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Panic tightens around my chest as I realize what I've done. I'll certainly be punished for this. Merelda will be all too eager for any distraction to keep her mind off Father, of that I'm sure.
I need to go home now, before I make things any worse for myself.
Standing, the room sways around me.
The wine hits me in full force as I start to tilt, my movements too slow as I reach for the table to stable myself and miss.
But I don't fall. Cyprian is there just as suddenly, catching me with an arm around my waist. He pulls me flat against his side as the room fights to right itself. I lean into him, thankful for his strength as he guides me through the crowd toward the door.
People glance at me, and I see their mouths moving but hear nothing but the beating of my heart in my ears. I’m sure it’s more kind words about my father.
At least, I hope it is and not them judging me over my current state.
My cheeks burn as I realize how disappointed Father would be if he could see me right now.
"Hazel?" Cyprian asks, concern clear in his voice as my head lulls against his chest.
"Home," I mumble. "I need to go home."
His hands tighten around me as he leads me through the tavern. I hear the man he knocked out just minutes before slur something toward us, but Cyprian doesn't react. Instead, his attention remains fixed on helping me navigate the swaying people as they dive deeper into their cups.
Closing my eyes, I pray that the fog that’s settled about me will lift by the time we reach the house.
I’m not sure I want to know what my punishment will be for returning tipsy. Merelda will certainly see to it that I never do this again, that much I know.
Outside the tavern, the evening is once again surprisingly cool. A breeze whips around us, carrying the scent of smoke and rain.
Leaning against Cyprian, he takes my weight as we make our way through town. My thanks to him for helping me right now is stuck on my tongue.
It feels strange to depend on him, to be so vulnerable at his side and not feel as wary as I once did.
Maybe it’s the alcohol, or maybe I've truly misjudged him all these years because of the torment his mother and brother have caused me.
Turning, I squint up at him, trying to determine which it is.
He glances down at me, giving me a small reassuring smile.
"You're going to be okay," he says, misreading the look on my face.
The silence stretches between us as we reach the edge of town and begin the trek home along a small winding path through the woods.
I’m surprised by how comfortable I find this moment. How safe I feel even as we move further and further away from town.
With each step, I feel my head clearing as the world begins to right itself again. And yet, I don’t immediately step away from his side.
"Well, well, well ... what do we have here?"
My heart drops into my stomach as I glance away from Cyprian to find Amadeus leaning against a tree at the foot of the hill leading to our home. He smirks at us, and I hate the way his eyes flash as they rake over me.
Suddenly, I wish I'd insisted upon standing upright myself. Like this, it must be as clear as day to him that I'm not myself.
"It looks like the gods have finally answered my prayers," Amadeus says, pushing away from the tree to stalk closer. "She drunk, all thanks to you, brother, and it's high time I finally take what's mine."
"No. You're not to lay a finger on her. Do I make myself clear?"
Cyprian shifts slightly so that I'm half-hidden from his brother. This only causes Amadeus' smirk to widen as he takes us in.
Belatedly, I realize Cyprian has just raised the stakes and made taking me all that more immediate and important to his brother ... especially after what happened back in Father's workshop.
