Page 45 of Ties of Death

The sun is setting to the west, painting the sky the same shades of pink and orange as those peaches.

“Maybe we should sleep first and head out in the morning.” I’m reluctant to make the suggestion, but we both expended a great deal of energy in that fight—mere minutes ago, thoughthe change in our environment makes it feel like days. We could use the rest before we face off against Viggo.

Daenn’s displeased, but he nods. “Come find us at the inn when you finish hunting, then.”

Storm twitches his wings, but he wastes no time in crouching and pushing into the air.

“No livestock!” Daenn calls after him, but whether the gryphon hears or not, we have no way of knowing. Hopefully no irate villagers come to complain about their sheep becoming supper.

Daenn watches Storm go. He’s still holding my hand, and I can’t even pretend I’m not glad for the touch after our unnatural trip through the portal, after that horrible fight before it.

“What now?” I desperately want the sleep I suggested, but I have never stayed in Lissbury before, only passed through.

Daenn glances at me, dropping my hand like he forgot I’m there until I spoke.

That’s fine. I don’tneedhis touch to anchor me.

I don’t.

“We can probably get a room at the inn. We might not be able to find clothes, but we could at least bathe.”

His words immediately draw up the last time I saw him shirtless, all that hard muscle and bare skin. I swallow and banish the image as I nod. “Good idea.” Unwelcome daydreams about my husband aside, a bath has never sounded so appealing as it does now.

Daenn starts toward the village immediately, and it takes us mere minutes to reach its heart. It’s a bustling place, and already people have noticed our presence. It would be hard not to, in such a small place—but even if it were a city, I think we’d draw eyes. And by we, I mean Daenn. How could he not? He commands attention without even trying, and his armorand weapons only enhance that, especially with how stained they are from the fight. He looks deadly, focused.

And he knows exactly where he’s going, because he cuts straight through the village to the only inn. It’s larger than any other building here, but it’s still a small building, despite being two stories. Daenn pulls the door open and holds it for me, so I enter first. I’m blinking at the stark dimness as Daenn steps up beside me.

It’s a cozy room, filled with tables and a crackling fire and a long, clean bar. Patrons are scattered throughout, partaking of food and drink that drift mouthwatering smells toward us.

The owner hurries forward and bows low. His eyes are wide, like Daenn is the last person he’d ever expect to see. “Your Majesty—you’re alive!”

Daenn’s jaw tightens, his only visible reaction to the words. Internally, though, he’s vacillating between shock and a hardening grimness.

Not as much shock as I would have expected.

“Why would you expect otherwise?” I ask the innkeeper.

He scratches under one ear. “It’s just—rumors from the mountain… Word is you fell on a journey in the Bompurak Jungle. I didn’t believe it at first—why would you be down there? But since the initial tale, even more rumors came of your cousin replacing you.”

Daenn’s grimness sharpens into anger, and I tense. It sounds like, despite the failure of the attackers when we first left, Viggo decided to try to swoop in on Daenn’s throne anyway, exactly as Daenn suspected.

The fool. He’ll be lucky if he survives our return with his life.

“The rumors were wrong.” Daenn’s words are flat, distracted. I can almost see his mind racing with how to handle Viggo’s treachery.

The innkeeper’s eyes widen further. He nods rapidly. “I should have known. I will be sure to pass along the true story to anyone who stops in. But—” He glances over us, as if only just noticing our travel-weary state. “What are you doing here?”

“We need a room,” I say when Daenn doesn’t immediately respond. “Two rooms. And two baths. And supper—”

“One room,” Daenn cuts in. He shoots a side glance at me and speaks lower. “If Viggo has anyone watching the village, we’re better served staying together.”

I nod. It’s no hardship to share. I’d feel better staying close to Daenn, honestly.

The innkeeper snaps to attention, gesturing at his helper. “We’ll make sure you can rest and recuperate well tonight. There will be breakfast in the morning, too.”

“We’ll be leaving before it’s ready.”

The innkeeper blinks. “Of course. We’ll set aside two plates of dried foods for you to take with you. You’re no doubt in a hurry to get home, given—” He cuts off and glances at Daenn. “Given things,” he finishes lamely.

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