Chapter 7

T he Unruly Rook tavern in central Kos was loud with the hum of conversation, the clinking of steins, and the occasional burst of raucous laughter.

Kaxim sat at a corner table, nursing a mug of ale. He stared into the frothy liquid, his thoughts far from the bustling room.

His shirt gaped open, and he stroked his scarlet and copper-burnished quill pendant, lost in thought.

He mulled his orders from Killen to return to the South to guard her .

The command still rankled him, and he took a long swig of his drink, trying to drown the annoyance inside him.

His íkan rippled, and he glanced up as an arresting figure swaggered into the tap house.

The newcomer’s eyes darted in lethal sweeps as the patrons parted, bowing in respect as the King’s distinctive Second Armorer prowled in.

Spotting Kaxim, the fearsome warrior’s face transformed, his lips curling with a smirk, as he drew close and clapped a hand around the Commander’s shoulder.

Moments later, he slid into the seat opposite the burly, brooding Sāb?r Hawk.

His eyes danced with a light that spelled trouble.

When a server showed up at the table, Kione quickly ordered, and a tankard appeared almost in moments.

He slugged it back with growling pleasure, and several females in the room stared with open appreciation.

The lean, handsome Golden Krypós Eagle, known as ‘Night Frost,’ was unnaturally sexually attractive, and his irresistibility made women throw themselves at him.

He was also a lover of life, and tonight was no exception.

Kaxim glowered at him as he smacked his lips and raised a hand to get another drink. ‘Do you ever stop?’

‘Having an enjoyable time? Never. On the other hand, you need to embrace more sunshine, light-hearted shit, and giggles.’

‘Fokk off,’ Kaxim growled.

‘So,’ Kione continued, grinning as he hoisted his mug and drank before slamming the vessel back on the table. ‘I hear you’re heading back to the South. You know, to protect your precious asset.’

The handsome eagle added an exaggerated waggle of his eyebrows for emphasis.

Kaxim shot him a withering glare. ‘She’s not mine,’ he grunted.

But Kione, ever the provocateur, leaned in closer, undeterred.

‘Not yet,’ his companion said, nodding as if he understood. ‘Just the woman you’ve been tasked to keep guard over and one you could make yours if you put some ass into it. Also, one that a little bird tells me you’re soul and k?tu bonded to. All normal. Nothing suspicious there at all.’

Kaxim’s grip on his mug tightened, the wooden handle creaking under the pressure. ‘Fokkin’ Killen, what more did he tell you?’

‘Everything,’ Kione grinned.

‘Did he say I’m going after her because I’m freakin’ following his orders? I’m a soldier. I comply with commands. It’s got nothing to do with her.’

‘Uh-huh,’ his friend drawled, not convinced. ‘Just commands, right? No interest in her whatsoever. Not even a little bit? Because from where I’m sitting, it appears like you’re feeling something riotous for her, mooning like a love-sick eaglet.’

Kaxim slammed his mug on the table, ale sloshing over the sides. He leaned forward, his patience fraying. ‘I swear, you fokkin’ goat sucker, if you don’t shut it now—’

‘What? You’ll slit my throat like a satanic night jar?’ his friend interrupted, laughing as he held up his hands in mock surrender. ‘Oh, come on, admit it, soldier! You’re pissed because you want to run to her, but you can’t figure out why.’

The burly Commander glared at Kione’s handsome face bathed in mirth, the words striking too close to the truth for his liking. ‘I don’t want to go back,’ he snapped. ‘I’m only going because I have to.’

‘Bull and falcon shit,’ Kione repeated, still not backing down. ‘But on a solemn freakin’ note, what’s the major deal? She must be a stunning woman, for you’d never fall for anything less who needs your protection. I’d say you’re living the dream. Who wouldn’t want to play the hero?’

‘I’m not playing naught, you weak-winged bustard,’ Kaxim cursed, his temper flaring. ‘This isn’t some romantic saga to entertain your ass, it’s my duty. And I’m not interested in—’

‘—women?’ his friend finished, chuckling. ‘Tis true you’ve never been quite captivated in women. But this one’s different, isn’t she?’

Kaxim’s eyes narrowed, his voice dropping to a dangerous growl. ‘You’re treading on thin ice.’

‘Am I?’ his companion retorted, still unfazed. ‘Or am I just pointing out the obvious? You can’t stand the thought of leaving her unprotected, and it’s driving you mad that you care.’

Kaxim’s jaw ticked, eyes gleaming with danger, every muscle in his body tense. ‘Fokkin’ dickcissel. You don’t know what you’re talking about.’

‘Perhaps,’ Kione chuckled, leaning back with a smug grin. ‘But just remember, you’re growing old. Having a fine woman keep your bed warm is not bad for when your wings fade and your sword dulls.’

‘Speaking of, how is Kamilla?’ the Commander grunted. ‘Is she giving in to your torment and warming you at night?’

Kione blanched and lunged across the table.

Kaxim smirked as he ducked out of reach.

‘You win, you freakin’ sky tyrant!’ the angular eagle murmured, holding his hands in surrender as he backed away, still chuckling.

Yet his eyes held a trace of sadness, for the woman they spoke of was the unrequited love of Kione’s life.

Kaxim sat back, his blood still boiling, but he gave his mate a pass. ‘You can stay and finish this drink with me only if you promise to lay off the kríffin .’

His friend raised his tankard in concession.

Kaxim muttered a string of curses under his breath, downing the rest of his ale in one gulp. He didn’t need Kione’s teasing about his ominous task—or lessons in how to feel about it.

But as much as he hated to admit it, his friend’s words lingered, gnawing at the back of his mind.

Maybe he was more intrigued by Liana than he thought, and that pissed him off most of all.