Page 49 of Gilded Crown

Also irritating to just do that and not even mention it.

Jari slapped down the note. “What about wanting someone on your side? The last thing I want is for you to be taken back or-”

“You would be on my side if you destroyed the items,” Aurelius said in a quiet voice. “And then, you could go free. I don’t expect you to single-handedly rescue me or do the impossible. If I was later taken back to Morning Glory to be hanged for my crime or used by Zylem, I’d be under heavy guard. You’re one man, and if you were arrested, you’d be done for. At most, Zylem might…use you for things.”

A couple of things last night suddenly became a lot clearer.

“You got me drunk.”

“So I did.”

“Why weren’t you? You’re thin-”

“I didn’t finish my first. If you put your hands around your glass, that helps hide it, and people are often more worried about themselves. You were busy since you got that guy talking. With the second, I told the lady to add more vodka and Plavarian liquor in yours, and I also poured a good deal of mine in your glass because you weren't paying attention. Afterward, I got youto finish what I had left. That was enough to make you sleep well. You didn’t even twitch when I got up this morning.”

The slight smirk said he was proud of himself.

“Do you realize how fucked up that is?” asked Jari.

“You slept, and I didn’t have to hear you complaining about me going off alone.” Aurelius moved toward his bed. “It’s not like I did it so I could have my way with you or something sick like that. Didn’t I say I’d keep you safe?”

“It’s still wrong.” Jari stood and dragged the sheet with him to keep his crotch covered. “Don’t you ever do that again.” He got in Aurelius’s face. “Maybe in your head, it’s fine to get people drunk on purpose, but that’s wrong even if you had good intentions. If you think I don’t like or want something, maybe you should open your mouth and talk to me like an adult instead of acting like a snake. Also, what if they pried info out of you and got you to say where I'm at? They’d probably suspect we came together.”

“You would have had time to leave before they started looking, and I’m good at not giving the enemy what they want. I’ve had plenty of practice. Move.”

Jari’s gut tightened. The Zorians had surely questioned him about all sorts of things when he was their prisoner for two years. “Still, I made the choice to come back and stay. I haven’t run off. We protect each other and do it together.”

Aurelius raised an eyebrow. “Why? I can free you of your vow.”

“Because maybe you’re right, and someone should stick by you for a fucking change.” Jari stepped aside. “Turn your back while I dress.”

“They’ll expect our swords for a bit,” Aurelius said from behind him as Jari hastened to the wash basin to clean up so he didn’t smell like vodka and sweat. “Give it over, keep knives on you, and remain calm. They’ve been pleasant enough. I went to the gate, said who I was, didn’t hide my hair or face, anddemanded an audience with the King. They had me surrounded in about ten seconds, but I was granted a few minutes with King Darlim.”

“What did he say?”

“I told him that Zylem killed our Father, pointed the finger at me, and we had to flee. He wanted to step up, so he got rid of his obstacles. Darlim listened to me, and while I twisted the truth a bit, it seems real since Zylem now rules. Also, considering how Father died, it wouldn’t make sense for me to orchestrate that and force myself to live as an outlaw for life. He agreed to not have me arrested or sent back and said I could stay, but he’s not sure about giving me an army. We’ll discuss it. Since he was agreeable, I finally admitted that you were with me, and I wanted to fetch you. He said we could simply go if we wish, and he won’t stop us.”

So far, so good. Darlim believed him, although he wasn’t about to hand over his men and let Aurelius do whatever he wanted which made sense. If the King was willing to let them simply walk away, that worked too, just in case he said no to the other request.

Jari hastily dressed while Aurelius faced his narrow bed. Once he was ready to go, Aurelius shouldered his pack.

“Not a word about the items,” he said.

“I know. What if they search out stuff?”

“I’ve got that. Is your head on straight?”

“I could use a big, greasy breakfast and a jug of water. I’ll live.”

He also needed a way to forget because he remembered the bit from last night with him practically hanging off of Aurelius and saying he’d suck the Prince’s dick. To top it off, he’d gotten completely naked in front of him and made a fool of himself, not that he remembered that part. That was for the best.

When they stepped out, four guards waited, and one held out his hand to Jari. “Weapons.”

Jari handed over his sword. Nobody seemed inclined to ask about anything that might be on his body. Two guards walked ahead, and two stayed behind. Several travelers eating breakfast downstairs stared. Aurelius’s gold hair and eyepatch acted as a sign that said who he was. Whispers broke out before the door shut.

Their horses were ready outside. Jari couldn’t shake the feeling that they were prisoners. The shackles simply hadn’t been put on yet.

They were led through the city. More people gawked once they realized who the blond with an eyepatch was. Nobody did or said anything, and Jari imagined they found it hard to believe that the Crown Prince of Nova was here and almost being treated like an honored guest.

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