Page 37 of Oath of Rebellion

Chapter 13

"AND THAT'S HOW THE king fell in love with our very own tavern mistress," Eirwyn said with a flourish, swirling her hands and making the dancing light projections dissipate around the tavern. A burst of colors exploded on the ceiling, raining down on the patrons.

It distracted the everyone, but also distracted herself from her not having a special someone like that. Her mind went to Knox, but she probably wouldn't ever see him again. She looked over the crowd, but none of them appealed to her. Ever since she'd come back from Glathen, she hadn't been interested in taking anyone upstairs.

Applause broke out, and the new manager nodded his head approvingly. He'd been hesitant to let Eirwyn into the tavern tonight. But after a few days cooped up in the castle, she'd needed to escape.

First there'd been the engagement ball. The courtiers had fawned over Bella, which Eirwyn was happy to see. She wanted her friend to be accepted as queen, and if Eirwyn were being honest, she'd been worried the rich lords and ladies weren't going to welcome her.

She shouldn't have worried, though. Bella was very well read and could always find a topic of common interest, unlike Eirwyn's own conversations with them. All she could do was flirt, and it often sent the wrong message.

But then there'd been the dress fittings and organizing Bella's lessons. Eirwyn had interviewed all the people Gastone had hired for Bella. The history tutors, etiquette teachers, dance instructors, and magic professors all met her approval as well.

Then she'd scheduled daily classes with her soon to be sister-in-law in the management of the castle. It was the one job that Gastone actually gave her any power to perform. And now it was being turned over to Bella.

Eirwyn grew more worried about her future in Busparia with every passing day. Gastone paraded young and old men alike in front of her. The pressure to make a match, get married, and move out made her skin itch. She'd not found any of them attractive at all, and most were boring stuffy old men or practically little puppies for as young as they were.

None of them held a candle to Knox' outdoor manliness.

Eirwyn also found Bella growing more and more frazzled as the days passed. Especially when the visiting dignitaries from the other countries and continents began to arrive for the wedding.

Bella had never met elves before and had been worried about making a fool of herself. Eirwyn had put on her happy face and charmed them like always, but it had just added to the stress for all of them.

She could play the adorable princess role, but it was exhausting to always be "on."

After yet another ball to celebrate the visiting dignitaries, Eirwyn had snuck out to the tavern.

Willis set a mug of ale on the table. "Here you go, your highness."

She grinned and reached into her pocket for some coin. "Thank you, sir, for letting me entertain tonight. I needed that bright spot of fun."

He waved away her coin. "No, you've earned the ale at the least. You've a knack for storytelling, and I'm mighty proud to have heard you. Sorry about earlier."

His cheeks reddened as he scratched the back of his neck.

She smiled and waved a hand. "Don't worry about it. Bella and I had an arrangement, which I'm happy to continue. But if it'll make you feel more comfortable to talk to her first, I understand."

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