Page 84 of Kingdom of Shadows and Wings

“It’s…educational.” The words squeak out as warmth floods my face again.

Before I have a chance to say anything that will further embarrass me, Royce arrives with our drinks.

“Would you care for an ale, Lady Lark?”

“I’d love one. Thank you.”

He sets the frosty mug in front of me, then hands one to Thorne as he sits and claims the last one for himself.

Thorne nods his thanks, raising the glass to his lips and taking a measured drink. “Careful, it’s strong. Wouldn’t want you to find yourself in a compromising situation. Another one, anyway.”

Now I’m definitely thinking about last night’s kiss. From the way his gaze flares with heat, he is too.

I take a sip of my ale and focus on Royce. “Tell us about the fire. Do you know what caused it?”

The amusement in his eyes fades, and his shoulders sag. “I think it was set. Vegetable and fruit merchants don’t like me giving away what they want someone to pay for.”

I make a face. “That’s ridiculous. How can these people without enough money to eat pay? Especially with the recent shortages driving the prices up? Do you know which merchant may have set the blaze?”

He offers a bitter laugh. “Even if I did, I can’t be certain they acted alone. The constables could’ve been in on the fire too.”

A gulp of ale does little to smother my outrage. “So now they’re helping merchants break the law?”

“I don’t know, but they do keep showing up, wanting me to pay them to protect the place from the merchants.” He sighs. “I barely make enough to buy the food. How am I supposed to pay them on top of that?”

“It’s senseless. And you shouldn’t have to. But please don’t worry.” I pull the leather pouch from my cloak, then reach across the table and deposit the bundle into Royce’s weathered hand. “I brought enough coin tonight to keep the food pantry going for quite some time.”

Royce’s mouth opens and closes a few times before he speaks. “Bless you. I can never thank you enough.”

As usual, the appreciation has me squirming. Especially since I’m doing the bare minimum. “No thanks necessary. I’m honored to help.”

The table grows quiet, and I know without turning my head that Thorne’s watching me.

When he reaches for his mug, his arm brushes against mine. “This village is struggling to get enough food?”

“The shortages are hurting everyone, and most of the lower class don’t have the money to buy what’s at the market.” Royce glances around and leans closer, dropping his voice. “The king keeps upping the taxes on what’s sold. Times are tough for a lot of people.”

The ale sours in my stomach. No one should have to wake up wondering if they’ll get to fill their bellies when so many have plenty to spare.

Thorne rubs the back of his neck. “Is that why you started a food pantry, Royce?”

“Oh, no. It wasn’t my idea.” His face flushes as his lips curve into a grin. “The pantry was all Lady Lark.”

I wave off his praise. “It was a joint effort.”

Still smiling, Royce shrugs.

Thorne studies me, his face a mixture of emotions I can’t name.

Royce clears his throat. “If you don’t mind me asking, Lady Lark, how are you adjusting to Flighthaven?”

“I’m…adjusting.” I sip my ale and trace circles on the worn wooden table. “It hasn’t been easy, but now that I’ve been there a while, I can’t imagine ever returning home.”

Royce flashes me a knowing look. “I’m sure. It must be nice not to be trapped in that castle of a home anymore.”

He has no idea just how much I’ve enjoyed this taste of freedom. “Very nice.”

Thorne opens his mouth, questions I don’t want to answer swimming in his gold-flecked eyes.

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