Blood & Stone by J. V. Roberts

Author:J. V. Roberts [Roberts, J. V.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-12-25T22:00:00+00:00

24

Emily caught Coen near the outer bailey; he was soaked through with sweat and adjusting the armor on his chest.

“Do you have a minute to speak?” she walked up behind him and cradled one of his elbows.

“Just one; I’ve still got to get to the market and report for duty.” He turned; there was a fresh cut above his right eyebrow, still glistening with blood.

“Coen! What happened?”

He pushed her hands away as she reached for his face. “I’m fine, really. I’ve just got to work a bit harder on the high guard.”

“Eirik better watch himself with you or I’ll pummel him next.”

“No, please don’t. I think that’s what’s got him all riled up in the first place.”

“He did ask for it.”

“That’s what I hear. Speaking of which, why aren’t you with the Queen?”

Emily felt a swell of leftover frustration. “Apparently my services are no longer needed in the capacity they once were. She’d rather have some perfect stranger at her side than her oldest friend.”

“The merchant woman?”

“Lerah.”

“Perhaps she sees something in her.”

“Oh yeah, she definitely sees something in her.”

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing,” Emily sighed.

Coen rubbed the tops of her arms reassuringly. “You know Roserine loves you. She’s your best friend. No one can take your place. She’s doing what’s best for you and giving you a break. You need it.”

“You’re going on duty. I don’t have any other friends. What am I supposed to do with myself?”

“Um, I don’t know. Lay in the sun? Take up sewing? Get drunk?”

She couldn’t help but smile, not when it came to him. “Is that what you would do?”

“Aye, I’ve been known to do a bit of sewing when I’m drunk.”

“Perhaps you’ll show me some of your secrets later.”

“Perhaps,” he said. “So what is it you wanted to talk to me about?”

“Oh yes, you almost made me forget. Roserine wants to know if you can take Dominic out for a few drinks later this evening, perhaps get him talking and see what you can find out about him and his people.”

“The big guy that almost killed Eirik?”

“Yes.”

“I’m not sure I’m the best guy to be…I mean…I just became a soldier.”

“That’s why you’ll be great for it. You don’t look like a soldier.”

“Thanks!”

“Oh, c’mon, you know I don’t mean it like that. I mean that…you’ve still got a personality and more than one facial expression.”

“And what makes you think he’s going to open up to me?”

“Just tell him you want to take him out for drinks as a way of welcoming him to Anthena. Tell him you do it for all the newcomers…that it’s a tradition. When you’ve got a few drinks in him, see what you can pry loose.”

“And if he refuses…or worse, attacks me?”

“It’s not like you’ll be the only ones in there. I doubt he’ll attack in a crowded room, let alone attack at all. Eirik provoked him. Hell, the old fool had it coming.”

“Emily! Stop saying that.” Coen looked around nervously.

“Oh please, I’m not one of his soldiers.”

“No, but I am.

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