Chapter Five
Is it Wrong to Pummel Dough When You’re Mad?
“I heard he refuses to declare war. Seems cowardly, if you ask me.”
Standing in front of Miss Joana’s fruit stand in the market, I browsed while listening to the two men beside me. Well, eavesdropping, but whatever.
“Cowardly and weak,” the other man said. He had a bushy beard and wore a wool-knitted cap. “The king isn’t the battle-hardened warrior he used to be. The years have caught up to him, and he’s grown much too soft. He should step down and let the prince take the throne.”
“Aye. Prince Cedric would have no qualms about attacking those Haran bastards and showing them what happens to those who dare threaten our kingdom.”
“Speaking of threats to the kingdom,” Wool-Hat said. “Demons continue to roam the dark wood. I heard a goddamn horde moved through the area not long ago and attacked a farmer on the outskirts of town. The knights are a bunch of useless buffoons.”
“The conflict with the demons has been going on ever since I was a lad.”
“Same.” Wool-Hat nodded. “Why haven’t the so-called warriors of this kingdom dealt with them already? So many years, and they still haven’t slain Lord Onyx. Are they waiting for a goddamned invitation? Where is our tax money going?Apparently not into their training. They’re fools playing at being knights.”
“Interesting,” I chimed in, unable to help myself.
Wool-Hat turned to me. “How so?”
“Oh. It’s just fascinating how those who complain about such things are also the ones who sit on their ass and never do anything themselves. The knights risk their lives for us. If you think you can do better, grab a sword and go for it, my dude. Otherwise, show some respect, or keep that hole in your mouth shut.”
Was it dumb to interject myself into their rant-fest about the kingdom? Probably. But I couldn’t stand there and hold my tongue when they were insulting the knights.Myknights.
To my surprise, the other man laughed. “He makes quite the point, Joseph.”
Wool-Hat—aka Joseph—didn’t find it nearly as amusing. In fact, he looked like he was seconds away from stomping me into the ground. When he took a step toward me, I braced myself for impact.
But then a mountain stepped in front of me, blocking out the sun.
“I suggest you back off and go about your business,” Maddox snarled at the man.
Joseph, noticing their very obvious size difference, did as he was told. He and the other guy took their leave, their steps quick in their retreat.
“Thanks,” I said. “I know I probably shouldn’t have—”
“You’re right.” Maddox faced me. “You shouldn’t have.”
“He was saying awful things about the knights and—”
“As is his right. The citizens of Bremloc are free to have their own opinions, however foolish they may be. You could’ve been hurt.” Maddox’s nostrils flared as he stared down at me. Andthen, he crushed me to his chest and lowered his face into my hair. “What am I going to do with you, sweetheart?”
“You could start by giving me a kiss.”
“A spanking would be better suited, I think.” Yet, he tipped up my chin and kissed me anyway. It didn’t last long but still made me warm and toasty on the inside.
“I didn’t like them talking bad about you,” I said softly.
“Let them voice their complaints. Their words mean very little.”
“They also said mean things about the king.” I smoothed my finger across an indention in his leather armor. Traced the groove of it. “Not everyone approves of him.”
“King Eidolon is aware of the divide in the kingdom between those who wish for war and those who wish to avoid it. Yet, he refuses to throw us into another war if there’s a chance to keep the peace. Whenever he’s reached a decision, the knights will be ready to carry out his orders, whatever they may be.”
When I’d met the king, he’d reminded me of Prince Sawyer. Strong but also kind. The air of superiority had been absent from him despite his high standing. Unlike a certain Crown Prince douchebag who reeked of privilege.
“How did you know I was here?” I asked. “Were you following me?”
