Page 83 of The King's Sword
Evander froze, his hand on the door handle. “Sabine.” His voice sounded gruff. “What are you saying?” His eyes searched hers.
She blinked, trying to think about why she’d told him to wait and what it meant. She wanted him but couldn’t have him. The alcohol was making her bold.
“I…” He left the room, closing the door behind him.
If he’d stayed, Sabine had no idea what she would have done. If she would have kissed him. Covering her face with her hands, she let out a groan. She needed to pull it together. Grabbing her bag, she withdrew her night clothes and quickly changed. She climbed into bed, pulling up the covers and turning her back to the door, not wanting Evander to see the tears in her eyes.
A few minutes later, the door opened and closed. Evander didn’t say anything. The room went dark—he must have snuffed out the candle. Then it sounded as if he’d laid on the floor. It was probably best if they didn’t share the bed. At least not tonight.
Lying there, Sabine listened to Evander’s breathing. She imagined rolling over and joining him on the floor. Her hands taking the hem of his shirt and pushing it up, running her fingers over his torso, kissing his neck.
His hands gripping her around the waist, his mouth on hers, him flipping her over so he was on top of her…
These thoughts had to be from the strong ale. She pinched her eyes shut, trying to banish the images before she ended up doing something stupid that she couldn’t undo.
* * *
Sabine awoke. Her arm was extended over the side of the bed, her hand clasping Evander’s. His eyes were closed, his breathing even. He looked so peaceful sleeping there. Not wanting to wake him, she remained there watching him sleep.
It was easy to envision waking up to him every day. Picturing their life together, she saw it filled with laughter, talking, and pushing each other to be a better person. It would be a fulfilling life. But that was not her path. Even if her sister hadn’t been murdered, Evander’s parents wouldn’t have chosen her for their son. Their paths never would’ve crossed.
Pulling her fingers from his hand, she sat up.
A dull light came in through the window, indicating it was time for them to be on their way. Peering back at Evander, she was about to wake him when his eyes opened, looking right at her.
“Morning,” he said as he sat up, rubbing the side of his neck. “What’s the matter?”
She wanted to saynothing, but that would be a lie. “We’ll talk on the boat.”
He nodded, not pushing the matter.
After they dressed and packed their things, they exited the inn. Even though Sabine didn’t see any of Evander’s friends, she noticed him make a few hand signals indicating that at least one of them had to be nearby.
They made their way to the docks, neither one of them speaking. A light rain fell. Evander led her to a boat, and Sabine climbed in, sitting on the front bench.
The boat drifted along, past town after town. Then the scenery abruptly changed. The buildings stopped and trees lined both sides of the canal. Most were so tall and thick that the branches hung out over the water, almost forming a canopy of sorts.
The boats became less and less until they were the only ones out on the water.
“Are you going to talk to me?” Evander asked, his voice gentle.
Sabine twisted on the bench so she could face him. “I want to talk to you about the assassin.”
Evander closed his eyes for a minute before nodding.
“In Lynk, a man tried to kill me.” She quickly told him about the whistle she heard, the dog running away, the assassin entering, her fending him off, and then the hunt for him which resulted in him escaping.
“I can tell you two things. One—he isn’t very good at his job and for that, I’m thankful. And two—he’s not from Avoni.”
She’d gathered that. “Do you know if Lottie hired Ex? Or did this man from Lynk hire Ex?”
“I don’t know.”
She licked her lips, trying to decide how to ask about the other night. There was no easy way, so she’d just have to come out and say it. “But Ex, the man you killed, he was from Avoni.” It wasn’t a question, but she needed confirmation.
Evander nodded.
Now for the question she feared the answer to.
