Page 73 of Restored

He tests it, wiggling it around a few times before he decides he’s satisfied. “I’ve done my part. Never do something like that to me again, promise.”

“I promise, Arch, and thank you for letting me practice. I really do owe you.”

“I’ll take my payment in beer, or if you’re open to it?—”

“She’s not. You’ll be happy with beer,” Ledger interjects, and I smother a grin.

As I gather my things and prepare to walk back to my rooms, Ledger approaches me. “Coffee with a touch of honey.”

I jump at Ledger’s voice, my eyes springing open. “What?” I look down to see a mug of steaming coffee in his hands.

He offers it up to me. “Your coffee. I hope I didn’t get it wrong. A touch of honey?” I look incredulously at him, taking the mug as our fingers brush.

The look on his face spurs me to take a sip of the piping liquid. I nearly moan at the rich, nutty flavor made perfectly to my liking.

“Thank you. I’ve found my will to live again after Archie beat it out of me.”

“You did ask for his help training you.”

“Don’t remind me.” I take another sip of the heavenly drink and try not to think of what conspired between Ledger and me before he left my room last night.

“You did good today,” he praises.

“You may have created a monster. With enough practice, I may never allow a man to be within two feet of me ever again.” I smile into my cup of coffee.

“Good. A man should not have access to you if that is not what you desire.”

“I’m tempted to make my way back to Grimwood just to test my newly found skills on Forde himself,” I joke, but Ledger’s face becomes serious.

“You promise me you will not leave Westray alone. That no matter what you will not venture into those woods without protection.” His face is serious as he speaks.

“Trust me, Ledger, I’ve seen what is out there. I am not eager to encounter those creatures any time soon, especially alone.”

“Where ismycoffee? For future reference I like mine black with sugar.” I startle as Archie appears.

“I’m happy to share,” I offer him my mug, and he accepts it with a slight bow, taking a few large gulps. “That’s hot, you know?”

After another gulp, he takes a long inhale. “Thank you, Layla, you are a true angel.”

“No problem.” I turn the empty mug over in my hands, sighing.

We are all about to leave the training grounds when Humphrey makes his way over to us. I stiffen at his approach remembering the words he spoke to me.

“Your Highness, Archie,” he greets them before eyeing me from head to toe. “Layla,” he grumbles. “So sorry to interrupt but His Grace has requested Layla and Ledger’s presence. Please clean up and meet him in the great hall.” He looks pointedly at me as he says the last part.

I bristle, struggling to keep the emotion I’m feeling off my face. I glance over at Ledger and he responds for us. “I’ll escort Miss Sutton when she is ready, thank you, Humphrey.” Satisfied with his answer, Humphrey leaves us.

“I’m going to go test this new finger out. Good luck, you two!”

“Gross.” I make a face at him.

“Shall we?” Ledger gestures for me to walk in front of him, so I do. He grabs the door, and we walk down the hallway together.

After Ledger walks me to my room I bathe, rinsing the sticky sweat from my skin, and hop out of the warm water. I brush my hair and rub some pink liquid onto my cheeks. My anxiety spikes as I stare at the fine clothes in the expansive closet. What does one wear to meet a king?

I rake through the dresses and decide on a simple blue silk dress that fits like it was made for me. I give myself a once over, running my hands through my hair before heading to the door. When I swing it open, Ledger is on the other side, knuckle in the air as if he was about to knock.

His gaze snags on me, his eyes doing a full sweep. “I like you in that dress.”

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