Page 43 of Null & Void

“Good morning, my Divine friends!” Riley announces cheerfully as he plonks into the seat across from me.

“Ew, why are you so happy?” Tovi asks in disgust.

With a mouthful of oat muffin, Riley says, “Can’t a man be in a good mood for no reason?”

Riley’s eyes are on me, though I’m discussing training techniques with Bitty. Tovi and Beans are arguing about something, and Bitty joins in, defending Tovi.

I check, and yes, Riley is still looking at me. He leans forward on his elbows, resting his mouth in his hands, though I can see the smirk underneath. Knowing he’s caught my eye finally, he does a double eyebrow wiggle at me, and I frown at him in response. My core is apparently not up to speed about how not interested we are in Riley, the heat sending a flush through me.

What a piece of work. I’m not sure if he’s really that conceited or if he thinks I am an idiot.

As we all gear up and start to file out, Riley leans over and whispers conspiratorially. “You must have fallen asleep quickly last night.” His hand brushes my lower back to try and guide me away from exiting with the others.

“What do you mean?” I ask, confused, moving away from his touch.

“I came to see you…I knocked, but you didn’t answer.”

Still confused and aware that we are the only ones left in the tavern, I ask, “When?”

He laughs, looking slightly unsure of himself. “Last night. I waited about half an hour after you left dinner, and then…” He clears his throat and gestures at nothing before running a hand through his deep red hair with a sheepish grin.

Last night, when I was doing a perimeter check and wasn’t even in my room. So, he did come like I had hoped last night. But when he didn’t find me, he found someone else instead. Catching me off guard, the crash of rage inside my chest almost buckles my knees.

“I’m sure you managed to find other entertainment,” I snap in a whisper, as Tovi yells from outside.

“Are you two dawdling fucks coming or what?”

“Coming!” I call, making a beeline for the door, not waiting for Riley.

That night at camp, after a hard slog in the heat, Riley keeps stealing looks at me. I’ve avoided his eye the entire time, making sure he and I are never alone together, despite how much he keeps trying to orchestrate it.

“I’ll help you cook.” Riley offers in front of everyone, while I turn the skinned hare he caught for our dinner over the fire.

I make a sharp sound out of my mouth. “I think we would like to enjoy our dinner tonight, Riley.”

“I second that, Mika. Riley, it’s not worth it! For us, I mean,” Beans adds, clapping the prince on his shoulders, and Riley elbows him in the ribs.

Tovi, not looking at anyone, sighs in agreement. “I hate to admit it, but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to have camp food that Mika hasn’t made ever again. Riley, I can’t let you ruin this for me.”

“The people have spoken, Riley. You’re to stay five to ten feet away from me and my cooking.”

“I was just trying to help!” Riley whines, not taking his searching eyes off me.

I exaggerate a grimace at him. “Yeh…” I drawl, “I don’t think you try hard enough.”

Riley’s brow furrows as I hold his eye for long enough that he’s confused about what we are really talking about before I quickly dash my eyes away. Beans’ laughter booms about the canyons below us.

“I’m less disappointed about there not being a Gifted finder or someone to see through walls now—Mika is much more entertaining!” Bitty says, trying to stifle a laugh while poking a stick into the fire.

“What.” Not a question. A demand slices through my teeth.

The jovial air is immediately soured, and all of their faces have dropped from humorous expressions to bewildered at why I’m glaring at Bitty.

“Uh…I just mean that when they came to Osraed to ask for a finder or someone Gifted with seeing through walls, that I’m glad you and your talents were offered instead.” I can see the apprehension and confusion on Bitty’s face as they’re speaking, eyes darting around, seeking backup and support from the others.

“Was Hastieni unavailable for hire? Or did you want someone permanent?” I’m surprised at how breathless I sound.

Now Bitty’s face is confused. “Who’s Hastieni?”

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