside.
Aenir inns made a point of being cozy and warm. Our hostel in Kentoro had been plain and uninviting, and it seemed Tsuyan's quarters would be no better. Cold gray walls boxed me in, dousing the warmth the hearth gave off. The tables and chairs were crowded with people who turned and stared when we entered.
This was no roadside inn. The women wore long, trailing dresses embroidered with flower patterns, while the men donned knee-length fitted tunics and handsome fur cloaks. No bowls of mushy iceberries rested before them, but platters of smoked fish and hunks of rye bread. Smiling awkwardly at the crowd, I turned away and searched for the owner.
An older man stood behind a bar filled to the brim with Muirashin wine.
How I loved their spiced wine. Sitting with Liam in Kentoro's orchard, listening to the people sing like dying rabbits . . . It felt like a lifetime ago.
I took a step toward the bar and stopped dead in my tracks.
Two Solheart men conversed with the bartender, one tall and broad, the other slim. Both dressed in stark white, their golden locks clasped in bonds at the nape of their necks. The shorter man leaned languidly on the counter and slid a coin purse toward the old bartender.
The old man's eyes nearly bulged from their sockets. Bowing graciously to the Solhearts, he snatched a wine glass from the shelf and strode toward the crowded tables.
Sharp, loud clinks shattered the crowd into silence as the bartender rapped a spoon against the bottle. "Clear out, clear out," he announced. "The common room's been reserved."
A few bitter shouts and protests emerged from the crowd, but they quickly hushed when they looked over to see who had stolen their inn out from under them.
I swore a wave swept the inn as the people bowed their heads and rose from their tables to file out the door. Confused children were herded with urgency by mothers who gripped their shoulders with white-knuckled hands.
Liam took my elbow and yanked. "Let's go."
Spinning around, I made for the door, but it was filled to the brim with the fleeing crowd.
"Solathair's ass," an unfamiliar voice said. "What are you supposed to be?"
My heart stopped.
The slim Solheart man sauntered toward me and stopped, hand on his hip. He wore a fine cream doublet and kept his long blond locks tied in a pale gold ribbon. Expensive embroidery lined his vest, and glittering rings fit around his fingers.
A nobleman.
Panicked, I faltered in finding the right mask.
