“No worries about that. Lesson learned.” A shiver passed through me at the thought. “I can add ‘explorer’ to my list of things I suck at.”
Instead of smiling like usual when I poked fun at myself, Callum’s expression turned solemn. “Captain Maddox and Briar weren’t the only ones worried about you. When the guards at the front gate said you fled the castle grounds and disappeared into the night, every knight in our unit had been ready to go after you. Many of us didn’t even sleep last night. You’ve become dear to us all, Evan. Remember that the next time you think we’ll be better off without you.”
Callum’s sunshine personality and goofy grins made him easygoing and carefree, which only made the moments like this when he lost the cinnamon roll persona and became serious that much more impactful.
“Sorry, Cal. Seriously.” Emotion clogged my throat. “I wasn’t thinking.”
“You’re forgiven.” He offered me a tight smile and patted the top of my head. “The others are expecting us. Let’s hurry back.”
The sun had fully set, taking the light with it but not the warmth. Humidity hung in the evening air, further proof that summer was nearly upon us. Stars began to appear in the sky as we walked, but I didn’t recognize any of the constellations. No Big Dipper or Orion’s Belt. I was in a different realm within the vast expanse of the universe.
Wanting to stay in Bremloc didn’t mean I wouldn’t miss the world I once knew. Of course there were things I’d miss about my old life, but I was excited about learning about this one. Learning the constellations and mythologies surrounding them. Excited about fully embracing the opportunity I’d been given.
“Thorn Prince!” Duke exclaimed as we entered the courtyard outside the gathering hall. He raised his mug, the contents sloshing over the rim.
I struck a little pose, placing one hand on my cocked hip and flinging my head back, tucking the other beneath my chin. The knights sitting with him around the firepit laughed. I’d never felt that comfortable with people before where I could be silly and not suffer horrible embarrassment afterward. Well, while sober anyway.
As I came out of the pose, my gaze landed on Maddox. He leaned against the post of the mess hall, a smirk in place. Okay, he was the exception. I was mortified.
“Oh, please don’t stop on my account,” he said. “Do continue.”
Cheeks burning hot, I crossed my arms over my chest. “Sorry. It was a onetime performance.”
“Pity.” He pushed away from the post and tipped his head for me to follow him. “Come with me. It’s time for our talk.”
Oh shit.
“Go easy on him, Captain,” Baden said from the circle of men around the fire. “It would be a shame to never eat his cooking again. I’ll be dreaming about that chocolate cake he made tonight for dessert.”
I smiled. It had been my first time baking it for them. Hopefully not the last.
“Aye to that.” Quincy clinked his mug to Baden’s. “And along with the food, the view has also greatly improved since he’s come here.”
Huh? The view?
“Admire the view to your heart’s content, Q,” Maddox told him, still amused. “But if you touch, I’ll do what the demon in the dark wood failed to do and remove the offensive limb from your body.”
“Oh!” Several knights exclaimed at once before bursting into laughs. Quincy joined in too.
Still confused, I was only half paying attention when Maddox placed his hand on my lower back and guided me from the courtyard. I’d assumed he would take me to his quarters, but several paces later, I realized we were heading in the opposite direction.
“Where are we going?” We moved along a narrow path, passing the orchard of trees he and Briar had met beneath last night. The clouds drifting across the moon made it darker. “Are you taking me out here to dispose of me?”
“An interesting thought, but no.”
“Interesting?” I bumped against his side. “Jerk.”
His lips curved into a smile. It was soft. “I heard you have a new title. Thorn Prince suits you quite well. Though, I must say, Clumsy Prince would suit you much better.”
“That’s it.” I stopped walking. “I’m going home.”
A laugh rumbled in his chest. “So the men can tease you, but I can’t?”
I fought a grin and returned to his side. “You seem happier tonight.” A huge difference from earlier in his room.
“Do I?” Maddox linked our fingers as we moved at a leisurely pace. “Perhaps I am.”
“Any reason why?” I loved the feel of his big hand in mine and lightly swung our arms between us.
