Page 183 of Silverbow
Rabream seemed to finally accept Liam’s presence when two of his hands fled from Arawelo’s stall. Liam swept in, soothing the mare, and readied her for Enya to show her off to the royal children. There werethreehorses from Ryerson House in this stable, but it was only Arawelo that drew theiroohsandaahs.
As he worked, Liam scolded himself. He had accused Oryn of not knowing her heart, but Liam was the one who chased her across the continent only to find she was not in need of rescue. He should have known better, but he hadn’t expected to find her in the care of a bloody demi-elf, especially not one so bloody noble and charming as Oryn Brydove. He also hadn’t expected her to turn from a fledgling lower lady into a bloody princess before his very eyes. Liam surely had to be running out of ways he could lose Enya Ryerson.
He gritted his teeth as he curried Pips. He hated how right Oryn had been in that inn. When everything went up in smoke, for all the horror, he thought they might have a chance at a life together. It was a stupid, selfish thought, obliterated when he found her in the Gandy Dancer with a prince and his heroes of song.
Liam had been trying to find fault with the man since he first stepped into his atmosphere. He was solemn where Enya was carefree. He was stony where she liked to bandy words, but he’d saved her when Liam could do nothing. He’d brought them to Drozia and vouched for them in Leon’s court. Liam sighed. He shouldn’t even be allowed in Drozia. He had no gift, no claim to sanctuary. He supposed he would have to thank Oryn bloody Brydove.
“I thought I’d find you here.”
He jumped at the sound of her voice. Enya stood before him, healed and rested, almost looking like her old self. Liam eyed the silver bow pinned to her cloak.
“Shouldn’t you be holding court?” He cursed himself for the way her mouth turned down at the corners.
“The royal family is visiting King Lerrick today. He is in poor health, and prefers seclusion away from Drozia,” she answered mildly. “Is something the matter?”
“No,” he sighed, not looking up from Pips as regret coursed through him. Liam had been shown nothing but great kindness and generosity since arriving in Drozia, and here he was acting like a petulant child.
Arawelo came to hang her head over her door. Enya moved to scratch the mare under her chin. “Peytar Ralenet is coming to Drozia.”
Liam froze. “When?”
“In a few days. There will be another welcome feast.” Enya studied her boots. “I…I have to ask you not to attend.”
Liam gritted his teeth and resumed his brushing. “Why?”
“Because he can’t know you’re here.”
“Only the gifted can claim sanctuary,” Liam huffed.
Enya nodded. “Leon won’t hand you over, but it’s better if we’re gone before he knows you’re here.”
“Fine.” Liam heaved an irritated sigh. “Perhaps I should just go back to Estryia anyway.”
Enya’s head whipped toward him. “And miss seeing Highgard? And the dragons?”
“I don’t want to go where I’m not wanted, En.”
She planted fists on hips and raised her chin. “Don’t be stupid.”
Liam’s temper flared. “Stupid is thinking I could be of use to you.”
“You’re my friend, Liam.”
“I don’t want to be your friend, En,” he blurted before he could stop himself. “That’s precisely the problem.”
Enya swallowed, her chin lowering slightly. “I know, Liam.”
“That’s all you ever say. ‘I know.’”
Enya’s face scrunched and smoothed again. Liam braced for the blow. “You are myonlyfriend, Liam.”
“That’s not what it looks like from here,” he snapped.
She toyed with something and he realized she was turning over that bloody carving he’d given her. “They only see the Silverbow. You’re the only one who knew me as Enya Ryerson.”
Fat lot of good that did.
“You are my family, Liam. Maybe the only family I have left. You are important to me.”
