Pride for my people swells in my chest. I need to make a point to deliver supplies to more of the outer villages; they need help just as much as the people of Elsmont. Perhaps I can swing by my healer Margot’s place and ask her to check in on the people of Marietta as well.
“Everything okay?” Alex whispers.
I blow out a breath. “Yeah, just eavesdropping on my people.” I give him a wry grin. “The Shadow has some work to do.”
Chapter Ten
KIAN
“What has you looking so glum?” Alex asks.
We continue our brisk walk to the training arena, and I debate how much I want to share. My secrets keep me and others safe, and sharing them with him stillfeels wrong.
“Shadow stuff.”
Alex nudges me with his elbow. “You know you can talk to me, right?”
“Right.”
When I stay quiet, Alex grabs my arm and pulls me into a small alcove. “Then talk to me, Ki,” he demands.
I lean against the wall, crossing my arms and legs, trying to remain casual. “Has anyone ever told you you’re annoying?”
Alex smirks, showing off his straight white teeth, and mirrors my position. “It may have been mentioned before . . . but I’m not going to let this go.”
“Fuck it. Fine,” I mutter, running a hand through my hair. “I got word from Margot that there was trouble with one of my drops.”
Alex arches a brow, tilting his head. “What kind of trouble?”
“I can usually count on the people of Elsmont to distribute the goods after I drop them off. It would appear, however, that someone pilfered the supplies for himself and is now selling them to the highest bidder.”
“Shiiiiit,” Alex groans. “Let me guess, you need to go steal back the goods you already stole once?”
“Something like that.” I sigh.
“Is this the first time this has happened?” Alex asks.
“To this scale, yes. Some have taken more than their fair share, but trying to charge people for it? That’s a new low.”
“Does the king know?”
“If he did, we would’ve heard something or there would have been a public execution,” I say. “Father is quite put out that he hasn’t caught the Shadow yet and would take any opportunity for a win. So, no, I don’t believe he’s aware of it.”
Alex starts to pace, making the small alcove feel even more cramped. “So what’s the plan? When do we head out?” he asks.
There is no way in hells Alex is tagging along, but I can’t tell him that.
“I’m not sure yet,” I lie. “I have some more research to do on Kyros, and that takes precedence right now.”Only a partial lie . . .
“You’re not alone anymore,” Alex says. “It’s okay to accept help.”
“I’m good tonight. I’m overdue for a night off. All the balls these past few weeks have been exhausting.”
“Still haven’t found your choice of bride?”
Unwittingly, my mind goes back toher. It’s only been two weeks since the Astoria ball, and I haven’t seen her since. LadyErika and Lady Chessa have been at all the balls I’ve attended, but not her. Is she all right? Why do I even care? She clearly moved on years ago, and so shall I.
“Not even close.” I sigh, straightening. “Come on. I need to punch something.”
