Page 67 of Prince of Darkness and Deceit

My gaze snaps to Lev.

His lips part in a wide smile, and his posture relaxes as he says, “It seems even the Fae have heard of your incredible mead stores, Odden.”

The tavern owner stands in the corner behind the bar, gripping the mug he’d been polishing. But at Lev’s words, he huffs a weak laugh and offers a wobbly smile.

A tickling sensation brushes my cheek. I turn and find Jaxon and Rian looking our way. Well, Jaxon looks at Lev. Rian is focused on me.

I snap my gaze to Jaxon.

The affable Fae speaks. “Indeed, we have…Brother?”

“Ironheart.” Lev sheaths his dagger and shifts closer to me. “And you are welcome in this tavern. As long as there is no trouble.”

Brave words. But effective.

“Of course, Brother Ironheart.” Jaxon shoots me a wink. “We’d never want to cause trouble for Elara’s friends.”

Ugh.

I force myself not to react to his instigating words. The troublesome Fae is too observant to not know what he’s doing.

Lev claps his hands. Several in the room jolt at the sudden sound. “Where is the music? It’s too quiet in here.”

The guitarist in the corner jerks his head and picks up his instrument. The first few notes are strained, cut short, but the music slowly smooths out. Jaxon and Rian face the bar once more, and the remaining weapons around the room are tucked away.

Conversation resumes, though the tavern’s volume is notably more subdued than before. Patrons cast wary glances at the Fae standing in the back of the room. Some of my neighbors stand up and leave, abandoning full cups. They, I decide, are the wise ones.

Everyone who remains is either too drunk to grasp the precarious situation they’re in or too curious to see how this encounter will unfold. I’m not proud to admit I’m a member of the second group.

My attention remains on the Fae, observing the trembling barmaid as she hesitantly steps forward when they speak to her. After a stiff nod, she spins around and grabs two empty cups.

“Did you invite them?” Ferria asks.

“Really?” I stare at her, deadpan. “Do I look that stupid?”

“Hm.” She frowns and flicks her gaze back to the Fae, shrugging. “Perhaps they’re bored in their camp.”

Her eyes lower to my arms—to the marks.

I pull on my sleeves. “Yeah…probably.”

I clear my throat and turn to Gayla and Dian. “So, have you two set a wedding date yet?”

“No.” Gayla sighs. Her fingers play with the hair at the nape of Dian’s neck. “It was meant to be after the next moon cycle, but with everything that’s happened…”

“Our parents postponed,” Dian finishes for her. “But it will happen.”

He places an affectionate kiss on her temple, then looks back at me and Lev with a mischievous smirk. “Speaking of betrothals. When are you two going to vow to the Goddess your undying love?”

Welm and Blyne add their own good-natured jabs and jeers.

Lev shakes his head. “None of your business.”

At the same time, I laugh and say, “Never.”

Dian frowns. “But what about the circlet— Ow!”

He jolts and glares at Lev, who readjusts his seat.