He crosses his arms over his bare chest. The swirls of his tattoos look new as the ink shines in the afternoon sun. Eyes of his woodpecker tattoo seemingly stare at me from his skin.
He doesn’t move, doesn’t grimace, doesn’t outwardly show at all how much this fight means to him, except for his eyes. They never blink as he watches Tane heave himself back up after getting knocked down.
Harald, however, laughs. “Did you see the big guy tackle him?”
I bristle at his words, but Lachlan bumps me with his hip. “Ignore him.”
My gaze flicks to him. “Is that what you do?”
“I’m trying to.” Lachlan settles a possessive arm over my shoulders and I grin at him.
Tane grabs the big guy by the throat and with a mighty heave shoves him outside of the ring. I jump up and down clapping, relief lightens my chest. Piominko uncrosses his arms.
A small breath slips from his lips. But Harald makes no remark. In fact, he’s not even watching the end of the fight as his attention is locked on the tiny female that makes her way under the archway. Mina.
He takes an involuntary step towards her before remembering where he is and who is watching. When his eyes meet mine, I smile, but he glares and leans over, whispering something to Piominko before striding away. Mina takes up the spot he vacated and beams at me.
“How’s he doing?” She nods towards Tane.
“Really well, actually. You just missed his last battle against that guy.” I gesture towards the giant leaning against the fence across from us. Her eyes alight with excitement before she realizes it’s not Harald. She surveys the warriors gathered and I smirk, leaning in to whisper to her.
“Harald left.”
She throws an elbow at my unguarded stomach, but I dodge it before bursting out laughing. “What? I thought you would want to know!”
Piominko stands quietly, watching the entire interaction, butthe tiniest of smiles tugs at his lips. I look back at the ring to see Tane having a drink by the refreshment table alone.
I need to say something to him, to spur him on.
“Excuse me,” I murmur to my friends before slipping through the crowd and heading to Tane.
On my way towards him, a woman with gray hair and steely eyes races past me, nearly knocking me over as she charges towards Luna. She presses something in her hand and they exchange a few clipped words.
Weird.
But that’s not who needs me right now.
Tane stiffens as I approach and he places the glass down on the table.
“How are you doing?” I ask him, leaning my butt against the table and facing the ring.
Tane stares out at the gathered crowd. “Fine.”
I make a face, but don’t reply.
“Why?” he asks, studying me.
“You and I both know you haven’t been fine for a long time.”
His head hangs between his shoulders and he leans against the table beside me.
“Can I ask you something?”
My voice is soft, but my heart pounds forcefully in my chest. I hope this isn’t the wrong move.
“You are the queen.”
I snort, rolling my eyes. “Why are you even doing this?”
