Chapter 9
CHAPTER NINE
My heart was still pounding even though all I’d done was unpack what I needed for the night, then stacked the rest of my things near the closet.
But I couldn’t get over the fact that Kole Swordwielder was on the other side of our shared wall, and that we’d run into each other yet again.
Nor could I get over the belief that he’d been staring at my mouth in the hallway while I’d been having lust-filled thoughts.
Please, please, don’t start acting crazy again just because he’s near.
I sighed. That was all I needed. Although, given my reaction to him downstairs and in the hall, it was quite possible that ship had sailed.
I nibbled on my lip, frowning, and mulled everything over. Music from the salopas across the street continued to carry into my room, but it did little to drown out my thoughts.
I’d had days to think about my initial response to Kole, to when we’d first met in that alleyway in Whiteolf, and then later that same day in the Wood.
I’d been convinced my reactions were all due to the Stone, given that everything had happened so closely together.
And that I, like Abel’s unhinged behavior, was acting derailed due to the Stone’s arrival.
Yet . . . since then, my insanity hadn’t increased. The opposite in fact. The past four days I’d felt normal, just like I always did.
So what does that mean?
I rolled my eyes and finally accepted the obvious.
“Seriously, Primelle. It doesn’t take a genius to figure this one out.
The Stone isn’t making you crazy. You’re simply attracted to Kole, and that’s why you act like an idiot around him.
That’s all entirely due to your lovely self.
Nothing more.” I plopped down onto my bed and cradled my head. “Oh stars. How wonderful.”
Even though I’d been attracted to other males in my life, if I was honest with myself, none had ever affected me like Kole did. For some stupid reason, my body, magic, mind . . . all of it, stood to attention when he was close by.
I muttered a sound of disgust. “Try to remember why you’re actually here.”
Bouncing, I tested my bed’s mattress, then did a quick check of the room’s security.
Like most inns, simple wards were encased within the walls, deterring anyone from manipulating their magic through them.
They were basic, though, not something that would keep a powerful magic wielder at bay, but it was enough to make me feel safe.
From there, I went to the door in the far corner, near the windows and beside the bathing chambers. It wasn’t a closet, since I’d already found that, but oddly, the door was locked.
“How strange. Perhaps this is a secured closet?” But when I disengaged the lock and opened the door, a closet didn’t greet me. Another solid door did.
Without thinking, I knocked on it.
A few thumps came from the other side, then the sound of another lock disengaging. Just as I realized where this door led and what it was, Kole was opening his door from the other side of our adjoining rooms.
So much for not acting like a crazy idiot.
I smacked a hand to my mouth to hide my embarrassment. “I’m so sorry. I only realized after I knocked that this was likely an adjoining chamber with yours. I didn’t mean to bother you.”
What I was coming to think of as his very-Kole expression didn’t change.
Grinning like a buffoon, I called, “Enjoy your evening!”
I promptly slammed the door closed and re-locked it on my side, then placed my back against it.
Once again, my heart was beating so hard, but I tried to tell myself that it wasn’t because of Kole’s blazing blue irises or broad shoulders.
“Must reclaim sanity,” I muttered. “If that’s even possible.”
Music continued to carry through the windows, and I eyed the salopas across the street again.
My stomach let out a loud rumble, and in a flurry of movements, I was securing my cloak around my shoulders and sailing out of my chambers because putting distance between myself and Kole Swordwielder seemed to be the only way to keep my head clear.
The music in the salopas was in full swing. A lively wildling band played in the corner, swaying and shifting to their beat. Several patrons filled the tables in the small establishment, but there was plenty of free seating still available.
A barkeeper stood behind a long wooden bar, taking his time filling drinks and then placing them on enchanted trays that floated through the air to patrons.
As was common in most eating establishments, he was the lone employee in the room, although, I suspected fae or wildlings worked in the back, making the food.
When he glanced my way, I dipped my head in greeting, but all he did was narrow his eyes and give me a once-over.
Despite his snub, I kept my head high and approached him. Even if I wasn’t local, and he had no intentions of acknowledging my presence, I figured he would still feed me. Rulibs didn’t come from thin air after all, and everybody had to make a living.
