Page 30 of Artemysia
You want eye contact,assassin? I’ll stare you down all day if I need to. I’m not intimidated. I’ve handled rebellious soldiers before, and it’s fine if they want to test me.
I’m certain it’s killing him not to be in charge, to be here as a guide in a supporting role.
He still hasn’t said a single word to me.
This is starting off well.
“Emotion is not a weakness.” - Delphine
“No three-piece suit today?” I offer, to lighten the mood as we ride at a walk toward the city walls. I’m not petty. As a leader, I can’t hold grudges. I can overlook that Riev refused the mission after he found out Throg and I were to join him. Even though he pretty much argued to the entire war room that I wasn’t capable of completing this assignment.
Just like the damn colonels who voted against my last promotion.
It hits my deepest fear—that I’m never good enough.
But I remind myself that my sights are set on our overall mission, and I have nothing to prove. I was chosen out of five thousand men and women. Chosen by King Galke as much as Riev was.
“Did youlikehow I looked in a suit?” he asks gruffly.
He did look amazing cleaned up, but I’m not going to admit it and give him the satisfaction of knowing it.
“Barely noticed. I was only admiring the craftsmanshipof the tailoring.”
He bristles. “Captain. You found me at a low point. Drunk and dirty. Sad, defeated, injured. If you were willing to kissthat, there’s no way you’d find me unattractive now, suit or no suit.”
“Pfft. What an asshat,” I mumble under my breath.
Our elk trot over the cobblestone road, their hoofbeats loud enough to muffle my words. We only slow to a walk to pass through the outer gates of the city under the large granite archway of Stargazer.
“That didn’t sound anything like ‘handsome.’”
“I prefer the alley cat version of you.”
Well, that did it. He stiffens, his face pinching. I may as well have said that I didn’t like him at all.
“Listen, the only reason I’m here is that I don’t want you to die.”
“That’s noble, but I can take care of myself. How in the world have I made itthis farin life without you?”
“No doubt, but not in the forest. You’re a wide-eyed child who knows nothing about Artemysia. You probably think of this as an adventure.”
I can’t refute that, never having been in the woods of Artemysia. The closest I’ve gotten was a skirmish to drive out Syf invading a small village, then staying to arm and train the villagers for the future. Even at a distance, the Syf forest loomed like a black velvet shroud over the horizon, as if no light ever passed through the trees.
As discreetly as possible, I sneak a glance over my shoulder to make sure Throg and Ivy don’t hear Riev undermining me. They trail behind, but the cadence of their voices tells me they’re still bantering like crazy.
Throg looks utterly enthralled.
I haven’t seen this much delight on his face since I gifted him a machete with a bone handle fitted to his large grip for his birthday three years ago.
Ivy is showing him all her custom-made weapons and how she uses each one to gut Syf, judging by her animated hand motions.
I like her enthusiasm.
Turning back to Riev, I cut him a cool glance. “Don’t act like you’re an old wise warrior jaded by life. I’ve been fighting Syf for almost as long as you have. Plus, I’m your captain. You might be allowed to bevulgar to the king, but not to me. I don’t allow it.”
He smirks. “Who are you going to report me to out in the woods? Throg?”
My fist curls to deck him for such a cocky response.
