Page 42 of Dishonor Among Thieves
“I trust you, Flynn,” I said, smiling down at him from my lovely horse.
Neo raised a dark eyebrow at me and continued scolding his apprentice. “Repeat after me. I will say as little as possible to the woman.”
“Neo, sir, Lord Oderisi, I swear to you, on the soul of…”
Neo closed his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest, huffing furious breaths between his full lips.
“Yes, sir. I will say as little as possible.” Flynn stood upright and lifted his chin. “I can do this, sir. I will not let you down.”
Neo opened his eyes and uncrossed his arms. “Good,” he started, but Flynn was already rambling on.
“Maybe if I do this well, Rain will let me go on a graveyard run with him? Do you think? Would you ask him? By the gods, I’ve been wanting to—”
Neo didn’t even have to blink before Flynn clamped a hand over his own mouth. Mumbling through his fingers, he began backing away. “Right. Understood. I’ve got this. And I’m going… I’m off, sir!”
“Flynn!” Neo called after him before he could scurry too far. “Thank you for arranging the meeting with your brother. This was an exceptionally useful morning. You did well. Keep up the good work. And keep your mouth—”
“Shut, I’ve got it, sir. Absolutely. Completely got it. Yes, yes, will do.” Flynn’s crooked grin and wild hair left quite the impression as he scampered off.
Neo breathed a loud, weary sigh as he mounted Sedda. He rested a large hand on her neck and closed his eyes as if seeking some type of comfort from the beast. Then he nodded at me. “Shall we visit the market?”
I raised my brows at him. “Shall we talk about your brother and what he does in graveyards?”
Neo surprised me by laughing. “I don’t know if you’d believe me if I told you.”
“That seems to be the theme of our marriage so far.” I gave him another smile, but this one felt more tender, more intimate. Teasing and laughter somehow connected me to Neo more than sleeping beside him had. I could only wonder what more might happen in the coming year to make this marriage feel…real.
We rode into the square and purchased fabric so I could make more clothes and picked up some bread and cheese at the market.
“I know you’re not exactly a fan of fish,” Neo teased, his hand grazing mine as we walked between the stalls.
I shook my head. “I meant no offense to fish head soup! When you’re nearly starving and you plan to help yourself to someone else’s dinner, which would you choose? Broth or meat?”
The weight of Neo’s hand on the back of my hood sent shivers of delight up and down my spine. His fingers curled protectively against my neck through my cloak. “You will never starve again, Brex.”
I peeked up at him, the golden intensity in his eyes nearly dizzying. The thundering of my heart in my chest made it impossible to deny that something, something more than necessity, more than obligation was growing between us. I licked my lips, unsure what to say, how to respond. The look in Neo’s eyes made me certain I did not have to thank him. Did not have to explain or say more. I dared to believe he felt the same way.
We strolled side by side in silence until I noticed a stall that piqued my interest. “Your crofter raises animals for food, yes? Do you know if we need anydifferentfoods than what Antonia normally prepares for our ailing houseguest?” I looked over the unusual jars of preserved foods, wondering about the delights inside.
Neo looked confused for a moment but then nodded. “The meat our family eats will be sufficient for everyone in our household. He will be all right, if he’s able to eat. I believe chicken is a dish of choice, which we have.”
The square was crowded and busy. Stray dogs dashed between our feet, barking and stealing bits of dropped food. Children cried as they tugged on their parents’ legs. Between the chatter and bartering between vendors and shoppers, it was easy to get lost in a feeling that this was a normal day. That my brand new husband and I were not talking about the dietary needs of a goblin.
I was, though, relieved to hear that Elgit ate the same things that Antonia would put on our table. If we had to source frogs or crickets or some other difficult to find material to feed him as he healed, well, I supposed that’s what we would have had to do. This simply eliminated one more worry about the poor soul whose life I felt in some ways rested in my hands.
Walking beside Neo this way, shopping for things, discussing matters of the home… It felt too real and at the same time unreal. I hated to drive the calmer, more playful Neo away, but somehow his anger felt far less dangerous than his affection. In spite of what I knew the question would do to him, I asked it. “Any more thought to making a quest of our own today?”
The change I expected came, but even more quickly than I’d thought.
“No,” he barked. “And not with you. Never with you.”
I immediately regretted saying anything that brought storms back to his countenance. But I would have to manage all kinds of weather if I was to be married to this man for a year. I adjusted the fabric we’d purchased in a pouch over my shoulder and slipped my free hand into Neo’s.
“I’m sorry what I asked angered you,” I said, boldly lacing my fingers through his. “Can you tell me why? If I’m to be your wife, I’d like to know everything. Be a part of everything.”
As if the very weather mirrored the changes between us, dense clouds gathered overhead, momentarily cloaking the sun in shadow. I felt Neo’s hand stiffen, his fingers tense, and his entire body beside me went rigid.
“Do not think I’ll be easily manipulated by your beauty. You dishonor yourself with the attempt.” Contempt coated his words. The change in him struck with me with the force of an arrow. He yanked his hand from mine. “Let’s return to the manor. We have no further business here.”
