Chapter 18 Audryn
AUDRYN
By the time I gathered myself and took a bath, my belly growled. I hadn’t gotten used to the smaller portions of food, and though I was sure Col had been sneaking more onto my plate than I should’ve been allotted, it wasn’t enough to quell my noisy stomach.
With coins in the pocket of my loose-fitting pants, I headed into town, hopeful of finding a food vendor.
Most storefronts contained handcrafted artistic items, while the very few offering pastries and treats had already closed.
I turned down a narrow side street and found a tavern sitting like a beacon to my belly.
The dozens of occupants turned and stared as I walked in.
Not wanting to back away from gawking eyes, I lifted my chin, walked to the bar, and took a seat on a tall stool.
“Hello,” I greeted the gaunt man with sun-kissed hair. “I’d like to order something to eat as well as a glass of red wine, if you have it.”
“There’s fish soup,” he replied coolly.
Of course, that was the day’s special. Each night, I had found the creature staring from the plates of those around me. Thankfully, Col was considerate enough to keep it off my dish. Sometimes he had given me beef or venison, while other times it was jarred vegetables with a grain or pasta.
“What are your other options?” I smiled.
“No other choice.” He leaned in close enough that I could smell the beer brewing on his breath. “What is your business with Col? Have the Suttons sent you here to seduce him or only to destroy us?”
With a gaping mouth, I sat stunned by the accusation.
The man scoffed, but still obliged my request and pulled a bottle from behind the counter. The room was silent except for the sound of the burgundy liquid pouring into the thick wine glass.
“I would never bring harm to anyone in Kuroden.” I cringed as I heard just how unconvincing my words sounded.
The man slid the glass in front of me and started to leave without acknowledging my statement.
“Wait, how much do I owe you?” I fumbled for the coins in my pocket.
“Your departure will pay your bill,” the man gritted out over his shoulder as he continued down the bar.
Nosy patrons snickered at a table behind me.
Several minutes passed before conversations picked up to a low hum, and though I couldn’t hear their words, I was sure they were all talking about me. The time I had spent with Col in the area was so different than at the tavern.
I drained my glass, forcing my near-empty stomach to tilt. There was no reason to stay where I wasn’t welcome.
Pulling a few coins from my pocket, I began stacking them on the bar. If the man wouldn’t tell me how much I owed, I’d make a guess. By the time I decided on an amount, my body was swaying like a ship at sea.
“Hey, you. Col said you’d be in town today.” Sky took the seat next to me and waved over the man who’d been shooting daggers with his eyes. “A beer, please. And what do you have today?”
He glanced at me and then back at Sky. “Fish or goat soup with a slice of bread.”
I glowered at him. Had I known there was another option, I would have ordered it. Even if I could’ve purchased only a slice of bread, I would’ve convinced him to sell it to me.
“Two goat soups.” She set half a dozen coins on the counter. “And make it quick since my friend here is already tipsy.”
My vision bore into his back as he walked away. If I could’ve conjured wind, I’d have forced him to his knees. But in a kingdom nearly empty of plants or workable land, I might as well have been born without magic.
“Are things so terrible that you’re trying to drown your feelings in alcohol instead of eating? Col can’t possibly be that bad in bed, can he?”
I shook my head, not wanting to admit that the man had basically refused me service.
“Regret, then—is that what it is?” She gestured with a hand. “Because whatever this is, doesn’t look good on you.”
“The only regret I have is back home," I huffed.
Sky nudged my shoulder. “C’mon, if you were a man you’d be praised for your sexual endeavors. I’ve never seen a single one of them give a damn about who they slept with, and you shouldn’t either.”
I kept my eyes fixed on my empty glass.
Sky raised a hand and ordered another round for us.
“Well, it’s clearly your own hang up. Col doesn’t seem to care, and I imagine he’s well aware of the situation with Prince Asshole.
” She leaned in to me. “Not that Col’s said anything happened between the two of you, but I did see him with a ridiculous grin on his face earlier. ”
I frowned and twirled the empty glass between my fingers.
The bartender returned holding our drinks and set Sky’s mug in front of her. He snatched the empty glass from my hand and placed the new wine barely within reach and walked away.
“Oh gosh, don’t take it personally. Col’s a private guy. I don’t think I’ve ever heard him talk about anyone he’s been interested in.”
