AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Juliana narrowed her eyes. “You left your guard.”
“But you found me!”
“Sadly, I did.”
Hawthorn laughed. He climbed shakily to his feet, kicked back his chair, and gave a bow so low that he hit his head on the table. This was, apparently, hilarious. “Alas ladies, gentlemen, I must do as my mistress bids.”
“I amnothis mistress,“ Juliana hissed, although no one seemed to be listening.
“If you are not my mistress, then why do I come whenever you bid me?” Hawthorn cackled, staggering towards her. “I am quite at your mercy.”
“You’re at the mercy of liquor, that’s what you’re at the mercy of.”
Hawthorn pitched forward, stumbling, catching himself on Juliana’s shoulders. He laughed maniacally, squeezing her. “You’re always there for me to lean on.”
He could be worse,she told herself.He could be so much worse. Hewasso much worse.
She seized his arm, the rest of him still slumped against her shoulders, and dragged him from the tavern.
They met Dillon at the door.
“Ah, Dillon, there you are!” Hawthorn laughed. “I suppose I should apologise for giving you the slip.”
“That’s all right, Your Highness.”
“Ah, mortals. Such sweethearts, such liars. Well, apart from Jules, of course. Tell me, Dillon, would you call Juliana a sweetheart? She’s about as sweet as a bee’s arse.”
“Um…” Dillon started uncomfortably.
“Don’t answer him!” Juliana hissed, and flicked the back of Hawthorn’s head.
“Ow!” he winced. “Careful, you may bruise me!”
“You’re a bloody faerie prince, you barely bruise at all.”
“My feelings, alas, are far more delicate.”
I could drown him,Juliana told herself.I could just drop him in that fountain over there. Alcohol would do the rest for me. It’s my day off. I was never here.
Sometimes Juliana worried about her propensity towards murder to solve even the slightest of inconveniences, but it was not when she was dragging a very inebriated prince across town on her day off.
“Have you got everything you need, Your Highness?” Dillon asked, trying to be helpful.
“Kind, thoughtful Dillon! You could learn a thing or two from him, my sour-faced viper.”
“The only thing I’m interested in learning from him is how to lose you.”
“Ouch,” said Dillon and Hawthorn at the same time.
Juliana muttered an apology to Dillon.
“Why does he get an apology and not me?” Hawthorn slurred.
“I mean it when I insult you.”
“That is… fair, I suppose,” he said, a little sadly. He tapped his midsection. “I appear to have mislaid my coin. Oh well, no matter.”
“I can fetch it for you—“ Dillon offered.
