“Yes,” Briar answered. “Some of my ingredients are difficult to gather, and when I’m swamped with work, I sometimes submit requests to the guild for help.”
“Rid yourself of the thought,” Maddox said to me, one eyebrow arching. “As amusing as it’d be to see you trying your hand at adventuring, my heart wouldn’t be able to handle it.”
“I could gather herbs,” I told him. “That’s not dangerous. I’m just trying to consider my options. Find a way to earn an honest living.”
“You could always be my squire,” Maddox suggested. “Clean my room, fetch my meals, brush my horse.”
“No, thanks.”
He chuckled. “Let’s continue on.”
Briar needed to stop by the apothecary for more supplies, so the three of us popped in so he could browse the shelves. He also purchased a book on advanced alchemy.
“Are you finished?” Maddox asked, gaze sweeping throughout the shop, then flickering toward the windows, where people continued to pass by. He was always on alert. The day out would do him good, maybe get him to loosen up a bit and relax.
“Yes.” Briar gathered his purchases, and we left the apothecary. “I’ve been waiting for that volume to release for what feels like years.”
“So, you’re an alchemist too?” I asked.
“In a sense.” He swept a hand through his bangs to move them out of his eyes. “Infusing magic into the elixirs to enhance the effects is a form of alchemy. Transforming one thing into another. Though, I still have much to learn.”
The captain kept his silence during the conversation, his expression hard and cold, but as we passed the blacksmith’s shop, I caught a flicker of interest in his eyes. He wouldn’t say it, but he clearly wanted to go inside.
“Hold that thought,” I said to Briar before bounding toward the door. The two of them called out to me before following. I entered the shop and grinned back at them as they reached the door at the same time.
Maddox allowed Briar to go first and tossed me an exasperated look as he stepped in behind him. I wasn’t sure when the change had happened, but those looks didn’t make me nervous anymore. I saw beneath them now.
“I thought I said to avoid sharp objects,” Maddox said, walking with me down one aisle.
“Afraid I’ll cut you?” I put on my most threatening face as I grabbed a dagger from the shelf. A dagger that was, unfortunately, heavier than anticipated. It fumbled from my hand.
Maddox caught it in midair with his lightning-fast reflexes. “Absolutely. You are truly terrifying with a weapon.”
Briar pressed his lips together. “I admit, it’s a thing we both agree on.”
Maddox smirked at him.
“See? You two can get along just fine,” I pointed out, pleased. “Our day out was a good idea.”
“It hasn’t been nearly as headache inducing as I’d assumed it would,” the captain muttered before stepping over to a table that had a vast selection of armor and materials. Forearm grips, gauntlets, types of cloth for cloaks and under armor, and a fancy breastplate.
“See anything you like?” I asked.
“Yes.” His gaze returned to me. “But the item in question is not for sale.”
“What is it?” I scanned the things on the table. “I can go ask about the price.”
He reached over to gently bop my chin. “Look who’s being adorable now. And so damned oblivious.”
My cheeks heated. “Wait. You were talking about me?”
Briar chuckled. “Yes, he’sveryoblivious. What will we do with him?”
“Several things come to mind,” Maddox responded, gaze darkening. “Most of which shouldn’t be done in public.”
I gaped at them, words failing me. I wasn’t used to men being so frank in their attraction toward me. Not just Maddox, but Briar too. He was more subtle than the captain, but when he was close, he was always touching me in some way—our arms pressed together or his hand on my back.
“I believe you broke him,” Briar said. “Perhaps food will help him recover. It’s nearly dinnertime.”
