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“Am I interrupting?” a voice asked from the stairway.
I turned to Adrian’s frown. Luc took a step back, putting his hands in his pockets and giving a nod of acknowledgment.
“It’s rare to see you in my kitchen, Captain,” Luc said. “What’s the honor?”
“Supply check,” Adrian said. “There’s a port three days east. I need to know if we need to stop.”
Luc nodded. “We will.”
Adrian raised an eyebrow. “You’re sure?”
“It will be a much longer journey than you anticipate, Captain.” A mischievous grin hid in the corners of Luc’s lips. “Also, you’ll need to stop by the blacksmith, perhaps, and pick up something to protect yourself from the demons of the spiritual realm.”
Adrian laughed and rolled his eyes. He held up his hands. “These have served me well enough.”
He came forward, reaching out and grabbing me by the arm.
“You don’t have to drag me everywhere,” I scolded as he started to pull me to the door. “All you have to do is ask like a gentleman—”
“Where’s the fun in that?” he returned.
He looked over his shoulder to Luc.
“She won’t be able to help you this evening,” Adrian said. “She needs to be prepared.”
Luc gave a salute. He wasn’t emotionally distraught enough, honestly.
I thought you said you’d protect me?I asked him with a look.
He only looked straight at me and smiled.
Adrian dragged me back up the stairs, taking me toward Henrik’s room. He stopped just before the door, pushing me up against the wall, as he tended to do when he was annoyed about something and couldn’t figure out how to use words properly.
“Fancy meeting you here,” I said with a sigh. “There’s nothing intimidating about this position, you know.”
“Do you want to tell me what you’re doing?” he asked.
“Ballet rehearsal.”
“I’m serious, Esmeralda,” he said. “Why is it when I find you with Luc, you’re always—”
He stopped, visibly gritting his teeth. I looked down at our feet, which were so close together that they were nearly on top of each other.
“As close as you and I are now?” I returned.
He didn’t answer, unintentionally agreeing to my question.
“And why does that bother you, Captain?” I asked.
I searched his eyes as he remained silent. It took less than a moment to understand.
The captain was jealous?
I couldn’t help but smile. How entertaining.
“Does it bother you?” I teased. “That I’m so close to another man on your ship?”
I didn’t think he would be able to come any closer, but he proved me wrong. His feet were nearly up against the wall with mine. I had never seen a look so serious on his face, the usual childish charm completely evaporated.
