“Chaste,” Rowan said. “Like a virtuous little maiden who hasn’t yet been plucked and ridden hard. What’s the matter, Lieutenant? Don’t know where to put it?”
Lake knocked Rowan’s foot off the table. “Uncouth is a word foryou.”
Callum gritted his teeth. “Mind your tongue, thief.”
“Wow.” Rowan blinked. “You’re like a second Maddox. Only… smaller and not nearly as aggressive. More like a rabbit instead of a lion.”
“If I’m a rabbit, you’re a snake.” Callum’s icy tone matched his expression. “You slither in, filled with venom and desperate to sink your fangs into something.”
“Careful or I may sink my fangs intoyou.” Rowan tilted his head. “On second thought, I’d rather spare myself such unpleasantries. I get the feeling you’d be too sweet. Sir Cinnamon Roll.”
The knight scowled. “Shouldn’t you be off picking someone’s pocket?”
“Shouldn’t you be hopping around like a good little rabbit?” Rowan countered. “Maybe kissing the ground your captain walks on? You should polish his boots while you’re down there.”
“That’s enough,” I told them. “I’m gonna force both of you to sit together and drink truce tea.” I pointed at Rowan. “Amenity muffins too. I’ll pack them full of chocolate just for you.”
He rolled his eyes.
“We should keep bickering,” Callum said, some of that coldness lifting from him. “Those muffins sound incredible.”
“Gods.” Rowan sneered. “You really are like another Maddox.”
“I learn from the best.” Callum flashed his best cinnamon roll grin.
A grin that didnotmake my stomach flutter. Not even a little bit. Nope.
Callum grabbed my hand and led me out the back door and onto the porch. He helped me down the stairs, keeping me steady when my boot slid on the bottom step.
“Thanks, Cal,” I said once in the grass. “Ice and I don’t get along.”
“Ice is no match for me. I’m warm and ooey, gooey, remember?”
Little zaps traveled through my chest. “Forever my cinnamon roll.”
His fingers gently squeezed mine. “One who will forever catch you when you fall.”
My blood raced faster.
Flurries drifted around us and dusted the grass. Not much accumulation yet, but it didn’t look to be stopping anytime soon. Much like my chaotic heartbeats.
“Everything’s so quiet,” I said, pressing closer to his side. “I heard it’s because snow absorbs sound. Don’t know if that’s true. My expertise is in the kitchen.”
He smiled. “And mine is on the battlefield.”
“The greatest swordsman in the Second Order.” I bumped against him. “But you fall a smidge short when it comes to eating muffins. One person has you beat.”
“Aye. The captain will always be the victor when muffins are involved.”
Why did he sound kind of sad when he said that? Maybe he was just tired. Between defending the kingdom against demons and breaking up fights in the market, he and the knights were stretched thin.
“Cal? Do you think King Eidolon will declare war on Haran?”
“It’s possible.” He glided his thumb across mine. A small touch that left a tingling warmth in its wake. “However, the king won’t make any rash decisions. At least, that’s what I believe.”
“And if he declares war?” I asked. “You, Maddox, Duke… all of you will…”
“March for battle.” He nodded.
