The Lonely Rogue

Chapter 27 Caspian

Twenty minutes later and I had successfully fried up two helpings of scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast. Just in time, Junie came out of the bathroom in a comfortable looking outfit. She had on a pair of pink crop leggings and a navy blue tunic-style shirt. The shirt was low cut and revealing while her leggings were tight and accentuated her curves. I had no doubt she dressed like this on purpose.

"So, the king cooks?" She cocked an eyebrow at me as she observed her plate.

"I manage." I replied modestly. I pulled out the chair for her and she blushed as she took her seat.

"Is Vivian okay in there?" I asked, feeling a little strange about having her sleeping in the next room. Junie smiled,

"She'll probably sleep until we open." She shrugged before picking up her fork and knife.

"I was wondering....."

"Are you...."

We both spoke at the same time. Junie closed her mouth and looked away from my gaze and I mentally grumbled at myself for being such a blubbering mess.

"You go ahead." I said encouragingly. She tucked a loose curl behind her ear and glanced up at me. I swear, it was absolutely adorable.

"Sorry, I was just wondering about last week. Cole said you were in Louisiana and, well, I know you can't tell me about certain things and I don't expect you to, but I...." She was rambling now, looking flustered, so I reached across the table and touched her hand.

She froze, looking shocked by my gesture. Honestly, so was I.

"Junie, you can ask me anything you want, anything at all. I don't have secrets from you." I forced her eyes to latch onto mine, "I'll tell you anything you want to know." I promised.

She seemed surprised by this and took a deep breath before continuing on,

"Well, I was just wondering about your injury." She finally says.

"Right, Cole said you felt that." I said, retracting my hand as the guilt consumed me.

"It wasn't so bad. Honestly, I was surprised since we aren't marked and all." She said, the tension slowly leaving her face.

"I'm sorry you felt anything at all, I wasn't thinking. You and Vivian shouldn't have to suffer because of our actions." I said.

"Viv had it worse than me, she was so shocked by the connection. I was even more surprised that she could feel it." She said while stabbing at her eggs.

"It's because we're from the royal family, the connection is stronger." I explained and she nodded slowly.

"Of course, that makes sense." She said, "Anyway, are you.....did your injuries heal?" She asked hesitantly.

"Oh, yes, just a few silver arrows. Nothing more than a few scars left over." I shrugged lazily.

"Arrows? I thought only the Archers used those?" Her eyes pulled together in curiosity.

"I suppose the rogues are taking a page from our playbook." I said, "What about you? Were you okay?"

"Idiot, you should have asked her that a week ago." Jess huffed at me but I ignored him.

"The pain went as quickly as it came." She waved her hand dismissively before eating more of her eggs. I was proud to see that her plate was almost empty and my cooking had satisfied her.

"Good, I did my best to heal so you wouldn't be affected for long." I replied while absentmindedly watching her eat.

"What do you mean?" She asked.