33. Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Three
Effie
Ash and liquor hit my nose as I walk through the door. The sense of being home washes over me. I’ve snuck out of my chambers in the castle so many times to stay here. I’ve always been more comfortable around drunkards than the prissy nobles who pretend like their lives are perfect.
“Effie! You can’t be here, you have to go,” Augustus says, stalking up to me quickly before trying to drag me out of the tavern. “I didn’t help you escape your arranged marriage just for you to come back and end up in that same situation all over again.”
“Well, the man I was supposed to marry was wed to someone else months after I ran away. Popop would have to find a new suitor which won’t be easy since we haven’t been able to reach the other continents in at least ten years.” I snatch my arm from his fingers and lead the way to the bar. I pull out one of the stained wood stools and sit, dropping the bags from around my shoulders. The lack of a back has me sitting up with muscles I haven’t used in four years. My perfect posture is merely muscle memory.
“Roan’s been looking for you, and so have I, for that matter,” Augustus says, stepping behind the bar. He doesn’t even have to ask what I want, he’s the only one who brews my favorite mead. He pulls the tap with a bright pomegranate on the lever, releasing the amber red liquid into a tall chilled glass perfectly. He sets it on the bar in front of me before mixing something else for himself. His arms bulge as he shakes his drink and then pours it into a glass that is flatter than one meant for a martini. The liquid is a shocking cobalt, and he downs it in one sip. I take the moment to look over my old friend. His legs are thicker than a sapling, while he once boasted a six pack of abs like every fae soldier. Now, he has filled out leaving him soft in the middle, but more intimidating than he was before. Even in his short stature. He is only a couple of inches shorter than me, but his antlers make up for the height. Seven points sprout from his head, more than I remember him having the last time I was here. His honey brown hair is down to his waist and his face is clean shaven.
“You look healthy, how’ve you been?” I ask, bringing the glass of mead to my lips. The cool liquid tastes like home, the sharp sweet taste of pomegranate is one I have missed. I must admit, it’s good to be home.
“After I ruined my reputation to help you escape, I lost my title, my honor, my friend.” He shoots a glare in my direction, the heat of it landing on my face before he turns his attention back to the empty glass he holds in his hand. “The only thing I have left is this tavern.” He leans in close, lowering his voice. “And people only come here to gossip about me and you.” He flourishes his arm to the empty room.
It’s too early for the evening crowds. A couple of fae walk to their table, chattering and laughing as they sip their spirits. Columns fill the room holding up the barrels of the different ales and meads Augustus keeps in stock. My eyes flutter to the stairs that I know lead up to the inn rooms. I can’t help wondering if he rents my room out to other people now.
“Do you have three rooms available?” I can’t bring myself to apologize, even though I know I probably should. An arranged marriage was never going to happen for me. I promised myself a long time ago that I would only be married out of love, not to further any family member’s political playing field. Even Popop.
“Aye, I do. What sort of trouble have you gone and found this time?” Augustus asks, mixing another drink for himself as I sip my beer. This time taking a deep drawl off it, emptying it a little less than half way.
“The humans need help, and I owe one of them my life. I’m going to help her cure her people and when my debt is repaid, I will return to searching for my mother.” I empty the pint glass, shoving it toward Augustus as I swallow, and he obliges the refill. Pulling a freshly chilled glass from behind the bar and filling it.
“Not more human nonsense. I had one in here just today talking to a fortune teller and causing a scene.” He tsks, setting the new pint in front of me, and I wince slightly. So, Astrid got pretty far on her lonesome adventure today.
“The only two humans in the city are the ones I brought. It must’ve been Astrid. She got lost today. The King has commanded us to accompany her to Scandes.”
“The King fired me, remember? But I guess I can help an old friend. Even if you cost me nearly everything.” Augustus sets down his pint and I can feel his raging glare against the side of my face.
“He did say if you succeed in keeping us safe, he will grant your title, honor, and status back. Something about repaying the debt of you not being able to protect me last time.” I shrug.
He can’t say no, this is what he has wanted since I left. I can see behind the suspicion in his eyes. The small light of hope that he’s not willing to admit is there, lest it be ripped from him. He couldn’t say no if he wanted to, not with his background. We glare at each other for a moment too long until he finally breaks.
“Fine,” he huffs, walking around the bar where he keeps the keys. He selects three before setting them on the bar in front of me. “But be warned, the city has changed. In the past three months there have been six sexual assaults, and we have yet to find those responsible. Staying together would be my advice.” He slides the keys over to my side of the bar. “And know I’m not happy about this,” he says as I slam my pint back accepting the keycards before skipping back out the door.