Page 33 of Feral Guardian
Pierre and Lucas scowl at one another in confusion. They no longer know if I’m lying. Perfect. I’ve got them off-kilter. This card game is mine.
Duncan sets the knife back on the pile of things. There’re a few silver coins and a fancy firestarter beside it. My dagger is obviously the best thing on the table at the moment.
What else do I have to wager if I lose this round?
Hmm, I shouldn’t think like that.
Lucas deals the cards as I develop a serious case of hiccups. I drink more of the spicy amber liquor to try to quell them.
The first round is played slower, for my benefit I’m sure, and I manage to win the hand. I squeal in delight, pulling my earnings toward me.
“No going easy on her now,” Lucas says.
I place a few coins in the center to match everyone else’s bet, keeping the firestarter and the dagger.
I clear my throat as the cards are being dealt. “What has three holes and is just begging for you to be inside it?”
Alastair’s hand tenses on my shoulder and he hisses a curse to the gods.
The men exchange cautious glances between each other, then look at Alastair, blanching as they take in his enormity.
Duncan swallows hard as he sets the last card in front of me. “What is it?”
“Your trousers!” I say, pointing to my hips, which are trouserless. I should’ve turned this dress into pants and a blouse.
The men around the table chuckle, shaking their heads as color returns to their faces.
“What wereyouall thinking? Something dirty?” I ask with a leer.
Duncan grins at me. “You are a little imp.”
Lucas snorts and motions for Duncan to refresh his cards.
I drink more of my amber liquor and lose this round of cards. My head is feeling light and my mood much improved from being on the road all day.
“What’s long, and hard, and full of seamen?” I ask.
Alastair growls as he leans down. His grip changes, his fingers grazing the soft skin of my throat as he whispers in my ear, “You are being a very naughty princess.”
Warmth flutters through my neck down to my lower belly where it burns into a soft ache. The liquor has already flushed my cheeks, but I can feel them flare brighter at his touch and words.
I turn my head and speak quietly in Fynish. “I like being a naughty princess.”
Alastair takes a deep breath, his nostrils flaring as his gaze heats.
“Fine, I give up. What is it?” Pierre asks with an amused huff and I turn back to the table.
“A boat!” I exclaim, my cheeks round and aching from my smile.
Alastair grumbles and returns his hand to my shoulder as he resumes being a stoic sentry. I think he likes my jokes, honestly. He’s always pretended he didn’t, but I see that amused glint in his eyes from time to time. I’ll get him to laugh one of these days.
I lose the next two rounds of cards as I deliver joke after joke. I’m starting to forget some of the punchlines and the room is getting a little…spinny.
I swallow the last of my liquor. “I think perhaps I should retire.”
Lucas whines. “But we’ll miss your company, little imp!”
“I have nothing left to bet,” I say, holding up my empty hands. The firestarter and dagger are still safely tucked away in the folds of my dress, but I don’t much feel like losing them.
