In Deeper Waters F.T. Lukens (acx book reading txt) 📖

answered smoothly. “You weren’t wrong yesterday. Sometimes we don’t know what’s happening in the kingdom until it’s too late, but I know now. I want to help.”

“I can dictate a list.”

“Thank you.”

“I’d invite you in, but…” She leaned in, and Tal heard the unmistakable sound of Shay moving closer, her sword clinking at her side—“your bodyguard looks murderous.”

“She’s overprotective,” Tal said with a grin.

“Does it have to do with your cheek? You’re bleeding.”

Tal touched the cut, and his fingertips came away stained red. He pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed at the wound. “No, that’s another matter. Anyway, I have a scrap of parchment in my pocket. Do you think you could let your neighbors know to come to the square near the seaside market if they need any of the supplies?”

“Yes, of course, Your Highness.” She dipped into a curtsy and Tal laughed.

“He was right, you know, I’m not fussy.”

“You’re dressed in clothes more expensive than my home.” She sobered. “I still think your family is arrogant and out of touch, but you might not be so bad.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

After acquiring a quill, Tal wrote down the items: beeswax; an assortment of oils, including peppermint and lavender and gingerroot. They left Dara, Tal waving over his shoulder as he led Garrett and Shay toward the market. Together they bought the items required with royal gold, leaving many a happy shopkeeper in their wake. For the rest of the day they passed out the remedies to the families who needed them. Shay stood watch the entire time, hand on her sword, scowl on her face, but nothing happened.

When the last of the root was handed off, Tal realized he’d forgotten to look for Athlen in the crowd. He hadn’t expected Athlen to approach them, especially since Garrett stood close to Tal’s side, but he’d been so caught up in his task, he hadn’t had a chance to look for him on the outskirts of the crowd.

Disappointed, Tal dusted off his hands and managed a weak smile. “That was the last of it. Thank you both for helping.”

“You’re welcome, Tally. It was a good thing to do.” Garrett slung his arm around Tal’s shoulders, ruffling his hair gently.

Shay didn’t agree, if the expression on her face was any indication, but she kept her opinion to herself.

“Now please tell me you’ve worked up a thirst.”

Tal laughed. “Yes, I have. And a hunger.”

“Excellent. There is a tavern right over there, and it is calling our name.” Garrett tugged on Tal’s arm. “Come along.”

“Do the princes really think that after what happened this morning, even more time in the open is wise? And around drunkards, no less?”

“Tally’s fine,” Garrett said with a dismissive wave of his hand. “He did a good deed today. He deserves a drink and a fun time.”

Shay rubbed her brow. “Please don’t get too drunk,” she said. “I don’t think I can handle the pair of you.”

“Relax, Shay. Nothing is going to happen.”

“Someone tried to kill Tally this morning. Or don’t you remember?”

“Someone tried to scare Tally this morning. If he’d wanted him dead, he would be.”

Tal flinched. “That’s not comforting, Garrett.”

“I’m sorry. But you know what is comforting? Mead and ale and… companionship.”

Tal’s cheeks burned. He held up a finger. “No.”

Garrett headed to the nearest tavern, walking backward, mouth in a wide, toothy smile. “Maybe we’ll find you a friend for the night.”

“Garrett—”

“I know it’s no boy from the market.”

Tal hid his face in his hands, mortified, and muttered, “Oh gods.”

“But there might be a boy or girl here that will catch your fancy.”

They stopped briefly in front of the tavern, and Garrett pried Tal’s hands away from his face. The tavern appeared to be the oldest structure on the block. Made of stone, it sat between two wooden buildings that appeared to use its outer walls as part of their own structures. A wooden sign hanging over the door depicted two overflowing tankards. Despite its being only early evening, the crowd inside was raucous, the noise drifting into the street from the shuttered windows. From the sounds of it, the taverngoers were already well into their cups.

“You’re a prince of Harth. Don’t hide your handsome face.” Garrett cocked his head in consideration. “Even if you can’t grow a decent beard yet.”

Before Tal could muster a retort, Garrett pushed open the wooden door and walked inside. Tal followed, with Shay close at his heels. He immediately winced at the noise level that reverberated within the stone walls. The building was two stories, with a long wooden bar and tables set up in the two front rooms. In the back was a kitchen, and the smell of stew made Tal’s stomach growl. All they’d eaten for lunch was a bit of bread and an apple that a grateful townsperson had provided.

Unfortunately, as soon as they made their way to a table, the noise abruptly died, except for an unearthly caterwauling coming from the other room. Garrett ignored the crowd and pulled out a chair, the scrape of wood across the floor uncommonly loud in the silence. Cautiously Tal followed suit.

“Don’t mind us,” Garrett bellowed, taking a gold piece from his purse and flipping it toward the bar, “we’re only here to buy you all a round.”

That earned a few cheers, and the chatter slowly resumed, though the overall air around them remained suspicious and tense. Tal could feel the stares crawling over his skin.

“I’ll order us some dinner,” Shay said, hand on the hilt of her sword.

Tal stood. “No, I’ll do it.”

“Are you sure?”

Tal puffed out his chest, the tips of his ears going hot with indignation. “I think I can buy us food. You may come find me if I’m not back in ten minutes.”

“Five,” Shay replied flatly. “Five minutes. Ten minutes almost saw you killed this morning.”

Tal slammed his hands on the table and pushed his chair back. He stalked off, chin lifted as he maneuvered through the maze of chairs and tables until he