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“Yes. Around eleven.”
It’s almost twelve-thirty. I blink. “He left the palace?”
“Yes.” He frowns again. “You didn’t know?”
“I didn’t. Do you know where he went?” Is it my business? Yes, I think it is. I guess we’ll see if Sean agrees.
Then I remind myself that as princess, I have as much authority as Torin does. Unless he told Sean specifically not to tell me, then he’ll have to let me know where Torin is.
“I assume he’s still at the pub. I can’t imagine there’s much else to do in town tonight,” Sean says with a smile. “But he’s got people with him, don’t worry.”
I’m not worried. I’m confused. “He’s at the pub? You mean the one where Cian and Astrid were going?”
“There’s only one pub,” Sean says.
Right.
So Torin couldn’t sleep and decided to go down to the pub with his brother and friends. That makes sense.
And the most out-of-character thought crosses my mind.
I want to go to the pub.
I enjoyed the few outings I had in Sapphire Falls at the bar with my friends there. I’m sure the pub with Cian, Astrid, Torin, and God knows who else, will be fun.
And…I take a deep breath…for some reason that seems like an easier way to be out “among the people” than up in front of them in some formal manner. Even earlier, standing on the front steps of the palace and receiving guests while people looked on and took photos, felt strange.
But having a drink at the local pub like I did in Sapphire Falls? Sure. I can do that.
Especially if Torin is there. He won’t let anything happen to me. He won’t let me be uncomfortable. He won’t let people ask me probing questions or expect me to say anything. He’ll do the talking. As always. I can just be with him.
“Can you tell me how to get to the pub, Sean?” I ask, starting down the steps.
“Um…what? The pub?”
I look back. “Yes. The center of town is walking distance from here, right? Can I walk to the pub?”
“Well, yes.”
“Great. Just take the main road? I assume, since it’s the only one and probably one of the few places open this late, I’ll find it?”
“Princess Abigail, you can’t go alone,” he protests, starting down the stairs.
“Okay,” I say agreeably. I’d rather walk with someone anyway. “Do you want to come?”
“I…can’t. I’m on duty.”
“Isn’t part of your duty to take care of me?”
That clearly trips him up for a moment. “Yes, but?—”
“It’s fine. Can you find someone else?” Now we’re on the landing just above the first floor.
Sean obviously realizes I’m serious about this and he nods quickly. “Yes. Yes, I can. Will you wait? Please?”
He looks almost worried now. I stop and smile. “Yes. I’ll wait for someone to escort me to the pub.”
“Thank you,” he says, relieved. “Just…” He looks around. “Wait here.”
