A Crown Of Blades(ARTK, Book 3)

Chapter 109-110

Juhna 25th,3330 A.G

The continent's short warm period were turning out to be particularly warm, and yet neither could bring themselves to sit apart. Borrowing a carriage from the king and queen hadn't taken much convincing; neither of those two enjoyed them, so to have one of the things out of their sight for a while were a fine prospect. Eudo had hardly gotten the words out of his mouth before Renard were waving him off, delegating one of the servants to direct the horses.

  He were one of their most loyal men and soldiers- The king had said. When the war were over and peace came, he'd have far better rewards.

  Eudo would ride a horse again before then, he were sure- but he did not intend for it to be that week. And he hadn't understood what the king complained about with carriages; the one they'd been given were spacious, comfortable- though perhaps he would see it differently for longer rides.

  When it stopped and the servant tapped on it to let them know they'd arrived, he were tempted to keep going. That way he could stay with his skin against Arabella's (she'd taken to wearing a dress with shorter sleeves in the short warm period), listen to nothing but the sound of her breathing- but the look she gave eudo reminded him they were here for a reason.

  Before he could protest she'd gotten out first, walked around to his side and opened the door. The servant stood there with his finger in the air, mouth opening and closing- though he said  nothing. If he were to have a short break, he'd gladly take it.

  "You don't have to do-"

  "Getting into the carriage was difficult enough." With the arm that weren't holding the door open, she gestured to the inn before them. "I imagine getting out won't be any different."

  It were in his nature to argue, to refuse the help and stay annoyed over it a few hours- but the sternness in those eyes had him shutting his mouth before he could.

  And she were correct; getting out were no easier than getting in. It took the better part of twenty moments with one of her arms out, prepared to catch him should he stumble (he did not doubt that she could carry him if need be, having run an inn she'd likely kicked at least one drunk out by then) - but he did make it onto ground again. He reached back for his walking stick, but then it were already in his hand- Arabella beside him.

  He thought briefly of how some weren't as lucky; how the best help they ever received were a meal from a near dweller who pitied that they could not leave their bed alone. He imagined how many men like that there were in Sharean alone after that battle, but for them he only felt a little bad. It weren't something he'd wish on many people...... but nearly all Sharenian men were old fashioned fucks. (Find more medievaly word?)

  The inn were as busy as ever, with those Arabella had left in charge preparing for the evening meal- and Arabella screaming over the noise for someone to go get the man staying in the first room at the top of the stairs.

  Then she were right back into work mode, a village child were doing exactly as she said- and Eudo began to take a seat.

  He did not get the chance.

  He'd underestimated how many things would be affected by the loss of the leg, how difficult it would be to support his weight on the walking stick alone while he attempted to pull the chair out- so by the time that were done the man Arabella spoke of were down in the main room.

  They locked eyes from across it......

  And in that moment both simply knew.

  None who looked at them could call them anything but brothers, perhaps twins if they'd been closer in age( later, Eudo would find out they were ten years apart- a fact he'd overlooked as a child).