Page 55 of Brighter Than Gold

“She’s twenty?”

“Doesn’t look a day over fourteen.”

I was glad someone so hardened was going to Warrick. It was a small mercy.

I watched as the guards poured and drank the liquor Verosa had offered them. They quickly became loud and unruly, and it made me nervous.

Soon enough, the front door opened again, and my stomach twisted with unease as Lazio sauntered through. Several men followed him, and I searched for Callan among them. Finally, I saw his heavy frame come through the door.

“Kindra, bring Callan here, please!” I begged.

“What—why?”

“Now! Please!” I gripped her arm tightly and she must have seen the desperation in my eyes because she nodded and hurried off.

But it was too late.

“Briggs, you fucker! What are you doing here?”

* * *

Callan

I froze in the doorway, flanked by Rats.

“You bastard! I had no idea!” the man said rushing to me with open arms. I returned the embrace.

“Walton, what the fuck are you doing here?” I asked with a mock smile.

“I would guess the same as you, gener—”

“And who the hell is with you?” I interrupted quickly.

“Ah! Come meet the other miserable wretches!” He clapped me on the back and guided me to their table.

I noted the look of realization on Lazio’s face. Verosa was hurrying over to him and leading him away as he cursed. I couldn’t make out anything they said, but it was obvious he was angry.

“Briggs, you fucking prick,” the soldier said to me. “You are the last person I ever would have guessed…”

“That’s kind of the point, Walton,” I replied with a wink.

“You’re back!” Kindra said suddenly, sauntering over to me. She pushed herself against me and I tried not to rebuke her too obviously.

“Reyah is at the bar, she needs to talk to you right away,” Kindra whispered quietly in my ear. She lay a quick kiss on my cheek with a giggle to continue the charade, before she peeled away and began fawning over Walton.

I walked casually to Reyah who sat wide eyed staring back at me.

“Hello, wife,” I said, tucking myself into her ear. “Speak quietly,” I whispered. I nuzzled into her playfully so we wouldn’t attract attention.

“Warrick is here. Those are his guards.”

Fuck.

I hadn’t realized I was holding my breath until she stroked my cheek. “We’ll go back to our room. I’ll say you were feeling ill.”

“Callan…they know you.” Reyah looked up at me, scared.

“But they don’t knowyou. And they have no idea why I’ve been away from the palace. It’s going to be fine.”

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