Leukos’ dark gaze landed on Nik. “We’re heading out on an expedition.”
“We?” Nik asked, brows lifting. Beside him, Theo looked just as caught off guard. “Where?”
“The mountains near the Thracian border.” He glanced back at Charis. “I’d go alone, but apparently I require supervision.”
Charis maintained a composed smile. “I know you can handle yourself, Leukos. But what would my council say if I let my future husband charge into danger days before our wedding?”
Leukos gave her a flat look. “They’d probably throw a feast.”
Her hand lifted to her lips, poorly masking the smile that slipped through. “Don’t be silly. Tiryns would be heartbroken.”
Somehow, Nik doubted the city would care either way if Leukos were to perish. The rebellion hadn’t done much for them yet.
Nik cocked his head. “So I’m going as your personal guard?”
“Yes.”
A grin tugged at his lips. “Like a Silver Shield?”
Leukos’ expression hardened. “Don’t push it.”
Nik smirked, ready to push it anyway, but Theo—ever the diplomat—stepped in. “An expedition beyond the barrier?” He glanced at Charis. “Is that even possible?”
The queen looked between Nik’s grin and Leukos’ withering stare with mild concern before giving a composed nod. “Oh yes. Thanks to Danaos and Despoina, it is. They regularly travel with palace servants to Argos or other large city markets to bring back food and anything else we might need.”
Nik’s brow lifted. That explained the occasional appearance of mutton and fish on the palace menu, siege or no siege.
“The twins will use their Gift to take us to the foot of the mountains,” Leukos added. “Nik and I will handle the climb. If all goes to plan, we’ll be back in a day or two.”
Theo folded his arms. “And what will you tell the others?” His tone was light, but the pointed look he gave Leukos made it clear he hadn’t been consulted about this sudden expedition.
“I need you to keep Xanthos and Pelagios occupied while I’m gone,” Leukos answered. “Make sure they don’t notice my absence.”
“And what exactly are we going to do?” Nik asked, scratching the stubble on his cheek. Winter hadn’t left the mountains yet, and he didn’t particularly fancy a trip slogging through snow. “It’s a bit cold for hunting and sleeping under the stars—unless you plan to share body heat…”
He threw Leukos a wink. The prince’s jaw tightened right on cue.
Theo stifled a snort.
Charis’ eyes widened, slightly aghast, before turning to Leukos. “Is he always like this?”
Leukos crossed his arms. “Unfortunately, yes.” Then, after a beat, he added, “But I trust him with my life.”
The grin slid from Nik’s face. Leukos’ eyes didn’t waver, and Nik gave a small nod in return. After Bruna, the Western Lands, and now Tiryns, he would keep standing at Leukos’ side—no question. But hearing Leukos acknowledge it out loud? That meant more than he cared to admit.
Theo glanced between them, a ridiculous grin splitting his face. “So, when are you leaving?”
“First thing tomorrow morning.” After a moment, Leukos added, “Dress warmly.”
Worry flitted across Charis’ face. “And bring weapons,” she said. “We’ve had reports of slavers roaming the lands, taking any and all without protection to the quarries. Best to be cautious.”
Nik flashed her his most charming smile. “Fear not, Your Majesty. We’ll bring plenty of weapons in case of an attack from the Rasennans, slavers, and whatever it is we’ll find in the mountains.” He shot Leukos a pointed look. The bastard still hadn’t answered his question. What could they possibly be doing in the godsdamned mountains at the end of winter?
Leukos smirked. “Your sword will be useless against him.”
“Him?” An uneasy feeling settled in Nik’s gut. “Who are we going to meet?”
“The North Wind.”
