A knock at the door has me slamming the journal shut and stuffing it into my desk.
“Enter!”
Alex pokes his head in, a grin plastered on his face. “Fancy going out tonight?”
“Absolutely,” I reply, waving him in. “What did you have in mind?”
“Really?” Alex closes the door and looks around. “Are you sure there’s no Shadow work to be done?” He plops into the chair across from me. “Because I really want to go out and have some fun.”
“The Shadow’s work is never done,” I joke, “but tonight, he’s free to join you. He could use a break.”
Alex rubs his hands together, a mischievous look in his eyes. “So, you know tonight is the Havordshire ball.”
My lip curls. “And?”
“How about we skip it and go into Elsmont instead?”
“Thank the gods,” I breathe. “If you tried to drag me to that ball, I’d have had to decline.”
Alex laughs. “I was actually hoping your father wasn’t making you go, or if he was, you’d be willing to ditch. I’d much rather do something a little more casual.”
“Sounds perfect.”
Alexand I gallop into Elsmont on horseback.While I’m sure Father expects me to be on the hunt for a wife at the Havordshire party, there is no way in hells I’m ever going back there.
This little excursion is the perfect opportunity for me to check in on my people and see if there are other ways I can help, and it will provide a distraction from dwelling on a certain green-eyed beauty. We left all the finery behind, dressed in simple clothes to blend in.
“Have you been to Lou’s Tavern?” I ask Alex as we secure our horses to the post.
“Maybe once,” he replies. “As long as the ale is cold, I don’t care where we drink.”
“Thank the gods the colder months are upon us then, eh?”
We push through the doors and enter the dimly lit tavern, assaulted with the scent of ale and vibrant sounds of music. The musician plays a lively tune on a stringed instrument, a crowd of dancers around him kicking up their feet. My boots stick to the floor as we make our way to the bar. This place has seen better days, but spirits are high and the wine and ale flow freely.
Alex leans over the counter, catching the bartender’s eye. “Two, please!”
We settle into our seats and clink the foaming glasses together before turning to observe the crowd.
I needed this. A few moments away to distract myself from her. Seeing Lady Raelyn again after so many years was far more painful than I’d expected. Having her not remember me was even more so, but—no, I can’t let my focus drift from my main purpose. I have a god to find and people to help.
“Do you come here often?” Alex asks.
“Not as often as I’d like,” I admit. “It’s been a little while.”
“Tell me, do you know whosheis?” Alex nods toward a blonde beauty dancing unreservedly to the music, her hair shining like spun silk as she twirls around, violet eyes sparkling with joy.
I shake my head. “Sorry, friend. I can’t say I do.” A word catches my ear from somewhere behind me, and I motion for Alex to be quiet. He frowns and tilts his head but refrains from speaking.
“Do you know how to get word to the Shadow?” a low, gruff voice speaks.
“I wish,” another replies. “He shows up sporadically.”
“We could really use some help in Marietta,” the first man says. “Sickness has swept through our village and our food supply is low. The king takes everything we bring in.”
I bristle, my muscles tense. Father leaves nothing for them to survive on. Is he trying to set the stage for a rebellion?
“I’ll see if we have anything to spare,” the second man replies. “It’s the least we can do.”
