“Something smells amazing,” Briar said as the sweetest freaking smile bloomed across his face, smoothing the wrinkle in his brow I recognized from when he was tired. My workaholic.
“Glad you think so because you’re eating even if I have to chain you to a chair and force-feed you.”
Briar chuckled and closed the distance between us, taking me into his arms. “You never have to force me to eat your cooking. I do so gladly.” He glided his hand over the back of my hair and kissed my temple. “Apologies for keeping you waiting.”
“It’s okay.” I pushed my nose into his shirt, accepting the comfort his scent gave. “Food’s ready. I also brought pastries from the café, so I hopeyoubrought your appetite.”
He brushed his lips across my earlobe. “I always have an appetite for you, love. You make me quite insatiable in many ways.”
“Watch that naughty mouth of yours. There’s a child present. Herbert just went down for his creepy little nap.”
Thane had popped a slice of beef into his mouth and almost choked on it as he laughed.
The students exited the room, talking excitedly to each other, journals clutched to their chests and smiles so big they could probably be seen from space. One girl and three boys.
“Did it go well, Professor?” I lightly poked his ribs.
His answering smile gave me butterflies. “I believe so. Christa was born with mana, so she caught on faster than theothers. Though, the other three are still advanced for their age and will make fine mages, physicians, or alchemists someday. Whichever path they choose, they’ll be successful in their endeavors.”
Briar helped me pile the food onto plates and carry them to the table. There were only four chairs, so we let the students sit there while we took our lunch to his desk, pulling up an extra chair for me. Thane sat on a stool beside the window—beside his monstrous pet—and looked out as he ate.
“Gratitude for the meal, Master Evan,” the girl—Christa—said after taking a bite. “This is delicious.”
“It is,” the blond boy agreed. He had a face full of freckles and pale skin. “Never had potatoes like this. My ma would love it.”
“You’re welcome.” My cheeks heated with the compliments. “And you can just call me Evan. No need for the master stuff.”
Briar smiled. “Did the meeting go well?”
I nodded and wiped at my mouth. “Mr. Willoughby was so excited that he shook my hand so much I’m surprised it’s still attached. Just a constant shake, shake, shake as he gushed about me ‘reaching the right decision’ and that I ‘wouldn’t regret it.’ We then went over the paperwork and stuff. Made it an official business agreement.”
“When will you leave?”
“He said he’ll send a carriage for me in two weeks.”
“Two weeks.” Briar took a small bite of steak and chewed. “It’ll be here before we know it.”
I glowered at him, and he was sure to take a bigger bite next. Like a good boy.
“I just wish you guys could go with me.”
“As do I.” He placed his hand over mine and gently squeezed. “But you’ll have Lake and a small force of knights traveling with you.”
“Any idea who theluckyknights will be?” Yes, I was being sarcastic. Babysitting me was probably the last thing any of them wanted to do.
“You’ll have to discuss that with our captain.”
Our captain.God, I freaking loved the sound of that.
Midway through the meal, a rapping came at the front door before it opened. A woman from the castle kitchens had burned her hand while preparing lunch.
“I’ll help her,” Thane said, hopping up from the stool. “You eat while I tend to her.”
Briar nodded to him in a silent thanks.
“So. Enough about me.” I moved the hash around my plate with my fork. “I saw Thane making a bunch of protection stones. Is it just as a precaution, or did something happen?”
“Nothing happened.” Briar took another bite and slowly chewed.
