Page 35 of Sworn to the Shadow Throne

“I overstepped—”

“I’m sorry—”

One side of my mouth quirked up as his did the same.

“You’ve done so much. At least allow me to help with preparing dinner tonight,” he said. “I’m good with a knife.”

He’d walked on his own—a good sign. Nevertheless, a sense of melancholy washed over me. He’d be well enough to depart soon.

I slid a cutting board and a few potatoes toward him as he braced himself against the counter. “Try to keep the pieces even. They’ll cook better that way.”

“Is it that obvious I’ve never cooked?”

“A guess.” My eyes drifted over his armor. “I’ll get you a knife.”

“No need.” An obsidian blade appeared in his hand before I could take a step.

“Whoa,” I breathed, still amazed at the careful display of such intricate magic.

Brilliant, Luna. Truly eloquent.

But he smiled, and we fell into an easy rhythm. He worked quickly and did a better job of it than I’d expected. I hadn’t even managed to form a proper dough for tonight’s bread.

I didn’t realize I’d started humming until he asked, “Is that your trade? Healing for coin?”

“Goods, mainly.”

His expression shifted, voice quieter now, eyes steady, he said, “In that case, I deeply apologize for my behavior. Damaging your business was not befitting a…me.”

That hesitation again. Whatever he was, the word mattered.

The only question was whether he did it to deceive me or protect me. At least he hadn’t accused me of being his jailer again. Small victories.

“I want to heal you more tonight,” I said. “Get you moving faster.”

His attention sharpened instantly, settling on me with a heavy, physical pressure like two strong hands on my shoulders, ensuring I held myself upright. “On one condition.”

A nobleman—gods, a man—offering terms instead of issuing orders? A miracle.

“And that is?” I asked, unable to hide my curiosity.

“You sleep in your own bed tonight. You need rest if you’re going to recover properly.”

“But you’re—”

He shook his head, messy brown hair shifting with the movement. “I can sleep on the floor. And I’m no threat to your virtue, Lunette.” His eyes were still on me, assessing in a way that made my heart beat faster.

Wish you were. The thought came unbidden. But it was true.

My cheeks heated. “Oh, my virtue is long gone.”

The wicked smile he hid—badly—was worth the emotional ups and downs of the day. And, gods help me, being seen had never felt dangerous in a good way before.

Having him here was becoming more and more risky for my heart.

Chapter 12

Owain