Isla, ever calm and collected, met him halfway. He stood nearly a whole head taller than her, his pale complexion contrasting heavily against her bronzed skin. “o, love,” she said. And with that, he took her in his arms, kissing her soundly.
Deckard’s brow rose, and Evylin smirked.
When they’d finished their passionate embrace, the man and Isla drew apart, and the Blount look-alike faced the Ephrians. He seemed to grasp immediately that Deckard was the leader,holding his hand out to him. “Vayden Calder,” he said, his smile revealing a kindness Evylin doubted Blount could ever possess. “You’re the folks traveling with my siblings?”
Shaking the man’s hand, a slow smile spread over Deckard’s lips. “Yes. I’m Colonel Jonn Deckard,” he returned. “It’s, uh—well, it’s a surprise to meet you.”
Vayden’s eyes crinkled, giving away his age and distinguishing him from Prince Blount even further. “Same here,” he replied. “Welcome to the Alliance.”
“Thank you,” Deckard said. Reverting to his natural role, he angled to introduce his troop. “This is my wife, Evylin, my brother, Thom, and our friends, Ethenn and Rafferty.”
“Nice to meet you all,” Vayden said, eyes passing over them each with curiosity.
“You look just like—Ow!” Rafferty cried as Evylin’s heel connected with his shin.
Though he didn’t know the Calder family’s backstory, she didn’t want him to offend the man.
“No, it’s all right,” Vayden said with a laugh. “You’re right; I do.”
Thom eyed him with interest. “You’re their brother?”
“I am.”
“Why do you look like Blount then?” Rafferty demanded.
Vayden leveled him with a calm stare. “Because I’m his brother too.”
Rafferty’s nose scrunched, turning to Auden and Ilain. “Your father is King Blount?” he demanded, and Evylin saw his mistrust growing.
“Biologically,” Vayden interjected, drawing the weasel’s attention back to him, “he’smyfather. However, my true father is Daultun Calder.”
Isla slid her hand around her husband’s arm. “Shall we move this conversation somewhere more comfortable?” she asked.
Watching the exchange from the sidelines, Maurus the clerk perked up. “Graicelle is in the kitchen, preparing for noonday,” he said. “I’m sure she’d have a little something to restore your energy, should you like.”
Vayden surveyed his siblings and the Ephrians. “What do you think? Food first? Or would you like me to show you to your rooms so you can rest?”
“Food,” Evylin, Rafferty, Thom, Ethenn, and Ilain all chimed in.
Jarrad stood. “You all have a splendid time,” he said. “I’m off to check in with Birde before the evening festivities.”
“Did Emmaas head out too?” Vayden asked.
Isla nodded. “He wanted to see his family.”
Vayden smiled at his siblings, wrapping an arm around his wife. “I know the feeling.”
Then he turned to the Ephrians. “This way.”
CHAPTER TWO
Down a hallway on the ground floor, Vayden led the troop to the rear of the hotel. They passed several rooms for rent, the deep brown carpet muffling their tromping footsteps. After months on the road, Evylin’s feet were unused to the cushioned flooring. It was odd being in a building, to begin with. Since they’d entered Wauld, they’d slept under the sky, rain, trees, and open air. Now, she couldn’t decide whether she felt comforted or smothered by the dark walls and the unnatural glow of the yellow lamplight.
They entered the kitchen, a large, brightly lit space that opened into the dining hall. A row of windows revealed the courtyard behind the hotel, the drizzle of rain tapping on the glass. Tables and chairs filled the hall, enough for two or three dozen patrons to dine. A massive stone hearth filled the opposite wall. A young woman, perhaps a few years younger than Evylin, stood at the tall bench, chopping sausages. Another, older woman loitered at the fire, stirring one pot while surveying a few others.
The Calders were greeted with enthusiasm by the young woman, who was quickly identified as Graicelle, the daughter of Maurus, the manager of the Crimson Clover. It was evident that this hotel was a front for Alliance business. In what capacity,Evylin didn’t know, but she assumed it functioned as a safe house or a covert meeting place.
“Please,” Vayden said to the Ephrians and his family, “have a seat. We’ll bring the food over shortly.”
