Blade of Secrets (Bladesmith #1)(43)

“I’m going on a walk,” I tell Petrik. “Can you hide my absence and keep an eye on Temra?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you.”





CHAPTER

TWELVE



I never walk the streets alone, not if I can help it. Even back in Lirasu, I wouldn’t go anywhere unless Temra was free to join me. I can’t help but be wary of everyone and everything. Because no matter what, it all feels like a threat.

I startle at every sound and have to eye every stranger I pass, ensuring none of them is Kymora. And damn this town, but everyone is too friendly, saying hello whenever I pass them by.

I don’t want to talk. Why can’t everyone just keep to themselves?

Careful not to get lost, I finally get the courage to ask for directions to the Dancing Kiwi Tavern. Turns out a kiwi isn’t just a fruit but yet another kind of flightless bird. I stare up at the image of the squat bird with a long, thin beak painted on the sign above the door.

He’s probably not even inside. It’s not like he’s going to spend his days just sitting in the public area all day. No, he’ll be off enjoying the city. Although it is lunchtime. So maybe he’s eating?

Honestly, I can’t tell if I want him to be inside or not. I sort of want to talk to Kellyn, but I’m also equally terrified of it.

But I need to talk him out of a weapon, and I can’t do that if I don’t actually speak to him.

Pathetic.

Pathetic.

Pathetic.

That word rings in my ears in Temra’s voice. She’s usually so supportive of my weaknesses, but I can’t help but think that was all a lie and she’s finally told me how she really feels.

If it were Temra, she wouldn’t think twice about going to talk to a boy. She would be confident, smiling, ready to take on anything.

For just a second, I pretend I’m her, and I enter the tavern.

My first objective is simple: Don’t panic, and find an empty table to sit at.

It only takes one quick perusal to confirm there are no empty tables.

I can’t sit next to someone I don’t know. That leaves the stools near the front counter. There are seven of them. There’s a person in numbers one, three, four, and seven. Which means no matter which stool I sit in, I’ll be next to someone.

That won’t work, either.

Panic sets in.

I can’t stand here, and I can’t sit.

Walk out.

I should definitely walk back out.

But what if someone saw me walk in here, saw me panic, and then turn around?

It shouldn’t matter. They’re all strangers. Who cares?

My face heats up like I’ve just gotten the most wicked sunburn, my palms are shaky, and I swear everyone in the room is looking at me.

I hear laughter coming from one of the tables. It’s probably directed at me. This was so stupid. Why did I—

“Bladesmith.”

His voice cuts above all the other noises in the tavern, and I find myself relaxing at it.

“Mercenary.”

Kellyn comes into view. He’s clean. Obviously, he took advantage of a bath and fresh clothing. He smells nice. Like lemons and grass. Some sort of local soap?

He’s also shaved. His beard was darker than his golden-red locks on the road, a burnt red. But now he’s fresh and smooth. It’s impossible to miss his smile.

“What are you wearing?” he asks, barely concealing a laugh.

I glance downward and feel my stomach turn over.

I’d completely forgotten I was still in this hideous dress.

“I promise it wasn’t my first choice.” And right now, I honestly wish I were back in my dirty traveling clothes rather than this.

But blessedly, Kellyn doesn’t say another word about it. “There’s no way you’ve finished my weapon already,” he says.

“I haven’t.”

He nods, sticking out his lips in thought. “Care for a drink?”

I’ve never really cared for alcohol before, but—“Sure.”

He heads over to one of the tables. It’s empty now. I didn’t even notice he was the one sitting in it when I did my cursory glance. Kellyn pulls out a chair, presumably to sit in it, but he looks to me expectantly.

What is happening?

He doesn’t mean for me to—

Before I can finish the thought, I’m sitting in the chair.

He’s being polite and courteous. As if we’d planned to meet together. As if he’d asked to take me out.

I should say something, I think as soon as he takes his own seat. I’m the one who came to him. He’ll expect me to initiate conversation. Why is this so hard?

Pathetic.

Pathetic.

Pathetic.

“Did you meet your family?” he asks.

After my initial surprise, I answer, “I did.”

“And?”

“I don’t think I like them.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

At the next pause, I blurt, “The problem is that Temra loves them.”

“Ah.”

A drink is set before me. I didn’t even notice Kellyn ordering it. The serving maid gives the mercenary a very unnecessary smile before striding off on swaying hips.

I stare at the cup, glad to have something to hold to keep my hands busy.