Page 30 of Of Gods and Pain

What the fuck?

“You may win against me now, but you won’t last an hour when I open the bridge to Breoqan.” She laughs again, sputtering up blood before falling unconscious. I want to ask her what she means by that, but I’m yanked into the air and roughly placed on my feet.

“Dammit, Anellah! You know witches do not heal as we do; this will take weeks to mend!” Andras’s roaring voice causes the soldiers to scatter from the building.

“You said you wanted us to train. So I trained her to keep her fucking mouth shut.” I turn from his angry gaze and walk to the bathroom.

I’m upset he didn’t mention how I wouldn’t heal like him, either. But now I get it. Why he keeps her vileness around.

She’s his greatest advantage.

Chapter Thirteen

Casmir

“Been a long time, son.” I smile at Melvin as I enter his shop. The atmosphere instantly calms me; with tanned leathers strewn everywhere I look, the smell that reminds me of my best friend, and the shop owner who watched us grow up—since Em insisted on visiting every week.

It’s a small shop and looks the same as when I first visited decades ago. Melvin has always been a simple male; he works on the leathers, runs the shop—still the same routine every day, from what I see—and spends the rest of his time with his mate. I’ve never known him to do anything else…but I suppose I’ve never asked, either.

“It has,” I agree, stopping next to his workstation. “Things have been…busy.” Most fae here wouldn’t know Nell. Some may have seen her at the festival, but it wasn’t like she waltzed around sharing her life story.

She didn’t even know it.

And I’m hesitant to mention her to anyone except those closest to me. I don’t want to risk word spreading about the imminent war. At least not until we have a better idea of what to expect. The unknown would cause the city to erupt in chaos; chaos that I wouldn’t be able to control because I have no answers to give them. So, for now, the little we do know stays hidden behind the castle doors. Including Nell.

“Ain’t it always,” Melvin grumbles, focusing on his work again. The male before me is what I would consider old, in fae terms. His deep chocolate hair is beginning to dull, displaying the slightest silver sheen. Small lines surround his dark eyes, and his hands are evidence of his constant hard work over the many years.

“I’m in need of a new cuirass for Emrys.” It’s best to be to the point with the male, as he’s not fond of conversation or company. I’ve always found it amusing that he runs a shop that brings a lot of both.

His brows furrow, and he peers at me under his thick lashes before looking away. “Did he wear his out already?” I must look confused because he faces me and points his needle in my direction. “My memory doesn’t age with me, son. I know that boy was here fitting a new one just before the cold season.” Was he? He didn’t tell me.

I shrug, waving my hand as if I merely forgot Em’s visit. “That’s no matter. This will be a gift; not something for daily use.” He watches me for a moment longer before nodding and shuffling to the back of his shop, where he keeps the nicer leathers that Emrys prefers.

Leave it to him to have such expensive taste.

My leg shakes as I wait. I didn’t come to the city for a cuirass, or any of the items I bought at the other shops before this. I enjoy seeing my people and spending time with them; but I use their company in a selfish manner today. I’ve never visited the witch as prince, since I’m easily recognizable. But I don’t have time to send a messenger to set up a meeting. I need an answer before I truly give in.

“Here she is.” I raise my head to see Melvin holding out what I asked for. It’s beautiful. Dark and supple, though thick enough to be protective. “Should fit him if he hasn’t grown since my last measurements,” he mutters with a chuckle.

He used to tease Em about how much muscle he gained each time he visited the shop. My second claimed it was just the result of being captain, but I’ve always felt that was a superficial answer. He may try not to show it, but being strong and well-trained was always so important to him. I have thoughts about why that is, but I’ll never ask. He will tell me when he’s ready.

I roll my eyes. “Thanks, Melvin.” I hold the wrapped leather against me and turn for the door. “I’ll have L—”

“Yeah, yeah. You’ll have Leia send payment. Now scurry out before I charge you double.” He waves his hand towards the door, once again focused on his current project. I chuckle under my breath, walking outside.

There are many fae wandering the roads, enjoying the mild day. Some wave to me as I pass, and some greet me with either a few words or a brief conversation. I give them each a practiced smile and hold tightly onto my patience as they speak. I normally cherish these interactions; but today, I can’t seem to step away quickly enough. I do not want to draw attention to myself, so I feign a nonchalant demeanor. Attempting to look like a prince who’s just out for a day of shopping…and will find himself in a witchy shop.

Very believable.

I risk it, anyway. When I finally walk into the dark space, I’m greeted with strongly scented air that has me scrunching my nose. There’s so many smells that I can’t pick out anything individually. I lock eyes with Ivana before busying myself with the baskets of soaps on display near the door.

That explains the smell, then.

The witch waves the last fae out, turning the sign around on the door and locking it. Once we’re alone, I face her fully.

“I can’t decide if you’re a brave prince, or a complete imbecile, for coming here on your own,” she spits, shaking her head and storming towards the back. I follow, sighing deeply when we’re away from the onslaught of scented soaps.

“Always a pleasure, Ivana.” My tone is harsher than I intend, but it’s been a very long day. She stops next to what I assume is her desk, whirling to face me and crossing her arms. I will never adjust to the crimson of her gaze.

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