Page 82 of The King's Sword
“Well then, we must rectify that.” A wicked smile slid across his face, and his eyes gleamed with mischief. “Ready?”
Sabine had a feeling she was going to regret this. “Yes?”
He chuckled then stomped his feet to the beat of the drums, bringing her in closer and pushing her away every four beats. When the one instrument made a whirring noise, they spun. After a bit, she started to get the hang of it.
In the tavern, with Evander at her side, she felt like a normal person enjoying an evening with a friend. No one knew she was the queen of Lynk. No one here had any expectations of her, and she didn’t have to follow any specific social construct. She could just be Sabine. A young woman dancing with a young man. An assassin-pirate-prince turned friend.
The music and joy swirled within her.
“It’s good to see you laughing,” Evander commented.
“It’s good to laugh.” She realized she hadn’t been doing it enough these past few weeks. “I feel like I can be myself around you,” she admitted. “It’s refreshing.”
Evander stopped dancing. He stood there, watching Sabine.
“What?” she asked.
He shook his head. “Nothing.”
“Liar.” She wanted him to tell her his thoughts. When he held things back from her, it felt wrong. It was silly for her to think or feel that way. But she couldn’t help it.
“I could see myself loving you. It would be effortless.”
The admission tugged at her heart and mirrored her own feelings. She could imagine having a wonderful, happy life with him. They would be both friends and lovers. True partners. Fate could be so cruel.
“Shall we get you that second drink?” he asked.
“Yes.” Dancing no longer held the appeal it did a few minutes ago. Not with his admission still fresh in her mind.
Evander led her from the dance area back to the table where his friends were sitting. Jeb pushed a full cup her way. She thanked him and drank the warm ale.
“I want to apologize,” Mek said. “I didn’t mean to tease you earlier.”
“It’s fine.” She’d enjoyed his teasing and saw no reason for him to apologize. Glancing at Evander, she wondered if he’d told his friends her real identity since they all seemed quiet and reserved compared to before.
She finished her drink. “I find myself tired.”
“We’ll watch the inn,” Mek said. “You both can sleep tonight without keeping watch.”
“Thank you.” Evander placed his hand on Sabine’s lower back, escorting her from the tavern.
When they reached the inn, she spotted Gareth standing outside.
She raised her eyebrows and looked at Evander.
“He made sure the building is secure. My friends will have eyes on all entry and exit points all night.”
“And you trust them?” These friends of his. She didn’t understand why he wouldn’t tell her they were fellow assassins or whatever they were.
He peered down at her as he opened the door, ushering her inside. “They’ve all sworn an oath to me and are bound by law.”
That didn’t really answer her question. However, it was just for one night, and they both needed to sleep.
Back inside their room, Evander lit the candle then turned to face her. “I’ll step into the hallway while you change.”
“Wait.”
ChapterThirteen
