Tawny was definitely back in my favorite-person spot.
“He could’ve just ignored it,” she continued. “And proceeded on to the Royal Guard oath, which, by the way, he made sound like…sex.”
I smiled.
“Yes,” the Maiden agreed. “Yes, he did.”
The curve of my lips spread wider, revealing a hint of my fangs to the empty hall.
“I almost needed to fan myself, just so you know,” Tawny said. “But back to the more important part of this development. Do you think he’s already recognized you?”
“I don’t know. I wore a mask that night, and he didn’t remove it, but I think I would recognize someone in or out of a mask.”
“I would like to think that I would, and I would definitely hope that a Royal Guard would,” Tawny retorted.
“Then that means he chose not to say anything,” the Maiden mused. “Although, he might not have recognized me. It was dimly lit in that room.”
I would recognize her anywhere.
“If he didn’t, then I imagine he will when you speak, as you said. It’s not like you can be completely silent every time you’re around him,” Tawny stated. “That would be suspicious.”
“Obviously.”
“And odd.”
“Agreed,” the Maiden said. “I don’t know. Either he didn’t, or he did and chose not to say anything. Maybe he’s planning to lord it over my head or something.”
“You’re an incredibly suspicious person.”
Damn straight, she was.
“He probably just didn’t recognize me.” The Maiden was silent and then said, “You know what?”
“What?”
“I don’t know if I’m relieved or disappointed that he didn’t recognize me. Or if I’m excited that he might have.” There was a soft laugh. “I just don’t know, but it doesn’t matter. What…what happened between us was one time only. It was just this…thing. It can’t happen again. Not that I’m even thinking he’d want to do any of that again, especially now that he knows it was me. If he does.”
“Uh-huh,” Tawny said.
“But what I’m trying to say is that it’s not a thing to even consider,” the Maiden forged on. “What he does with the knowledge is the only thing that matters.”
“You know what I think?” Tawny said.
“I’m half-afraid to hear it.”
I wasn’t.
“Things are about to get so much more exciting around here.”
Tipping my head back, I smiled as I stared at the bare rafters of the ceiling. Yes, things were definitely about to become more exciting.
ARROGANT AND COCKY
Vikter returned not long after Tawny had entered her room through a connecting door within the Maiden’s chambers. He strode down the hall with a white cloth clenched in his grip, which he all but shoved into my hands.
Glancing down at the crisp white with its gleam of gold, I could barely contain my disgust as I realized it was the mantle of the Royal Guard. “Thanks,” I muttered.
“Try not to look too thrilled,” Vikter replied.
I lifted my gaze to him. “The same could be said about you.”
He stood across from me, the faint light catching the nicks and grooves in the black armor covering his chest. “Would you prefer that I pretend I approve of this decision?”
“No.” I tossed the mantle over one shoulder, wondering if he called the Maiden Poppy. “As long as you understand that no matter how many times you complain to the Commander, it won’t undo his decision.”
Vikter huffed out a short laugh. “You think I’m not aware of that?”
“You think I believe you went to see the Commander just to graciously retrieve the mantle for me?”
“I don’t give two shits what you think,” Vikter retorted.
“Well,” I drawled, my head tilting, “won’t that make working together a bit difficult?”
“Nah.” He shook his head, his blue eyes as cold as the ice that capped the High Hills of Thronos near Evaemon. “I don’t need to know what you think for either of us to carry out our duties. I already know enough.”
“And what is it that you know?” I asked.
“The Commander thinks you’re not only ready but also capable enough to take on this responsibility. You’re obviously skilled, quick with a sword, and strong as an ox.”
“Flattered,” I murmured.
A blade-sharp smile appeared. “And you’re also arrogant and cocky.”
I arched a brow. “I do believe they are the same thing.”
“And a smartass,” Vikter added.
My lips twitched as unwanted respect grew for the man. Something warned him to be wary of me. An innate instinct, which was spot-on. “You forgot to add wickedly handsome.”
He huffed a breath. “What I forgot was that you don’t know when to shut your mouth, but that’s something you’re going to learn.”
Biting back a laugh, I turned my head to face the end of the hall, where specks of dust caught in the fading sunlight coming through a small window. “You wouldn’t be the first to wish I’d learn how to do that.”
“Not surprised at all to hear that,” he said. “The difference with me is that you either learn the easy way or the hard way.”
A grin snuck free.
“You think I’m fucking with you?” Vikter sneered. “Accidents have a way of happening around here, even with Royal Guards—even with newly promoted Royal Guards.”
My head turned back to him. Was he actually threatening me? The burst of disbelief gave way to another ripple of amusement. “I’m not fucking with you, Vikter. You just remind me of someone I know.”
“Doubtful,” he muttered.
“Let me guess, the hard way involves breaking my jaw or worse?” A short laugh left me as Vikter’s eyes narrowed. “So, I’m right. He’s said the same thing quite a few times.”
Vikter was silent for a moment. “And who is this clearly astute person?”
“A father of a friend.” I met his stare, my humor fading. “Look, we don’t have to like each other. We don’t even really need to get along. You have your duty, and I have mine, and we share that responsibility. I will not fail her. That’s all you need to know.”
He held my gaze, then let out a low, gruff noise as his attention shifted over my shoulder to the door. A moment passed. “Is Tawny still in there?”
“No, she left a little bit ago.” I rested my hand on the hilt of the broadsword, assuming we’d reached some sort of understanding. “Will the Maiden remain in her chambers for the rest of the day?”
“If that is what she chooses,” he replied. “What did the Commander prepare you for in terms of your role?”
“The basics,” I answered. “As for her schedule, he didn’t go into that much detail on what’s prohibited and not.”
Vikter nodded. “We will alternate days and nights. That’s what we’ve always done,” he explained, some of the tension easing from his shoulders. “There is something you should know—to prepare for when you guard her at night. Sometimes, she has…unpleasant dreams.”