FOREVER KNIGHTS: #13 Salvaging Souls

She looked thoughtfully over at the wall of glass doors to his parlor which were all propped open. Sending filmy drapes flowing in the winter breeze. “Don’t you get cold?”

He glanced over. “No.”

He lurched forward and set his glass down. Worry entering his voice. “Are you?”

She could be cold. Perhaps I should close them.

“No, Bodin. I’m fine.” She eyed him. “Were all your mannerisms contrived?”

He nearly spit his brandy back in his glass. “You mean the effeminate ones?”

She blushed.

“Don’t be embarrassed now.” He chided.

Not after you implied, I preferred men on many an occasion!

“Yes…” She admitted.

“Yes, they were.” He settled more deeply into the plush divan as she delicately seated on the one opposite him.

After a long pause she awkwardly asked. “So, what is our mission?”

“We’re travelling to the Grier Citadel. It is King Nial’s birthday and he is having a great festival in celebration of it.”

“The Grier Citadel?” She blinked huge dark eyes and her mouth gaped. “How will we get in without an invite.

Rhyers flicked his wrist and spun his fingers. A small card flipping out between them which he smoothly transitioned into his hand to be in her view.

So, she could clearly see it was an invite to the festival.

He turned it between his fingers again and flicked them and before she could blink the card was gone. Tucked safely away.

Leaning forward, he set his glass down with a click on the long table between the divans. It’s going to be very dangerous and I’ll need you to stay close.

“If it’s so dangerous I’m surprised you’re letting me go.”

He levelled her a look and answered sincerely. “I’m reluctant to because it’s unsafe.”

Despite how much I want you with me.

“But it’ll be much harder for me to blend alone.”

“Women will flock to you and you won’t get a chance to sneak away.” She recognized.

His fine black brows shot up in surprise. “Precisely. Clever girl.”

She flashed a quick smile.

She never ceases to surprise me.

“When do we leave?” She lifted her chin.

She’d go today if I said so.

“In a sevennight. Can you have a gown done?”

“Yes.” She rose and he rose with her.

Walking her to the door and opening it for her. He escorted her to the front door and opened it. Exchanging a long look before she turned and took the stairs.

He glanced across the road winding through the city homes and saw an old woman across the street. Glancing at his bare feet and then back to Ebony leaving his house unescorted. Bloody hell.

A sevennight later found Rhyers awaiting Ebony in her drive in his carriage. When her butler opened the door and she emerged he was stricken with shock.

She wore a silver satin gown that illuminated her eyes to nearly gray. It was wound with dense blue ribbons folded into bows. She wore a black silk wrap over it and a black hat tilted atop her wound hair.

Gorgeous. Tiny as she was, she was breathtaking.

It’s going to be a tedious ride. It’d take a few hours to get across the Grier Border and around to the entrance of the citadel.

We’ll be hard pressed not to smash that dress squeezed into the carriage. He frowned.

But to his surprise, Ebony managed to hold uncharacteristically still for the duration of the ride.

Their carriage moved into a lengthy line of the vehicles as they crossed the moat bridge and entered the bailey. Horses hooves clattering over the wood. Their leads rattling. Carriage wheels churning as the elite of Grier and the surrounding countries arrived. Once inside the massive courtyard, they were directed where to disembark and where the drivers should park on the grounds surrounding the DanceHall. A building so large it was separate from the main fortress.

Rhyers climbed out first, dismissing the footman to hold the door for her. Bowing and offering her a hand down. Noting he could hear the

She took it delicately and stepped down. Looking around furtively.

“What do you see?”

“Many faces familiar from Lady Farthington’s are in attendance. I recognize their carriages. And others are just arriving as we are.”

“Does anyone look sickly?” He queried. Still staring attentively at her as she did the scouting for them.

“What do you mean?”

Firoque.

“Anyone that seams gray tinged or sickly.”

“A few.” She tilted from side to side to peer around him as he stayed bowed over so she could see.

“Is Lady Farthington here?”

“I don’t see her carriage.”

Hmm. Interesting…I’d thought it was being delivered to her. I followed the tracks here so whatever took the artifacts is likely still here. But he intended to escape the festival long enough to check the perimeter.

Rhyers entered with Ebony on his arm. Radiant in silver.

Eyes turned to them in astonishment. But he carefully introduced her as his ward, making people ease.

And saving her reputation.

Many eyes lingered on Ebony’s fine form in the shimmering dress. Men’s eyes appreciative. Women’s envious.

“I must break away.” He tilted sideways to whisper to her.

Much as I don’t wish to.

She nodded in understanding.

“How’s my wig?” He touched it to verify it sat steady.

She gave him a sideways look. “Positively atrocious.”

“Perfect.” He gave a satisfied nod. And released her hand to break away. Noticing that her hand lingered on his forearm. He cast it a quick look and she let go.

She didn’t want me to leave her? It warmed him a little to consider it.