"Not at all, my lady. We were passing time at the training grounds anyway," Garrow said with a gentle smile. "Please, don't let us be the reason to decline your friend's invitation. We would be more than happy to escort you if you wish to see the city."
Maxi turned around in surprise. Riftan snatched the tassel from her hand and fumbled with the strings as he tied it to his belt. The brightly colored ornament clashed absurdly with the coarse leather belt. Maxi blushed, lamenting her unrefined taste.
She yanked his arm as he was trying to pick up the tunic he had thrown on the floor. She had intended to pull him back onto the bed, but their difference in weight made it impossible. Left with no other option, she climbed onto his lap. Riftan sat frozen with a vacant expression as she pressed her swollen lips to his.
Maxi stiffened when she saw the concern in the knight's eyes. Though she had been aware of the amount of time Riftan had been spending with her, she had never once thought it a serious problem.
As she shifted her gaze to where the nobles of Arex were gathered, she spotted Kuahel Leon, clad in a black vesture. Though clerics were only allowed to wear the vestments of the clergy, being a paladin conferred with a knighthood apparently gave him special permission to wear other ceremonial attire.
Accustomed to Ulyseon's excessive flattery by now, Maxi let out an awkward laugh. In her mind, it was Ulyseon's striking beauty that would draw more eyes.
Maxi regarded the basket with a troubled expression. The blackberries seemed inviting, but she felt a pang of guilt for accepting what was obviously intended for someone else. After much consideration, she shared the berries with Sidina and Anette, not wanting the rare treat to go to waste.
Sejuleu pointed to a fair-haired, freckle-faced knight sitting in a circle inside the tent. He was looking at Maxi with evident admiration. Feeling a cold sweat break out on her back, Maxi quickly withdrew her hand.
Everyone turned to see Calto striding into the room. Until now, he had been ensconced in his room after the debilitating effects of the immense shield he had cast.
Unlike her brothers, Anette seemed to have no problem understanding the rune's mechanics. A series of exclamations escaped her as she went through the pile, one parchment at a time.