Page 91 of A Baron of Bonds
Mychael stepped out next, followed by Philius who ignored me completely as I held the door open. He spoke to the guards and proceeded to the inn, his stance regal, his voice authoritative.
I was curious how much he’d drink tonight. Karus had warned him we kept no ale and very little wine in the Fortress. He hadn’t been too happy about it. I eyed his trunk on top of the carriage, wondering if he’d stored any bottles inside.
I stepped in front of the carriage door and held out my hand. Karus took it while stepping down, exhaling heavily. I wrapped her arm around my waist, pulling her in, whispering in her ear, “He’ll come around.”
“You don’t know the stubbornness of royalty.”
“On the contrary. I think I’ve learned quite a bit about it the last few weeks.”
“I’m worried he will always hate you. I don’t want anyone to hate you.”
“You can’t force people to like me, Karus.”
“The fuck I can’t.”
I laughed and watched her eyes spark in defiance.
“Let’s get something to eat. Philius can mope and grumble to Mychael. I don’t doubt we’ll hear more of it soon enough.” I kissed her lips and fit my fingers through hers, pulling her inside.
Warmth flooded our skin and the smell of fresh-baked bread filtered through the air, welcoming all guests to sit and dine at the worn tables of the common room.
Mychael approached, holding out a key. “I took the liberty to reserve our rooms ahead of our arrival. They only had three left, so I will stay with the other guards and driver while you and Karus take a room and the Prince takes the other.”
I thanked him and led Karus to a table away from Philius. I’d seen enough of him for the day.
We sat and a young woman took our order of water and roasted mutton with vegetables.
Karus fell onto her hand, her elbow resting on the table. She rubbed her face and stared up at the wooden beams across the ceiling.
“What is it?” I asked.
“It’s everything.” She sighed again and yawned. “I just want to go home.”
My heart leapt at the anticipation.
She opened her mouth to say more, but stopped, sitting upright, her jaw hanging open while looking behind me.
I turned. “What is it? What?—”
A few tables away, in the back of the room, sat Talon and Ilyenna. Talon’s eyes were wide and Ilyenna was chewing her lip nervously.
I rose from the table, clenching my jaw, sliding my hands in my pocket for patience. I had a feeling I knew why they were here.
I maneuvered between the tables and stood before them as they squeezed together. Karus slid up beside me, peering over my shoulder.
Talon cleared his throat. “Baron Revich, Karus…” He stood, bringing Ilyenna with him, their hands clasped. “It is good to see you are well. Karus, we were so worried.”
My eyes flicked over my shoulder to Karus’s face. She was biting her lips together, her eyes alight with excitement.
“You might be wondering why we’re here,” Talon admitted, taking a moment to swallow.
He waited for me to speak, and I waited for him to explain.
“You see, Ilyenna and I…” he started, lowering his chin and clearing his throat.
“We’re companions,” Ilyenna finished in her soft voice that rose lightly in the busy room.
Karus flinched with excitement, leaning on my shoulder.
