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“Two of my people are here,” Fin confirmed.
“Well, then.” I forced a smile. “The three of you should come to the castle tomorrow—to stay. I’ll make sure rooms are prepared for you.” I clasped my hands together, setting them on the edge of the table. “Once you’re settled in, you can meet your son.”
17
Fin
Del wanted me to stay in the castle? With her and Liam? I wasn’t sure why, but I looked at Garath, certain I would find him balking at the idea. But his expression was unreadable, and per usual, his eyes were on me.
I swallowed thickly. “Thank you,” I said. Her offer surprised me. Not because I thought Del was heartless, but because whatever this was between us was complicated. And I’d been thinking about Liam nonstop since learning about him.
Now, Del was offering me exactly what I’d wished for: time with my son.
Not to mention, in all the years I’d given this city a wide berth, I never would have imagined I would be a welcome guest in the castle.
“But only until we’ve figured this mess out,” I said as my momentary levity withered.
Del’s brow furrowed. “Which mess are you referring to, exactly?” she asked carefully, and I wondered if she thought I referred to Liam.
“The prophecy. The desert—my people waiting for me,” I explained.This changes so much, and yet nothing at all. I don’t know what happens next,I wanted to tell her, but with Garath sitting there, the words wouldn’t come.
The door to the inn opened, and I looked up to see Callon stride inside. Dark crescents shadowed his eyes as he scanned the tavern, and somehow, even his short black hair seemed slightly rumpled with exhaustion.
Lyra stepped inside behind him, her attention already locked on me. From the grave look on her face, I guessed she’d heard some of what we’d been discussing.
Lyra muttered something to Callon, and together, they walked over to our table. Both took in the sight of the princess and her stern-faced guardsman.
“Callon. Lyra,” I said quietly and nodded to ourguests.“This is Del and her...um, Garath.”
Lyra nodded a greeting to both of them as Del rose to her feet.
Callon looked starstruck. “So you’re the one Fin’s been—”
“Callon,” I grumbled so as not to draw unwanted attention to us, and I rubbed my pounding forehead. I wasn’t even going to tell him we would be going to the castle as guests, afraid of what sort of ordeal he’d make out of it in front of all these people.
Remembering himself, Callon cleared his throat, and holding his hands up defensively, he bowed his head. “Apologies, your high—”
I cleared my throat in warning.
Callon closed his mouth and rested his palm on his chest. “It’s an honor to finally meet you, is all,” he amended. “I feel like I’ve known you for years.”
Del bowed her head in return, her eyes darting to mine with curiosity. “It’s good to meet you,” she said. “I appreciate you accompanying Fin so far from your home.”
“Ah, it’s nothing,” Callon said easily, his grin widening. He was clearly gobsmacked by the princess as he hooked his thumbs in his belt and rocked back on his heels. “We’d do anything for Fin—and you, of course.”
Lyra rolled her eyes. “Patrons help me,” she murmured. “I need a drink.”
At the mention of alcohol, Callon’s eyebrows popped up, and he leaned over to assess the two tankards on our table. “They’ve got you drinking this slosh?” He glanced at Del. “No wonder you all have long faces.” Callon leaned into Del conspiratorially and glanced around the tavern. “Care to try the good stuff?”
“I, um—I was told thiswasthe good stuff,” she said, though her expression suggested she disagreed.
Callon reared back, his head tilting as he grinned. “Not even close.” His attention snapped to me. “Fin, why didn’t you get her the good stuff? It’s the least we can do for the prin—” Callon caught himself this time and met my gaze.
“We’ve been a bit busy,” I gritted out just as Del’s stomach rumbled noisily. Her eyes widened, and her cheeks reddened.
Callon’s eyes danced with glee. “And no food either?” He tsk-tsked at me. “Not to worry, Fin. I’ll see to our guest.” He held his hand out to Del. “My lady, would you allow me to get you the best lamb shank this side of the city? I like to pair it with an apple cider, which I’ll admit is barely passable forgood, but the meal will more than make up for it.”
Del looked at me, considering the offer, and her eyes shifted to Garath next. While he seemed reluctant, I knew Callon would see to her every need.
