Page 25 of The King's Sword
“Speaking of sleep,” Evander said, “we need to get some. I want you rested and ready for the journey ahead of us.”
Sabine glanced at the bed. It was large enough for the both of them, but highly improper for them to share. “Are you staying in here with me?” They shouldn’t share a room, but she didn’t want to be by herself knowing a man was out there hunting her.
“Yes. It’s not safe for you to be alone.” He placed the tray out in the hallway, then closed the door and put the towel back along the bottom of it. “Don’t worry that pretty little head of yours. I’ll take the floor. I prefer it anyway.”
Not having nightclothes to change into, Sabine pulled back the covers and examined the blankets before crawling under them. The thought of a bug hiding in there made it hard for her to relax, even after she’d looked with her own eyes.
Evander snuffed out the single candle illuminating the room then laid on the floor next to the bed. “Goodnight.”
“Night.” Even though Sabine couldn’t imagine sleeping after everything he’d told her, she rolled onto her side and her eyes grew heavy. Somehow this assassin-pirate-prince made her feel safe.
* * *
“Sabine,” Evander said, shaking her shoulder.
“I’m sleeping,” she mumbled, swatting his hand away.
“We need to get moving, little butterfly. Let’s go.”
She rubbed her eyes and sat up. “It’s still dark out.” Knowing she was being hunted like an animal, she’d much rather travel during the daylight when she could see.
“It’ll be light in an hour. Let’s go.”
She flopped back on the bed with a dramatic sigh. She was exhausted and could easily sleep for another hour.
Evander yanked the pillow out from beneath her head.
“Oye,” she said. “What was that for?”
“I said to get up. Now.”
“I was. I don’t just jump out of bed like a grasshopper. It takes me a minute.” She swung her legs over the side and stood.
“Grasshopper?” he said, one eyebrow raised. “Have you seen a grasshopper before?”
She rolled her eyes and stretched. “It is far too early in the morning for this.” She stepped around him and grabbed her cape, putting it on before shouldering one of the bags. “Well?” She gestured for him to lead the way.
He picked up the other bag and opened the door, peering into the hallway, then waving for her to follow. They exited the inn.
Much to Sabine’s surprise, dozens of people were out and about already. “Does no one sleep?” Maybe it was some sort of assassin thing. Or a cultural thing. People were on the docks loading up ships while others were hurrying from one place to another. Thick clouds covered the sky though it wasn’t raining anymore.
“Keep your head down,” Evander murmured. “Walk with purpose, and don’t look around.”
Since Sabine wasn’t fully awake, she had no problem doing that.
Evander never left her side as they made their way through the town. He expertly guided her around people and put his hand to the small of her back when they needed to turn onto a different street.
After traveling half a dozen blocks, they stopped before a store that had an open window with a person standing on the other side of it.
Evander handed the man a few coins. The man glanced between the two of them before turning and leaving. He came back a moment later, handing two cloaks to Evander.
After thanking the man, Evander handed one of them to Sabine.
“I have a cape,” she pointed out.
“These are waterproof and have large hoods.” He put his cloak on. “They’re far better than what you have.”
Sabine quickly removed her old one and put the new one on. It was heavier and warmer.
