Page 18 of A Crown Without Mercy

“Ahh, I assume it would displease him finding out you were in a tavern?”

“Yes.”At least that’s the truth.

“Very well. It shall remain our secret.” He then pulled her tightly against his body.

She placed her hands on his chest, not having expected his advances. However, before she could protest further, his mouth was on hers. After a heated kiss, he pulled away ever so slightly. “I’ll send for you tonight.”

“Wait—what? I can’t see you tonight.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t have another delivery, and Alaric will never allow me to go back so soon.”

“I’ll handle it.” He pulled away and left her standing in stunned silence.

Does he think he can just demand I see him? Shit! What if he wants to bed me?

“Where were you last night?” Calista asked.

Sylvana yelped and placed her hand across her heart. “What are you doing?”

“Looking for you. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, you scared me is all. I called for you earlier, so I didn’t think anyone was here.”

“Where were you last night? I had to cover for you with Alaric.”

“I know, and thank you. He was waiting for me in the fields when I returned.”

“What were you doing?”

“I ran late. The staff were too busy to unload the cart with the mating ceremony taking place.”

“You seem nervous. Are you sure you are okay?” Calista questioned.

“Really, I’m fine. Where is everyone?”

“Alaric left early, and I let Mira go to the Marques manor a few minutes ago.”

“That girl is something else,” Sylvana said.

“I’m not sure we should continue letting her associate with him. His mother puts big ideas in her head,” Calista said.

“I’m not sure who is putting ideas in whose head.” Sylvana leaned against the wall of the barn and placed her hands on her hips. “She should be here working, not running off to play whenever she sees fit.”

“Would you rather deal with her, or should I say fight with her every step of the way?”

“You got me there, but at some point, she has to know what work is. She has this crazy idea stuck in her head she is going to be mated to a high-ranking lord and live in the castle.”

Calista let out a belly laugh. “Can you imagine what it would be like to deal with her if it happened?”

Sylvana laughed aloud. “She threatened to leave me here this morning.”

Calista leaned against the wall next to Sylvana. “Mother would never have allowed her to be there.”

“I know. She loathed Enatta.”

“She always came back from their soirées in a huff,” Calista agreed.

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