Master of Iron (Bladesmith #2)(97)

“I’ll bet he runs screaming when he hears what’s about to be asked of the contestants.”

Kellyn turns to us. “Are we talking about the fellow with the mace? Who is he?”

“No one of consequence,” I answer honestly. Though my face heats of its own volition.

“Do you have a history?” The question sounds innocent enough, but I think I hear just a hint of something more in Kellyn’s tone.

“He’s the governor’s son, and he tried to kiss her once,” Temra says unhelpfully. “When Ziva refused him, he made up some story about her attacking him. In the end, the governor didn’t believe his lies, thankfully. But Asel took the slight personally. Even had some of his friends vandalize our place.”

Kellyn cocks his head to the side, sizing up Asel.

It’s laughable when I think about the two of them standing side by side.

Kellyn’s tall, strong frame compared to Asel’s shorter, lean one.

Kellyn’s gorgeous gold-red hair compared to Asel’s dark locks.

Kellyn’s beautiful face compared to Asel’s ugly features (at least they’re ugly to me).

Kellyn takes a step in Asel’s direction, and I pull at his arm the moment I realize he means to approach him.

“Stop that,” I tell him.

“I was just going to say hello to the governor’s son.”

“Why would you do that?”

Kellyn doesn’t answer as Asel suddenly looks in our direction—as though he finally felt our stares. His eyes widen at the sight of Kellyn, and I realize he must think him a competitor in the tournament at first. Then his eyes slide to mine, and they narrow in some mixture of confusion and distaste.

Abruptly, I feel a yank on my arms. I look up just before Kellyn’s lips press firmly against mine. My mouth opens in surprise, and Kellyn kisses me in a way that is entirely inappropriate in public.

I place my arms on his shoulders and push him back. “What are you doing? We talked about this.”

He blinks. “No kissing in public. Hand-holding is okay,” he says, remembering the conversation.

“So what was that?”

“I’m so sorry. I don’t know what just came over me.” Kellyn doesn’t release me from his hold, though our lips are no longer touching.

It’s thrilling to think of him becoming overwhelmed with the desire to kiss me, but still. I don’t understand the context.

“Were you—staking a public claim to me? In front of Asel?” I ask.

He purses his lips. “I think I was.”

“Because you feel threatened by that little slip of a boy?”

He has the good sense to look embarrassed. “He mistreated you,” he says. “I think I wanted to show him you picked someone better.”

I fight a grin. “Did I pick someone better?” I can’t help but tease him.

Kellyn glares at me. “Isn’t it just a little nice to show Asel that someone else finds you entirely desirable?”

“Yes. It is a little nice.”

“If you object to me talking to him, fine. But let me know if you ever want to use me to get revenge. Whether that includes public displays of affection or something else.”

I’m grinning like an idiot, worrying who might be watching, but unwilling to remove my eyes from this ridiculously handsome man.

“I’ll let you know,” I say.

Kellyn nods, steps back, then pulls me to his side so he can throw an arm around me again.

I slide what I hope is a sneaky peek at Asel.

He’s glaring at Kellyn.

I like that a lot.

“Ziva!” a voice says. I find the governor mere feet away, appraising me carefully.

“Governor Erinar,” I say. “How nice to see you again.”

“You’re back in the city! I feared my son’s poor behavior had you fleeing Lirasu for good.”

Asel was part of the reason we were going to leave the city for good. Something more pressing became the main reason, however. But I’m not about to explain all that.

I settle for “It was a warlord who chased me out of town, actually. The same warlord who is intent on attacking us now.”

Erinar’s features tighten. “Prince Skiro has explained the situation. We’ll be ready for her. It’s so good to have you back.”

“Thank you.”

The governor looks as though he wishes to say more, but I see him glance at Kellyn’s arm slung across my shoulders. Instead he turns his attention to the contestants. “Welcome to Lirasu, warriors! I’m sure many of you are wondering why you’ve been called together for an early rendezvous when the tournament is still a ways away. With me today is Ghadra’s very own Prince Skiro, of the territory to our east. A situation has arisen, and the prince has come to speak with you all.”

Erinar steps back from the edge of the stadium platform to allow Skiro to take the center.

“Greetings,” the prince says. “My sister, your sovereign, Princess Marossa, is on her way to us now with our fighting forces. She has entrusted me with making you all aware of the situation and requesting your aid in the upcoming battle.”

At the word battle, murmurs go up through the crowd of gathered warriors. And the few who were staring aimlessly out at the fighting grounds now have their full attention on the prince.