Total pages in book: 161
Estimated words: 153795 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 769(@200wpm)___ 615(@250wpm)___ 513(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 153795 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 769(@200wpm)___ 615(@250wpm)___ 513(@300wpm)
“That’s okay. I can find my way back.”
He nods. “I’ll find you afterward, then.” He excuses himself, and I watch him stride away.
A freaking prince. Flirting with me. Maybe the swamp monster actually demolished us and I’m dead right now. Or perhaps the talmoon is making me imagine all of this? That’s the only thing that makes sense. Fascinating? Beautiful? I must be dreaming.
I head back to the village square, polishing off my wine and then grabbing another meat skewer. I watch a man play a flute on the stage as I eat it.
My body still feels weightless from the talmoon, my mind so utterly relaxed that I can’t help smiling as I wander about. Everything seems much more vibrant—the moon fuller, the heat of the fires warmer on my skin as I pass them.
After discarding my empty skewer, I stop at a cart for a sticky roll and bite into it. It’s not honey loaf, but it’s just as delicious and warm. I notice all the children have disappeared, likely sent home to bed. The remaining beastials hang around eating, drinking, and…making out. Some dance together to the music, while others drunkenly sway alone to their own rhythm.
I start to feel the talmoon ebb away as the wine creates a soft buzz.
In the distance, I spot Algar and Thane standing between two buildings a few paces from the courtyard. I bite into my roll as I stroll in their direction, but the longer I watch them, the angrier Thane becomes as he speaks to Algar.
When Algar points a finger at Thane’s chest, Thane shoves it away, then yanks him forward by the collar. I gasp, walking faster. As I approach, Thane releases Algar, mutters something in his face, then storms off.
“Algar? What just happened?” I ask.
Algar whips his head around so hard the ends of his plaits fly over his shoulder. “Where the shadows did you come from?”
“I saw you and Thane arguing,” I reply, ignoring his question. “What was it about?”
“It was nothing,” Algar grumbles as he hobbles past me. “Just Thane being Thane.”
Confused, I watch him go. Before I can follow him, I notice Kelrean coming from the opposite direction.
“There you are,” he says. “Shall we pick up where we left off?”
“Um, sure. I just need to check on someone really quickly.”
He blinks at me a few times, seeming confused. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, I just—”
I clamp my mouth shut as Thane makes his way toward us with heavy steps. He’s the person I wanted to check on.
“We should get back to the castle.” Thane says the words to me while glowering at Kelrean.
“What’s the rush?” I ask.
“Your sister’s imminent death.” Thane finally eyes me.
I scowl. Jackass. “I’ll go back when Algar does. Or just return with Prince Kelrean.” I shift closer to the prince, demonstrating once again that he doesn’t dictate my decisions.
“I don’t think you’ll be seeing Algar anytime soon,” he returns.
“Why? Because you’ve pissed him off?” I quirk a brow, testing him.
Thane tenses.
“Hey.” Kelrean puts on a smooth smile as he claps a hand on Thane’s shoulder. “She’ll be taken care of, my friend. Don’t you worry.”
“I’m not your fucking friend,” Thane growls, swiping Kelrean’s hand away.
Shock fills Kelrean’s eyes before his face settles with a frown. “That swamp has clearly shaken you up. Perhaps you should return to the castle and have a lie down.”
“And leave her with a man who is intentionally drugging her and drowning her in wine?”
“What are you talking about?” I cut in, mildly annoyed. “I wanted to try the talmoon, and I grabbed my own wine. Besides, I’m nowhere near drunk, and the talmoon is already wearing off.”
“Right,” Kelrean adds, “and I would never do such a thing anyway. She only had one pull of the talmoon, and that was it. I wouldn’t have let her try more.” Kelrean sizes Thane up as he puts on a knowing smile. “You know what I think it is? I think you’re jealous, my friend. I can’t blame you, truly. She is unbelievably gorgeous. I’ve been drawn to her all night.”
My heart thumps faster as heat crawls up my neck.
Thane grimaces. “Call me friend one more time, and I’ll punch you in your fucking nose.”
I gasp. “Thane!” What is it with him always choosing violence?
Kelrean throws his head back to laugh at the audacity of Thane’s words. “Right. You know what? You’re a bit too hostile right now, and frankly, even if Zaira were ready to go, I wouldn’t trust her running off with the likes of you. Leave her with me. She said she’s fine, and I believe we should respect the lady’s wishes. Okay…friend?”
Before I can blink, Thane slams his fist into Kelrean’s face. Kelrean howls, and I gasp as his nose immediately starts gushing blood.
“Ow! What the fuck?” Kelrean roars—literally—as he clutches his face. “You nearly broke my nose!”