The situation with Col wasn’t private for me though; I’d even flirted with him in front of Amalee and Micah. My actions were reckless considering I’d be returning home in just a couple of weeks. And if he wasn’t even willing to talk about me with his friends … I should’ve shown the same restraint.
“It’s not like that.” I waved a dismissive hand.
The bartender strode back to us, placed one bowl of soup in front of Sky and slid the other across the bar at me, letting the broth slosh over the sides. Sky snarled in his direction.
“I don’t get it.” I mopped up the spilled liquid with a napkin. “What’ve I done to piss him off?”
“It’s not about what you have or haven’t done—it’s about what Col means to everyone here. And what they presume you mean to him. But it’s also that you’re from Rivale.”
“They don’t even know me.” I let the warmth of the soup coat my throat as it slid down to my belly. The flavor was dull and the portion wasn’t huge, but it would keep my stomach from rumbling until dinner.
“Exactly! Between seeing you in town and at the celebration, a lot of assumptions have been made. But they’re just that. None of it is based on facts.”
I nodded.
“He’s beloved.” Sky tore off a chunk of bread. “Most are too young to remember the reign of his grandparents, but the memories of his father’s rule are etched in their minds.” Sky shrugged. “Col may not see it this way, but he single-handedly saved Kuroden.”
“How?”
The book I’d read had documented nothing after his father took the throne. It was as if Col didn’t exist as king; he wasn’t even noted as Thalion’s son.
“Hundreds of fae starved. The area was overrun by tyrants who had Thalion’s approval to do as they wanted. And it wasn’t until Col took the throne that order returned.” Sky slurped up a spoonful of soup.
“How did he get rid of them? The tyrants.”
“Killed them,” she said plainly. “Hunted down every one of them and made a show of it for all to see by hanging them in the capital square.”
I grimaced. The same gentle hands that held me were responsible for the demise of others, just like the Suttons. But at least he had justifiable reasons. Plus, with any luck, I’d soon be doing the same.
“They’re just wary of you, that’s all. The town is filled with gossip.” Sky took a long drink. “They're nervous about him marrying someone from another kingdom.”
“I’m betrothed.” I laughed.
“Tell yourself whatever you want. I’ve never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you.” She set down her spoon in the empty bowl and turned to face me. “And, well, I’ve never seen you look at anyone other than Col so …”
We sat in silence for a moment until she finally turned away.
Whether because of the alcohol or exhaustion, I let my mind consider what my life might be like if I stayed.
He’d said my father and friends would be welcomed too.
I’d only need to give up avenging my brother’s murder, but that was a greater ask than he could possibly understand.
“Do you ever miss home?” I asked.
“Home has always been here for as long as I can remember.” Sky looked at the ceiling. “I miss my father. And I never knew my mother.” She turned her attention back to me. “I’d miss Amalee more, though. I would live in the depths of Oras if it meant I could do so with her.”
My skin pricked with sweat as the heat of the wine worked its way through me. I pulled off Col’s jacket, immediately missing his scent. I’d opted to use his spare jacket; it was an easy way to feel close to him when he was busy.
“Tell me about the significance of your tattoo.” Sky cocked her head.
I took a deep breath and finally told my brother and mother’s story without hesitation.
With no attempt to honey-coat the details, I disclosed each and every ugly part, including my involvement in the situation—rather, my lack of involvement.
I divulged my failure to protect my mother and my selfishness in choosing not to be with my brother in his last moments.
My chest still ached, but the pain had dulled just slightly.
“You know, land witches believe animals come to visit those who need them,” she said, pondering aloud.
“Now, I don’t know all of them, but I remember some.
” She drained the rest of her mug. “The stag is for those who need courage. A turtle in the sea is when one needs perspective on the problems they face, and the bee …”
I looked at her expectantly.
“The bee is a loved one returning to pay a visit. Perhaps there is a little witch in your family after all.” She offered a thoughtful smile.
My heart swelled. "Maybe," I mused. Bees had come to visit me often, even in the garden at night when they should’ve been sleeping.
“Aside from the witch you’ve had in you at night.” Sky smirked, instantly lightening the mood. We both burst into laughter. “Shall we go back to the townhouse, or do you want to head to the castle and work on the land?”
Before I could answer, the door to the tavern swung open and hit the wall with a bang. Dolcie’s daughter came screaming in, taking several heaving breaths before she could speak. “They’re back! The witches—they’re back!”