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When I finally got the hang of it, I threw my head back and laughed, loving the freedom I felt in expressing myself this way. Someone came along and set a wreath on my head and a beaded necklace around my neck, and someone else handed me a large cup full of spiced ale.
Drinking and dancing, I threw myself into the revelry, letting the energy of the night flow through my bloodstream. At one point, I caught sight of Mydera. She had her male servant, Wicket, backed into a tree, and her hand was buried in the front of his trousers. He seemed to enjoy her ministrations, for he’d closed his eyes and tossed his head back, his mouth gaping open as he arched his hips into her palm.
Catching me ogling them, Mydera sent me a sly wink and did something that caused his eyes to flare open as his shoulders curled forward so he could tighten his entire body around the pleasure.
I whirled away, embarrassed for having witnessed such an intimate moment, and then for getting caught. But as I rushed off, my body warmed, wanting to experience some of the same ecstasy Wicket was. And only one man would suffice in giving it to me.
By the time I wound my way back to where Farrow still sat in front of the fire, solemnly watching the others, my joints felt loose and slippery and my head completely muzzy.
I wanted him with an intensity that scorched my insides.
“Farrow!” I called, pleased to see him, no matter how hard he scowled back.
Wanting to make him smile, I collapsed onto his lap, looped my arms around his neck, and kissed his cheek with a loud, wet smack. He immediately clutched my waist—probably to steady me because I began to spill off one of his knees, though it felt suspiciously like an affectionate snuggle to me—and I gazed into his eyes as I stroked his jaw.
“Hello, handsome,” I greeted saucily. “It’s so nice to see you again.”
He nodded once. “Looks like you’re enjoying yourself, princess. Hit the mage ale hard, did you?”
“Yes,” I had to admit, only to giggle when it caused me to hiccup. I slapped a hand over my mouth and added a muffled, “It’s amazing. You should try it.”
I offered him a sip.
His eyes went briefly sad before he shook his head. “Not tonight.”
“Oh, Farrow.” Setting the drink aside, I leaned my brow against his and cupped his face in my hands. “How can you look so solemn on a night like this? It nearly breaks my heart.”
He pressed back against me as if seeking my comfort and let his eyes slide shut. As his grip on my hip tightened, he finally sighed. “When I return home and complete my mission, saving the one I love, then I’ll celebrate.”
Shit. Suddenly feeling terrible for running off and having fun while he’d sat here, worried about his mother, I hugged him tight. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I didn’t think.” I stroked his arm and made an encouraging sound when he dipped his face down toward the crook of my neck and rested against me, accepting my comfort.
“I don’t know what I’ll do if she doesn’t make it.”
“She will,” I promised. “We’ll arrive on time. I’ll do everything I can to help.”
A tremor went through him. He lifted his face and studied me with the most peculiar expression. Then he threw me for a loop when he said, “No. You’ll do nothing that puts your own life at risk.” His hand on my hip went taut before he jostled me gently. “Promise me, Nicolette. You must remain safe at all times.”
I blinked in confusion. “Farrow, where is this coming from? Relax, my love. I hardly think crying into a cauldron to help a potion brewer save your mother will put me at risk.”
His throat worked as he swallowed, but then he gave a slight tilt of the head. “You’re right. Forgive me. I was letting my anxieties take over. I just—”
“Shh.” I set a finger over his lips to quiet him. “I know what you need.” The man needed sleep. Slipping off his lap, I held a hand down to him. “Let’s retire for the night.”
“No. No.” Ignoring my fingers, he stood as if to escape me. “You should stay. You’re having fun.”
But I forcefully grabbed his wrist. “I’ll be happier if I’m with you. We retire together.” When he hesitated, I looked him straight in the eye. “I go where you go.”
His hand squeezed around mine, and he gave a silent nod.
So I led him through the trees and tents until we found Caramel and Mint and our tent that the mages had moved into their circle of protection. When Farrow opened the flap for me, I ducked inside, and he followed without a word. Under the leather roof, I found that the mages had already laid out our bedrolls side by side.
With a sigh of delight that everything was already prepared, I slid off my wrist guards and hairpin, then removed my necklace along with the wreath and beads the mages had given me. Glancing toward Farrow, who watched me intently, I began to braid my hair for sleep. “These people must really want that flagon of yours,” I said. “They’re buttering us up quite nicely, don’t you think?”
“Aye,” he agreed quietly.
I expected him to add something like, but they won’t get it, so when he said nothing else, merely ran his hand over my braid as I tied it into place, I furrowed my brow.
Tossing down my jewelry, I approached. “Farrow, talk to me.”