At the bar top, I folded my forearms together and placed my elbows on the notched wood. He didn’t even look at me, so I stopped waiting for him to and asked, “May I please have a pot of mint tea and whatever hot food you have on special tonight?”
He finished topping off a large glass of leminai, then filled another. I was about to ask my question again in a sterner tone, but he finally replied, “Ten rulibs, then have a seat. It’ll be over shortly.”
I placed a ten-piece coin on the counter and turned stiffly.
Several other fae were watching me, their expressions cool, but at least the music was pleasant, the air warm, and the seats looked comfy enough.
Despite the unwelcoming atmosphere, I reclaimed my good mood and smiled pleasantly to those I passed, then sidled to a table near the crackling fire and waited for my food to arrive.
I didn’t have to wait long, since thankfully, the barkeeper wasn’t petty enough to take my rulibs and not feed me. Only two songs passed, and then a tray glided toward me with a large pot of tea and a steaming plate of sustenance.
My stomach growled, but while it wasn’t an ustorill roast and herbed potatoes as I’d been dreaming of, it was baked hen drizzled in gravy and plenty of root vegetables and greens on the side. Simple, hearty fare and exactly what I’d been craving.
“Thank you, galaxy,” I muttered to no one in particular.
I dug in, enjoying each bite and sip of tea as the music continued, and as I slowly devoured my supper, I figured it was a good time to do my daily check-in with my aunt and Ree.
Turning my attention inward, I released a stream of magic and resisted the urge to close my eyes.
It was always easier to connect mentally over a long distance with all of my attention focused on my magic, but I also knew that would look weird, so I gazed toward the musical stage and gripped my hot mug between my palms as I connected with my aunt.
Prim? Are you all right? As Gwen had been every night that we’d spoken, she sounded worried the second our connection solidified.
Yes, I’m just fine. I actually booked an inn for the night. I’m currently in a small village in Stonewild called Inisville. It’s much colder up here, and it’s started to snow. The thought of camping tonight had my insides dying, so I opted to splurge on a room.
She sighed in relief. That’s probably wise, and I’m glad to hear that also means you’re not alone if you’re in a village. So you’re still in Stonewild, then? Are you sure that’s where the Stone landed?
I shrugged, even though she couldn’t see it. The seekerill led me here, and it keeps telling me to go north, so at this point, I can say fairly certainly that the Stone is definitely somewhere in Stonewild.
I felt, rather than saw, her nod. Which direction are you heading?
I’ll be going into the Wildland Mountains tomorrow.
Her breath sucked in. Be careful up there, Prim. That part of the Wood isn’t for the fainthearted.
I know. I will be. I took another sip of tea, then asked hesitantly, How’s Timith?
A little worse, actually, but not by much.
I gripped my mug tighter, my fingers digging into it. What does that mean?
She sighed, and her tone dipped. He’s hardly drinking now. We really had to work to get enough fluids into him today. Thank goodness Verin is here.
My heart began to thump. Has anything else changed?
Not enough that I think you should come home. You know if that were the case, I would tell you. And if you think you stand a true chance at finding the Stone, then keep going.
I nodded internally. Has anything else been going on?
Not really, other than Abel returning. Vissy told me he spent the week detained by the kingsfae.
I can only imagine what he did, but thankfully, the kingsfae forbade him from hunting the Stone again, and unless he wants to be arrested a second time, he won’t be leaving Whiteolf.
Oh, and Opalin and Roosep have been asking after you daily, but I’ve kept them up to date.
They’re as worried about you as I’ve been.
Thank you for keeping them informed, and I’m not surprised Abel got arrested.
I didn’t say more. I hadn’t told her how Abel had harassed me on that first day since I’d seen no point in needlessly worrying her, but I was glad he’d been forbidden from hunting the Stone again.
One less thing to worry about. Although, I doubted he would be able to find me all the way up here.
Still, I was thankful I wouldn’t have to stress over that.
How are Opalin and Roosep doing anyway? I added.
They’re both well, but worried about you too. I don’t think I could keep your updates from them if I tried. You know how relentless Opalin can be when she wants to know something.
I laughed softly. She was right. Opalin had a one-track mind if something intrigued her.
My aunt and I spoke for a few more minutes, then said our goodbyes.