Page 45 of A Court So Dark
She remained just as serious. Clearly, she didn’t believe me.
A bell sounded above the door as I exited. Once on the cobbled path, I twirled a lock of hair around my finger, putting on a bored air. After a moment pretending to consider my options, I started walking as Larina whispered directions toward the tavern.
“Do you see him?” I asked.
“Not yet. Oh, wait. I see him now. He just went under the awning of the bakery we just passed.”
“Perfect. Now, make yourself scarce.”
“What?”
“I mean… hide.”
As soon as she was out of sight, I dashed across the street and headed straight for the bakery. I only slowed my pace when I noticed Varamede’s shoulder. He was attempting to make himself smaller, pressing his back to the closed door. As luck would have it someone pushed the door open, causing the thunderlord to stagger forward.
The smell of freshly baked bread and a comfortable warmth rushed out the door along with a stout woman with skin the color of a Granny Smith apple. She gave Varamede a disapproving look. He took a step to the side, looking as if he was trying hard not to unleash his power on her for daring to glare at him.
I put on a pleasant expression, making sure it carried to my eyes. “Varamede, what a surprise to see you here?”
He huffed and said nothing.
“I feel like we got off on the wrong foot. Don’t you think so?” It was an understatement. We had tried to kill each other, and he’d almost succeeded. Not only that, I was certain he was pissed at himself for failing.
He only answered with another huff.
“Why don’t we try again over a tankard of ale?” I gestured toward the tavern.
His sneer told me he would rather get impaled. The tips of my fingers tingled.
Get rid of him, Dark Dani whispered.
But I couldn’t do that. The realm, the universe, would be better off without him, but it would have to wait. I needed him to raise the alarm to Cardian, so he could lead us to Kalyll.
Varamede’s head turned to one side. He glanced down the street, clearly finding an exit more appealing than sharing anything with the likes of me.
I decided to try a different approach. “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”
His gaze snapped back to mine.
“Isn’t that what humans say?” I asked, hoping to dispel the suspicion that seemed to have risen to the surface.
“It is,” he said, some mistrust leaving his expression. “It is a great saying, isn’t it?”
“I’m glad you like it as much as I do.”
“Let’s have that tankard then.” He gestured toward the tavern, a small, dark building with a tiled roof and a sign that swung creakily.
I went in first and quickly snatched a small table by the window. The place was filled with smoke and the smell of ale. The walls were decorated with faded tapestries and old weapons. It seemed a popular enough spot for travelers and locals alike, a place to hear the latest news and gossip.
A boy of about fifteen—that was my guess, with the Fae it was hard to know exact ages—came to take our order. He was small and agile, with the nimble limbs of a deer and the curious eyes of a fawn. As he left us, we sat uncomfortably, looking at everything but each other. The boy was back quickly, and I occupied myself with my drink as I riffled through my mind trying to find the best topic of conversation. Finally, I settled on the only thing we had in common.
“How long have you known… King Cardian?” I asked.
“Forever. I don’t remembernotknowing him.” Varamede pushed a very straight, very silky strand of dark brown hair away from his forehead. It plopped right back almost immediately.
I glanced out the window, pretending to take an interest in the people walking by. “I see. No wonder you are such good friends.”
“We are more than friends. We are brothers.”
