Chapter 10: Closer to a Villain

Ser? Tev ignored the realization he’d now begun to think of her so informally.

Her eyes flicked around the room.

Wondering the same thing as me probably. How many in here might be Firoque?

Tev ordered them dinner. Trying desperately to evade the acrid odors around him. In general, he tried to veer around alehouses of any kind as his heightened smell often found them repugnant. The rare exception was when Bast drug him in. And then I generally spend most of the following day heaving in the grass.

Damn him anyway.

The greased bird arrived on an oversized platter. Garnished with something so overcooked it was black.

“It looks delicious!” Serdephe proclaimed. Greedily pulling chunks from the bird.

How could it possibly be delicious?

It looks like it was cooked three days ago.

“Do you even know what you’re eating?”

“Bird.”

Yes, but what kind?

“Are you certain?”

Because I’m not.

“I am not.” She looked at it thoughtfully. “But what else would it be?”

“A feline, perhaps.”

She shrugged. “Well, whatever it is, it’s delicious!” A bit of grease eased over her chin.

Tev reached out and cupped her chin. Rubbing away the bit with his thumb and smearing it on a bit of cloth at the table.

“You’re always proper, aren’t you?” She blinked large turquoise eyes.

“I try to be around you.” He tilted his head at her. “I have to be guarded.”

“Why?” She looked so morose he was immediately contrite.

“Because you’re a fascinating woman. Nearly flawless.”

“You think me flawless?” She beamed. Shoulders easing up in excitement.

“You are.”

“Thank you!” She dropped the remnant of bird and reached to clasp his hands.

Hers were so small and soft, he found he didn’t mind they were caked in grease. He didn’t move, letting her touch remain.

“You’ve no idea how long I wanted to be close to you. To talk to you. How I missed you…” Sincerity rang in her voice.

“It sounds like you were perhaps infatuated with an idea of me.”

Like some legendary hero.

“No, if anything you’d be closer to a villain.”

What! He reared back in surprise.

Clearing his throat, he directed. “Do explain.”

“You only arrive at night. You’ve gazed on me unclothed lying with the wolves. You’ve put your hands on my undergarments. You’ve crept around following me.” She said matter-of-factly. “You’re closer to a villain.”

He blanched. “It does sound rather awful when you word it such.”

And I’ve no logical defense.

She’s right.

“I don’t mind.” She went back to eating her meat.

Whatever it is. And Teverius immediately missed her greasy little hands on his.

“You called for me?”

Recognizing the voice, Teverius looked up in horror, and met the gold eyes of his friend. He’d materialized at the edge of their table to stare down at Tev.

Bloody Hell! How many of us are in this tavern tonight?

“Who are you?” Serdephe asked awestruck. “You’re so…pretty.” She reached a caressing hand to his cheek. Then stroked his hair lovingly.

“Don’t touch him. You don’t know where he’s been.” Tev found himself automatically swatting her hand away. Only for it to promptly return.

“So soft.” She murmured as she caressed his gold hair. “Who are you?”

“I am Teverius’ friend, Sebastian.” Bast tugged a strand she’d just fondled and inspected the sheen of grease now matting it.

Her eyes snapped to Tev and the dull haze faded away. “You’ve friends? You didn’t tell me! I thought you were like me.”

She sounds betrayed.

“He is like you.” Bast dismissed. Sliding onto the bench next to Serdephe.

Simply to watch me writhe. Tev knew. Feeling a flicker of annoyance.

Bast grinned like a mad man. Watching the flush creep up Tev’s face.

“You know I don’t find you amusing.” Tev hissed.

“I’m told that often.”

Serdephe stared up at Bast next to her. Petting his collar and bicep lovingly and cooing in admiration.

Stop touching him! He willed her.

Blue eyes narrowed on Bast. “Are you enjoying yourself?”

Serdephe was so engrossed in her attention to the golden man she hadn’t realized she’d consumed two cups of ale already.

“Immensely. Why didn’t you tell me?” Bast queried impassively.

About her.

“Tell you what?”

Bast leaned forward. “Oh, we want to play impervious. I can play. I can sit here all night…”

Tev’s face was growing hot and he felt his skin whitening. Blue eyes flaring as he watched every loving stroke Serdephe gave Bast’s hair and arm. Like one pets a favored cat.

Bast tskd. “No need for that, Little Brother.”

My jealousy.

“This, is why I didn’t tell you.” Tev said acidly.

“Is this where your Demon Dogs have gone?” Bast cast a dismissive glance at the pretty purple-haired creature next to him.