“I’d listen to him if I were you,” a raspy voice came from the archway. Rowan entered the kitchen, his dark auburn hair disheveled and marks on his cheek from where he’d slept hard. “Not because I care if you get whacked or not. It’s because this little treasure would end up smacking himself instead.”
“Morning, sleepy head,” I greeted him. “I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear you insult my amazing whacking skills. I get that enough from Maddox.”
“Speaking of the captain…” Duke scratched at the back of his neck. “He’s the reason we’ve come.”
“Why? Don’t tell me he sent you to fetch him muffins. I don’t mind sending some with you, but he needs something more substantial for lunch.”
“Not for muffins.” Duke exchanged a look with Callum. “There was a small incident in the market.”
My smile fell. “What happened?”
“Two men were arguing, and that argument escalated to a brawl in the street,” Callum answered. “Others then joined the fight. The guards on patrol couldn’t contain it themselves, so the knights assisted.”
Lake reappeared and hovered near the door beside the hallway. “What caused the argument?”
“The people are divided,” Duke said. “Some believe King Eidolon to be weak for not retaliating against Haran for the attempt on Prince Sawyer’s life. Others wish to settle the conflict without going to war and are calling the other side traitors for speaking ill of the king.”
I recalled the conversation I’d overheard from the two men in the dining room. Seemed more people shared those views.
“So that’s why Maddox sent you,” I said. “He’s afraid the café will be targeted?”
“Aye,” Callum said, the skin tight around his eyes. “Where there’s a spark, there’s a flame. This incident is only the beginning. The people will only become more restless as time passes without a clear course of action.”
“But have no fear.” Duke clapped me on the shoulder. “We’ll keep our thorn prince safe.”
“How reassuring.” Rowan went over to pour himself a mug of coffee. “A band of fools to protect him. Why didn’t the grumpy asshole come himself?”
“Because he was needed at the castle.” Callum’s eyes narrowed. “And I suggest you mind that tongue of yours, thief, and refrain from insulting my captain.”
“You can kiss my ass. How about that?” Rowan returned the glare.
“Be nice,” I said.
He shot me a smirk before sitting with his coffee and looking outside.
Two days had passed since Draven’s visit. Rowan tried to pretend he wasn’t anxious, but I’d noticed him staring out the window a lot and reacting to even the smallest creaks in the cottage. I could see how much he wanted it.
Lunchtime brought another surge of customers, and orders flew in for soup and sandwiches. Miles and I worked seamlessly together, fulfilling those orders, while Lake made a selection of tea—apple cinnamon was the current hot seller.
Once the café closed, Miles helped me clean up the kitchen before Duke offered to escort him home. He lived in the lower district and passed through the market on his way home. It made me feel better to have Duke with him given the current tension among the townsfolk.
Snow continued to lightly fall, catching in the tree branches. Lake and Rowan sat at the table, while Callum leaned against the counter, sneaking his fourth muffin of the day. The silly glutton. Just like his captain.
A gust of wind pushed against the cottage.
“I’m going to check on Star.” I grabbed my cloak from the stand near the back door.
Briar normally rode with Maddox to the castle, but he’d been given a mare for the times he needed to leave unexpectedly or when he had business elsewhere in town. The horse mainly stayed in the stable and grazed in the field. Having the nice, relaxing life she deserved. Her name had come from a white spot on her muzzle in the shape of a star.
“You shouldn’t go alone.” Callum bowed his head and offered me his hand. “Allow me to escort you to the stables, milord.”
Once again, my body reacted to his closeness: pulse accelerating, butterflies in my belly, and throat suddenly dry. With a slight tremble, I placed my palm in his. “How gallant of you, dear knight.”
“I’m nothing if not chivalrous.” He lifted his head and beamed at me, brown eyes crinkling at the edges.
“Chivalrous?” Rowan leaned back in his chair and kicked his foot up on the table. “That’s not the ‘c’ word I’d use.”
“Oh?” Callum’s sunny disposition dropped a few degrees.
