Page 13 of A Kingdom so Crimson

"You're thinking about something?" Levon prodded, his words slightly slurred as he collapsed into the chair beside me, his breath heavy with the scent of peach wine.

"Perhaps you should stick to lemonade for now; you wouldn't want to miss the dancing and the grand finale."

He chuckled softly, his enticing gaze locking with mine. "Would it surprise you that I've only had two drinks? I'm not usually one to indulge, but when I do, it tends to strike me harder than most."

"Truly?" I said, surprised. "I didn't consider you to be so sober."

"Being on guard," he paused, leaning in closer and speaking in a hushed tone. "For certain things is necessary."

I narrowed my eyes. There was clearly more to him than he or Jesri were revealing. "Like whatthings?" I pressed, pretending to sip more of my wine.

"Like those who demand to know more than they should," he sat up straighter, straightening his overcoat. "I'm no fool to this flirtatious plan of yours, my lady. You won't get the information you want from me."

I clenched my jaw, struggling to restrain the vulgar retort, itching to escape. "I think the wine is getting to your head," I retorted, turning to view the crowd mingling in the golden sun.

"Care to escort me for a dance?" he said, standing and extending a hand.

"No," I said, folding my arms across my chest. "Not unless you tell me somethingfirst."

He winked with amusement. "Your golden-eyed courtier won't take issue with me holding you close if Idoshare something?"

I stood up, surprised by his forwardness.

"I can surely tell you he isnotcourting me," I snapped. Yet, Calum's absence made my stomach twist with unease. He adored parties, especially this one, and his absence filled me with worry despite my guilt of longing for him.

He grinned. "Well, I can surely tell you,hemight think otherwise. Andthatis the thing I will tell you."

I scowled at him as he took my arm and guided us across the stone floor, where several couples swayed to the music. The warm breeze tousled my hair, carrying fragrant floral scents from the vibrant forest beyond.

Levon gracefully took my hand and placed his other on my waist. As the other ladies watched us, I noticed a few resentful looks as he pulled me in closer, prompting me to tilt my head away, only for him to flash a smile.

"We'll be getting much closer when training starts," he mused, only loud enough for me to hear.

"You've accepted me that quickly?" I tested, irritable as his directness and ownership.

The corners of his mouth tugged up. "I'm eager to see you in action, beyond just dancing in flour," he winked. His bright eyes sparkled with anticipation, likely for whatever he had planned for tomorrow.

I glared at him and took my skirts in my free hand as we swayed to the rhythm of the music. It was like swordplay but with much less finesse and came more gracefully. I held my head high and gently stepped into each turn and swirl, acting much more ladylike than I did on most days. I let the music take us away, dancing easier than we had earlier this morning. Maybe Iwouldenjoy his company.

"Tell me more about how you and Jesri became acquainted," I asked as we briefly parted before joining hands once more, following the other couples dancing.

"We met a few years past at a tavern in Bricol," he began, his expression growing weary. I waited for him to continue, but he fell silent. Why would Jesri be in Bricol? His business travels typically took him to the seaports, not inland.

"I thought you said you didn't drink? Then again, you were there as a," I paused for dramatics. "Guiding light, was it?"

He laughed. "I was recently transferred and…in pain," he paused, trying to think of words. "I thought a drink or two would be enough to dull my senses. Yet Jesri was more of a guiding light for me, helping me home after I got into a lousy brawl with a wretched man who—" he stopped, realizing he was saying too much. "It doesn't matter now. Jesri and I stayed in connection every so often and prepared for things."

"Things like me?" I said with annoyance. He only nodded, not giving me more foolish information. "WhatwasJesri doing in Bricol?"

"You ask too many questions, my lady."

"Maybe I ask questions because Ihatefeeling weak," I confessed, sensing my words resonated with him. He straightened slightly, gracefully guiding me through the dance, and pulled me close, stealing my breath. He leaned in, his breath tickling my ear. "If you prove yourself in tomorrow's training, I'll share what information I can. I understand what it's like to feel vulnerable. Things may not always appear as they seem, but it's for your own safety and success," he whispered, pulling back and twirling me again.

I shook my head, confused. "You're speaking in riddles," I said with annoyance.

"Your first riddle, Eliah, is to learn what it takes to survive."

The song ended, and he bowed low, gently kissing my fingers. He strode away towards the group of ladies swooning for him, leaving me at its center in complete bewilderment.

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