A Kingdom of Venom and Vows (Stars and Shadows #3)(73)

I wanted to keep her safe from any danger or worry, yet I knew that no matter how hard I tried, I could never shield her completely.

She had proven time and again that she was more than capable of protecting herself, but guilt still ate me alive at the memory of her having to do so.

"I'd like to talk to Adara before we decide anything."

"Of course." My mother nodded as I stood. "Although tonight might not be the night. I overheard Adara and Thalia talking about your plans to head to The Olde Vine tonight.”

My chest ached at the thought. I had barely seen Thalia smile, let alone hear her laugh, since the battle—since we lost Jorah.

"I better go then. Who knows what those two are getting into."

My mother smiled before I pushed through the door and made my way to them.

They were both huddled together near the door, whispering to one another as I walked toward them, and Sorin stood at their side with his gaze hardly leaving Thalia. He glanced up at me for only a moment as I approached, then his eyes went right back to her.

"The queen tells me that you two might be up to some trouble tonight."

Adara's gaze shot in my direction, and the smile that was already on her face widened until the corners of her eyes crinkled. "There you are."

She moved in my direction, and I wrapped my arms around her as soon as her body hit my chest. She pressed up on her tiptoes until her mouth was closer to mine, and I breathed in the intoxicating scent of her as I held her tighter against me.

"Have you already been drinking?" My words were whispered for only her to hear.

"You were taking too long, and Thalia was trying to back out of coming."

I looked up and stared at my friend as she leaned against the wall. Her gaze was glued to her feet, and I hadn't seen her look up at Sorin once even though he was still watching her.

"So you filled her with wine?"

"Exactly." Adara grinned, and my breath caught in my throat. "Sometimes you just need to forget."

"Okay." I nodded, even as worry for my friend stirred in my gut. "Let's go help her forget."

I pressed my lips against hers, and she let out the tiniest moan that made me want to forget everyone else, haul her over my shoulder, and force her back to our bedroom.

But this was important. Adara was worried about Thalia, we all were, and I hated seeing that empty and unseeing look in her eyes.

Adara slowly pulled away from me, and I let her go before she moved to Thalia and wrapped her hand in hers. Thalia gave her a smile, a forced one, but Adara didn't let it stop her.

She never let anything stop her.

Sorin followed after them wordlessly as they headed out the door, and I caught up to him and walked at his side.

"She talk to you today?" I asked quietly so Thalia wouldn't hear me.

He shook his head and his brow furrowed as he watched her walk in front of us. "I feel like I should be doing more. Doing anything."

"Our friend died, Sorin. Her friend died." I swallowed as the guilt over his death washed over me. "She just needs time."

"Yeah." He nodded even though I could see the doubt in his narrowed eyes.

Sorin was in love with Thalia. He had been for as long as I could remember, but so had Jorah.

And I had no idea what was running through Thalia's mind besides the blazing rage that radiated from her even though she tried to hide it.

The streets were filled with people bustling through the street, and Adara waved and hugged everyone who approached her as we moved toward the pub.

My mother had spoken of my kingdom's respect for me, but they were all looking at her.

"Come to The Olde Vine." She held the hand of an older woman who had approached her before her gaze slid to mine for only a moment. "Drinks are on the prince."

I chuckled even as the woman's eyes lit up.

As we arrived at The Olde Vine, the sound of laughter and music filled the air. Adara led us to a table in the corner, and I pulled out her chair before pulling mine as close to her as I could get it.

I slid my hand on her thigh as Thalia called over the barkeep and ordered us all a round of drinks. Sorin sat at her side, as close as he could get, but she had yet to look at him.

Adara's brow furrowed as she watched her friend, but I slid my other hand around the back of her neck and pulled her to me.

"You look exceptional tonight. Are you sure we shouldn't just head back home?" I ran my nose along her cheek and breathed her in.

She laughed as she looked up at me. Her hand pressed against my chest, and I loved the way her fingers dug into the fabric, betraying her words. "No. We're here to distract our friends tonight."

"Fine," I grumbled, and she laughed harder.

"Come on, Thalia." She reached out for her hand, and I was forced to drop my hold on Adara. "Let's go dance."

There was a hesitancy in Thalia's gaze, and even though I thought she would deny her, she stood and followed Adara out onto the worn, wooden floor.

Sorin tracked their movements, and I did the same.

Adara threw her head back in laughter at something Thalia said, and the smallest smile lit up Thalia's face.

Sorin sucked in a breath just as the barkeep sat our drinks down on our table.

"Thank you."

He nodded once before getting right back to work.