Page 185 of The Sins of Silas

According to what I heard through the grapevine, Lena planned on being there for three days. That gave me time to speak with Deana, who insisted I offer tips on how to run a kingdom. I tried to tell her I was just a prince, and while I had my duties, I'd never ruled a kingdom. She didn't mind.

Viola had been helping organize the Mages the entirety of this day, stationing them at different parts of the kingdom, giving them roles, and rationing the castle's coin reserves in an attempt to provide these people with a head start. It was clear now morethan ever what Lena meant when she said Viola was a natural-born leader.

I was leaning against the doorframe, waiting for her to finish up her task of passing out silver. When her eyes caught mine, I heard her mumble, “One moment,” to the Mage she was working with before striding over to me.

“What’s the staring for?” she implored, crossing her arms.

I tilted my head and shrugged. “Just watching.”

She narrowed her eyes, and I sighed.

“I wanted to thank you. For saving me.” I reached into my back pocket, handing her a black velvet case.

She eyed my gift suspiciously as she accepted it. “What's in…” Her mouth dropped open as she lifted the box’s lid.

I didn't know Viola very well, but I figured she might like these. “They're hair rings,” I mumbled. “I was having trouble thinking what you might like, and while it doesn't even begin to cover what I owe you, I figured it's a start.”

Viola continued staring at the dozens upon dozens of silver hair rings. I thought they'd look pretty in her braids. At the continuous silence, I felt my cheeks heating, wondering if it was a stupid gift.

“Silas…these are great.” Her glossy eyes lifted to mine. “I'm shocked. This is really thoughtful.”

I snorted. “You say that as if me being a thoughtful man is a ludicrous idea.”

She shut the box, then wrapped her arms around me. I stiffened but happily returned the hug.

“Who would've guessed I'd be hugging you…ever.”

I chuckled. “I myself am surprised by the gesture.”

Shepulled back, offering me playful eyes. “You say that as if me being affectionate is a ludicrous idea.”

I grinned. “Touché.”

She tucked her gift into her bag.

“Hey, do you know where Merrick is?” I asked as nonchalantly as I could.

“Knowing him? Probably smoking on a rooftop somewhere.”

After strolling through Faltrun for twenty minutes, I stifled a laugh when I found Merrick exactly where Viola had guessed.

Perched atop a tavern's roof, Merrick held a blunt to his lips, sucking in and blowing out a cloud of smoke. Considering it was still morning, the place was closed, otherwise I had a feeling they'd be pissed for his trespassing.

“How'd you get up there?” I hollered.

Merrick lifted his head, then raised his hand, creating a staircase made of ice for me.

Clever.

I carefully trekked up the steps, and when I joined him atop the room, he let his creation melt.

“Prince Charming,” he muttered, resting his head back against the slate shingles. “What's up?”

I cut right to the chase. “Something was wrong with Lena a couple of nights ago,” I informed, lying down beside him. “She was walking down the hallway with tears in her eyes. She clearly had consumed a hefty amount of alcohol.”

Merrick chuckled. “Didn't we all thatnight?”

I sighed, lying my head back down. “She almost seemed… guilty of something. I could see it in her eyes.”

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