Page 60 of A Dagger in the Ivy

The room is filled with a motley crew of locals and travelers alike, their faces illuminated by the flickering candlelight as they engage in animated conversation and share raucous laughter. Some sit huddled together, engaged in a game of cards or dice, while others lean against the worn, wooden bar, their tankards of ale held aloft as they regale each other with tales of their day’s adventures.

As we settle ourselves around an empty table, I take stock of my squad members, their weary faces illuminated by the warm glow of thehearth. Their uniforms are stained with sweat and dirt, evidence of the day’s exertions, butthere is a sense of camaraderie amongst them, a shared bond forged through countless battles and trials. Mylo orders a round of ale, and it’s only a matter of moments before we raise our tankards and begin to drown our tension.

I sit between Mylo and Aila, with Isaac and Giorgi across from us. Mylo’s broad shoulders practically take up two seats, and he leans back, looking relaxed. Aila is perched on the edge of her chair, her petite frame nearly vibrating with leftover energy. Isaac is nursing a mug of ale, his expression alternating between amused and disgruntled, while Giorgi’s calm demeanor provides a steadying influence for all of us.

Mylo raises his tankard, a grin splitting his face. “To a successful mission and the return of our beloved commander!”

We all raise our drinks in unison, the clinking of mugs punctuating his toast. “To the Royal Regiment!”

Aila, ever the firecracker, sets her mug down with a flourish. “I still can’t believe you managed to lift that fallen beam on your own, Mylo. I swear, you’re part giant.”

Mylo hangs an arm over the back of her chair, but I can tell he’s flexing his bicep exaggeratedly to show off. “That was nothing. It’s all in a day’s work.”

Isaac rolls his eyes, leaning forward. “Yeah, yeah, we get it. You’re strong. Now, if only you had the brains to match.”

Mylo’s grin doesn’t waver. “Brains and brawn, Isaac. It’s a deadly combination only rare few are blessed with. And you’re looking at one.”

“Oh, I’m looking at something, all right.”

Giorgi chuckles, their eyes twinkling. “Let’s not start a brawl in here, okay? I’ve had enough exercise for one day.”

I smile, watching the playful banter unfold. “Isaac, don’t act like you didn’t have a moment too. That move you pulled with the crossbow was impressive.”

Isaac grins for a second before trying to mask it with a scowl. “Yeah, well,someonehad to cover your backs while you were playing hero.”

Aila laughs and slams her tankard on the table. “Admit it, you lovedevery second of it. You’re just mad because you can’t figure out how to accept a compliment without looking grumpy.”

Isaac opens his mouth to retort but then snaps it shut, crossing his arms instead. “Whatever.” He raises a brow, and there’s a glint of humor in his eyes.

Giorgi raises their mug, their expression serene. “Here’s to more successful missions and fewer bumps on the head for Isaac.”

We laugh, and even Isaac can’t help but crack a smile. The tension of the day melts away as we share stories, teasing each other, and reveling in the simple joy of being together.

Mylo leans over to me, his voice low but playful. “We miss having you around, Commander.”

I take a sip of my drink, meeting his gaze with a smile. “I feel the same, my friend.”

Aila raises her mug again, her eyes sparkling. “Hear, hear! To Celeste, our fearless leader!”

I feel a flush of pride and gratitude as we clink our mugs once more. No matter the challenges we face, moments like this remind me why I fight and whom I fight for. These people are not just my squad; they’re my family.

I sit back and take it all in. My squad’s voices blend together in a chorus of cheerful banter, which shifts the weight of the day’s mission away until it’s momentarily forgotten. An hour passes, and we lose ourselves in the simple pleasures of good company and hearty drink. In this humble pub, amidst the laughter of my fellow soldiers, I find a fleeting sense of peace, a welcome respite from the chaos of the world beyond its walls. The camaraderie of my squad feels like a comforting blanket, wrapping me in familiarity after a month without them.

Something in my mind buzzes. It’s like my senses are trying to tell me something.

Someone is watching me.

I turn my head, meticulously checking every face as my eyes sweep the room, searching for someone who might be studying me. What do they want from me? Are they just curious? Do they recognize me as theprincess? Or do they have a more malicious reason for scoping me out?

And then I find his eyes.

Dante.

His gaze locks with mine for only a second, but it’s so intense that I feel a surge of heat rush through me. He looks away, returning to his drink. I don’t recognize the men with whom he’s drinking, but according to the talk in the courts, Dante comes and goes and associates himself with whomever he wants whenever he pleases.

What is he doing here?

I tell myself to look away, but I somehow can’t stop staring.

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