Marietta wanted to hug Amryth; it was perfect.
“Watch the entrances,” Keyain said, turning to the guards that traveled with them. “Nyx and Allyn, take the back alley. Wynn, I want you inside, but near the door. The rest, keep a close eye on the street.”
The guards placed their fists over their hearts before departing, all but Wynn, who had a bemused stare at Keyain. He clasped his shoulder as he passed, Keyain scowling at the action.
Marietta stifled her laugh as she wove through the tables, choosing a table at the edge of the dance floor at the center of the room. Keyain hastily pulled out her chair as she sat, then took the one next to her, hand gripping her thigh.
“Amryth, sit, please.” Marietta gestured to the seat across from her, earning a look from Keyain. “We’re doing things my way now. Loosen up a bit, will you? Always a pain in the ass.”
He glowered at her, anger radiating from his gaze. Gods, even saying that line didn’t crack a smile on him. Good, let him stew in his anger.
Their arrival caught the attention of the tavern dwellers. Soldiers from the other tables glanced over, some paying andleaving the tavern. The musician troupe changed from casual tavern songs to a more melodic and formal tune.
A barmaid wandered over to the table, smoothing out her apron before she approached. “My lord, my lady, a pleasure to have you in our establishment this evening. What can I serve you?“
“Two shots of your strongest liquor for each of us, a mug of ale each, and the next round for the guards in the tavern,” Marietta spoke up before Keyain, earning a glare from him.
The barmaid paused with a slight smile curling to her lips. “Certainly, my lady,” she said with a dip of her head before heading to the bar.
“Really?” Keyain hissed. “The next round for my soldiers?”
“Look at them,” she said with a sigh. “They’re all on edge because you’re here.”
“I’m on edge because I’m here, too.” He glared at Wynn over his shoulder.
“Trust me. The gesture will go a long way.” She reached for his hand, the action calming him a bit.
“Sure, because everything you plan always turns out fine.” Sarcasm laced his tone as she dragged a hand through his hair.
Marietta turned to Amryth. “This is where guards come to let steam off after their shift, right?”
She nodded. “One of the main taverns we’ll go to, at least.”
Marietta turned back towards Keyain. “Let them realize that you also need time to unwind, like a normal person.”
“I’m their superior. I have to show restraint.”
The barmaid approached, setting down the drinks before heading off to the other tables, letting them know Keyain paid for the next round. A few lifted their glasses in response to their tables. Keyain offered a wave and a tight smile in response.
“See? Now,” she held out her shot glass to the center of the table, “to a night like the old days.”
Keyain sighed, picking his glass up before clinking it with Amryth and Marietta’s. They threw back the shots, the alcohol burning more than she expected.
“Never thought I’d be sharing a drink with you at the Snapdragon, Keyain.” Amryth shook her head, mouth puckered from the shot.
“Never thought I would sit in a tavern with Marietta again.” Keyain looked over his shoulder. “I’m going to excuse myself for a moment. Another one of my captains is at that table, so I should say hello.” He got up, taking his other shot, bringing his ale with him.
Amryth raised her brows at Marietta. “I didn’t think he’d let this happen.”
Marietta took another shot. “Gods bless the King for his timely intervention.”
Amryth chuckled in response, pushing her second shot aside.
Marietta looked at the music troupe with a frown. “If I’m going to dance tonight, then I need something livelier. I’m going to chat with them.”
Amryth rolled her eyes but didn’t stop Marietta as she stood, approaching the musicians and their sweet, lolling song. Unlike back in Enomenos, they had metal devices attached to a funnel that amplified their sound—another benefit of magic.
As the song ended, Marietta clapped, saying, “Beautiful, you are all quite talented. Have you played in Enomenos?”
