Page 7 of Artemysia
No one knows what is on the other side of Artemysia, what is at the other end of our peninsula.
He answers me with unreadable silence, his teeth gritted.
“Were you alone?” I press.
He glances away. “No. They slaughtered the two members of my squad who came with me.”
Oh.No wonder the morose, drinking-alone-in-the-alley behavior. I’ve lost comrades too, and each time, instead of getting easier, it gets worse. Heavier in the heart and in the soul.
“I’m sorry for your loss. Where are you staying?”
“Why, you want to join me?” he says darkly, a devious smirk plastered across his face.
My cheeks immediately heat. “That’s not what I meant,” I reply, mortified.
I wouldnever. A stranger for one night is not my style at all. Immediate attraction like this just doesn’t happen to me.
I need personality; I need to know they care.
But this is neither, and I’m thrown.
The heat of that almost-kiss lingers, pooling in my lower belly like liquid fire. I fight down the embarrassment and recover, shooting him a fierce look that forces him to backpedal on his words.
“I’ll find an inn,” he says.
“This late? Accommodations in the area are full. Everyone’s come in for the ceremonies tomorrow, even the outer regiments and battalions.”
He shrugs one muscular shoulder. “Well, this alleyway looks damn cozy.”
“No one’s allowed to sleep in the streets here. Have you been to Stargazer City before?”
“First time,” he mutters, frowning as if he resents casual conversation.
“Well, I can patch up your eye so you won’t lose itandgive you a tour of the entire province in five minutes. Interested?” Stargazer is the largest city in South Kingdom, so my claim is nearly impossible, but I have an idea that might get a flighty, shifty,I don’t need helpkind of soldier to do exactly what’s best for him.
I’m tough when I fight, but only out of a desire to keep everyone alive.
I need him to agree to get his eye cleaned before infection sets in. Syf claws, blood, and saliva carry all sorts of diseases, we’re told. Like rabid wolves.
He takes a deep breath, seemingly considering my offer, and then grunts out a noise that is neither approval nor disapproval. His face relaxes into something less of a frown.
Finally, something other than that grave, evaluating expression.
Messengers have it rough. They risk their lives to deliver orders to the outer regiments and to report the latest attacks. They often travel alone; a squad would attract Syf attention. Hawks and falcons don’t work for messaging. If the birds get close enough to Syf, their loyalties tend to shift. Elk too, so the Academy relies on people like him.
“So, yes?”
“Sure.” He shrugs. “You have me intrigued.”
“I do? Yay.” A hint of sarcasm, but it’s okay to care, I tell myself. I’m happy to help. No one suffers on my watch.
“Yay denied,” he says gruffly.
Gesturing to my left, I spin away to lead us out of the alleyway, but I can’t help grinning.
“Your grumpiness is growing on me.”
“I’m not a smiler.” - Riev
