Crescent (Book 1)

+ 48 +

Ajax can probably smell my fear. Being alone in the castle at night is bad enough. But being barefoot, with a satchel around my arm, I look like I'm running. Ceth won't just hurt me if he finds out what I'm doing. He'll hurt my family. Something so silly will cost me everything I've worked for.

My heart hammers. "I- I was..."

"Ajax isn't it?" Another voice says from behind. I curse myself for not having heard him. "Lady Brenna and I were just taking a stroll about the castle." Thayer appears from the dark beside me, hands behind his back looking calm and serene like always.

Ajax narrows his eyes at the pair of us, glancing at my bag. "We went to the kitchen," I add. "I was hungry, and Ambassador Astley was kind enough to join me. I didn't want to wake any of the servants."

Ajax's hand, I note, still holds the hilt of a sword sheathed at his side. The gesture is every bit as intimidating as he means it. His hand becomes a fist, and I know my fate is sealed as he motions toward me. Ceth will hear about this. "We should be getting you to bed, m'lady."

Thayer is far taller than Ajax- taller than anyone I've ever met. Though he's lanky, what little there is of him is all muscle. Lean and honed to hold his own in a fight. As Ajax steps toward me, I don't miss the careful tilt of Thayer's shoulder as he steps in front of me. "It would be a pleasure if you'd let me walk you the rest of the way," he says my way, but I already sense that I'm not going to be let off easy.

Ajax sniffs as if assessing the threat Thayer might pose if he pulled his sword on him right here and now. "I will escort you both back to your quarters then."

"Is there a problem here, sir?" Ajax stiffens as he reaches for my arm. Thayer raises a brow. "I didn't realize we were not allowed out of our rooms. If this is the case, then I was unaware. Unless, I am to understand that we are prisoners here?" Ajax has sense enough to swallow. "I'm sure Lord Shawcross will have no problem clarifying why it is that a diplomatic envoy- and his own lady- are being escorted back to their rooms."

Thayer is smart as hell, I realize. I know enough about an ambassador's rank to know that they hold a great deal of esteem in court. To offend an envoy is to offend their realm as well. Ajax's hand drops, but he gives me a look that tells me Ceth will deal with me later.

He steps into Thayer's space, chest puffed out, pride on full display. "No. Sir..." he gives a furtive smile. "There's no problem." He shoulders Thayer aside, but Thayer's polite smile remains as he watches Ajax stalk off.

"Thank-"

"We are not alone, m'lady," he bows, just as a few servants wander by. I can't find a way to say how grateful I am- not without revealing what I was doing. I only give him a tight smile and bow my head in return. "Breakfast will be served soon. I hope our adventure for snacks hasn't left you too full."

"No. In fact, I thought I might go and change before... before breakfast."

I smile again, and he must spy my hesitation. He's just as receptive as Gabriel- if only a little less disarming. "Would you prefer I escort you?"

I shake my head, the weight of the lie we told sitting between us. "No. I should go on my own. Will I see you at breakfast?"

He dips his head again, the many silver piercings dangling from the shells of his ears catching the light. "Until then."

He turns, but I catch myself calling out before I can stop myself. He pauses though he doesn't seem surprised. "May I ask you a favor? Another favor..." He motions for me to continue. "Can you keep this safe for me?"

The keys are still in the bag, and I know Ajax will approach sooner or later to see what's inside. There's no promise that Thayer might not go to Ceth himself. But he lied for me once. It has to be enough. Thayer takes the bag, not so much as batting an eye as he slides the strap across his chest. "When should I give it back to you, m'lady?"