AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Hiram lunges for me again, and this time, I don’t step back. I counter his blow with one of my own, catching him off guard. His arm jerks back, and I take the opening to ram my shoulder into his chest, knocking him to the ground.
Landing on top of Hiram, I press my wooden sword into his throat. Not enough to cut off his air but enough to tell him that I’ve had enough. He grits his teeth with eyes fixed on me. Light chuckles surround us as members of my crew watch me put Hiram in his place.
“Whatever grievances you have, speak them now. This whole game you two are playing to reprimand me is over,” I say leaning close to Hiram.
I snap my eyes up to Nyx. “You got that, General?”
Hiram taps my legs twice, letting me know he surrenders.
I climb off him and offer him a help up. He smacks his hand into mine, and I pull him to stand. Hiram dusts himself off as I peer around Nyx to watch Theo sparring with Emery. She was more than happy to pair off with him.
I think she underestimated his skill based on her slowing movements and sweaty brow. Theo grins at Emery as they circle each other, waiting for the other to strike. My heart flutters at the sight of him blending in with my crew so seamlessly.
“I’m struggling to believe that it was your idea to go into the alley. Nyx said Theo would use the village trip as an opportunity to test boundaries, and I think that happened. Please tell me I’m wrong,” Hiram says, stepping beside me to watch Theo and Emery.
Nyx comes to my other side, crossing his arms on his chest.
“I’m with Hiram. We gave him an opening, and he took it. We don’t know his true intentions, and you need to stop putting yourself at risk like that,” Nyx says, glaring at Theo.
I pinch the back of his arm and he flinches away.
“First off, stop staring at him like you want to stab him,” I say, mimicking Nyx’s glare.
“But I do,” he retorts. I pinch my lips together and jab him in the ribs for good measure.
“Second, we sat in an alley and talked. You both are overreacting like always,” I say. These two don’t need to know the details of what really happened, and I hope they never find out.
“Third, if he had ill intent, why would he be doing that?” I point at Theo now, helping to walk a newer member of our crew, Prim, through some training exercises. Emery and Theo work together to ensure Prim is in a proper stance before she strikes at the air with her wooden sword. Her long, black ponytail swings as she moves.
Hiram and Nyx both seem to huff at the same time. I roll my eyes and groan at these two insufferable men, who care a little too much about protecting me. It’s like they forget who I am.
“They trust him. I trust him. Maybe you two should see what the rest of us are seeing and not what you want to see.”
Nyx sucks in a deep breath, and I already know he’s working on a retort. I put up a hand to stop any back talk.
“This conversation is over. Figure it out. We have too many other things to worry about. Now, let’s finish up training. I have a celebration to plan.” I say before walking away to join Theo, Emery, and Prim.
I pace anxiously outside the dining hall, waiting for Hiram to bring Theo down the hallway. Nyx obviously didn’t take any of my advice from yesterday and has continued his chaperone nonsense. This has provided zero opportunities for Theo and me to be alone together, resulting in increased irritability from me.
Chewing the inside of my cheek, I send another silent prayer to the gods that tonight will go smoothly. Today is Theo’s twenty-seventh birthday. I never thought I would get to celebrate another with him, so I’ve secretly been planning a party in his honor. Everyone thinks it is a celebration to thank Thalos for a bountiful harvest.
Two days ago, we received word of our better-than-expected crop numbers for this year despite the drought that killed many crops in other parts of the realm. The timing had to be a sign from the fates or the gods to celebrate. This may be my only opportunity, so I want to make it a night he will remember.
The clothes I special ordered from Elizabeth arrived this morning, fresh and ready to wear. I asked Pyke to make something extra special for tonight. Based on the vanilla infused air wafting from the hall, I know he baked something delicious.
I planned a bonfire with several musicians from the village coming out to play. Astra must be blessing us today because it has been exceptionally beautiful and clear. This evening is bound to be the same.
Now, if I could only get rid of the extra limb I seem to have grown. But unfortunately for me, Nyx is persistent and knows me too well.
As if he can sense I’m plotting against him, he eyes me suspiciously from his perch against the door frame. His muscular arms crossed over his chest, stretching his white shirt tight. He put extra effort into his appearance tonight by expertly combing his hair in a swooping pattern away from his face. He looks very handsome, even if he is a pain in my ass.
Footsteps sound from down the hall, and my heart skips a beat as Theo walks with Hiram toward me. An irresistible smile curves Theo’s exquisite lips. The new black trousers and gray shirt fit him perfectly. They hug his muscles in the most delectable way, and I bite my bottom lip at the thought of them being on the floor of my quarters.
Hiram bends into a bow, and Theo flinches as if his instincts take over, telling him to do so as well.
“How do the clothes fit?” I ask with a smile.
Theo brushes his hands down his chest, feeling the soft material clinging to him.
