79 Men at Work

ETAN

Later, Etan returned to the ballroom with no fanfare. He slunk into the shadows and stood aside for a time before eventually joining Borsche near the front of the Great Hall, much closer to Ayleth, which, in the candlelight soothed his aching heart.

Borche was still tense and angry, his smile had an edge that Etan rarely saw, and his eyes were blades, threatening to cut the throat of any that would challenge him.

Etan thought he'd approached quietly, while Borsche was busy entertaining a cluster of young nobles who wished to see his magic tricks. But soon after Etan stopped behind him, Borsche made his apologies and turned as if he'd known Etan was there the whole time.

"You came back too close to Lady Sarya. It looked suspicious to anyone paying attention.

Etan frowned. "She left the garden a full half hour before I came in."

"You saw her out there?"