Page 28 of Felix and the Spy
“You should take Amara,” Tranagard said, watching her movements.
His heart skipped a beat at the mention of her name.
“Maybe I will.”
* * *
Felix managed to finish work by six that evening. There were a few reports to clear thanks to his prolonged absence. When he reached the entrance, he realized that Amara wasn’t at work. She must’ve left earlier. With a sigh, he began walking in the direction of his house. He’d really wanted to see her, to talk to her. Their eyes had met at work, but he hadn’t been able to get in a single word.
A shadow, elongated by the dying twilight, covered his shoes. Felix looked up, his eyes falling on a pair of deep browns. His heart thundered.
“I followed you from work,” Amara said. “I hope I didn’t scare you.”
“No, not at all.” She fell into step next to him. They didn’t touch, but he wanted to hold her soft, bronzed hand. Even kiss it. “In fact, I wanted to talk to you about something.”
“Is it work?” she asked. He deliberately walked slower, wanting to prolong the journey back home.
“Yes. King Delton has invited me to the birthday of Princess Noire and Blanche this weekend. I’m to make an appearance with someone from Sapphire Serpents. I asked Trangard, but he’s busy.”
“So, you’re asking me out?” she questioned him.
“It’ll be strictly professional. I need someone to attend the ball with me.”
“I can’t dance to save my life,” Amara said. “And I don’t own a single piece of clothing suitable for a princess’s birthday.”
His heart deflated in his chest. Did she feel uncomfortable being seen with him in public? Is that why she’d followed him from work instead of waiting? Of course, this was a secret affair.
“I’ll see if I can arrange something suitable to wear,” she went on. “What time am I supposed to show up?”
“Six in the evening. We can go together. The king is sending me a carriage. I’ll pick you up.”
They passed by several stone houses. People were returning home after a long day. Twilight was a novel experience for Felix, who’d only ever seen darkness. Yet, when he was with her, everything seemed special—like he was in a brand-new phase of life, making precious memories he’d remember for a long time.
“You don’t know where I live,” she said.
“Do you want to tell me?”
“Better.” Amara’s warm fingers closed over his, a glint appearing in her eye. “I’ll show you.”
At once, all the butterflies sleeping in his heart danced. She dragged him along, but he didn’t move. “Are you sure?”
“We’re having an affair, Felix. Did you forget? Spending most of your time in my bed is part of the experience.” His face turned red at the mention of the word ‘bed.’ Suddenly, she let his hand go, worried. “Do you need a break? Am I going too fast?”
“No!” He grabbed her hand and marched ahead. She fell into step by his side. “I…It’s too good to be true. I keep thinking you’ll change your mind.”
“Why?”
Because I’m too old for you. There’s nothing special about me.
“Just old fears. Losing someone you love makes you worry about things like that.” He watched the streetlights come on, lit by a man.
She squeezed his hands, and he saw that a sheen of moisture had appeared over her eyes. She turned her face away with a low hum. “I know.”
He pulled her closer until their shoulders were touching. “Let’s talk about something else. What do you like to do when you’re not working?”
“You mean besides having secret affairs? I enjoy reading. You know that.”
“Yes, I remember you said you like reading romance novels.”
