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He seemed about to turn away and I felt a surge of relief. Good. Let him go. I didn’t come here for another confrontation.
But Lancelet couldn’t let things go so easily.
She grabbed the sleeve of the man’s black shirt. “She’s the bloody princess, you brainless lump. Perhaps you’re the one who should watch where you’re going from now on.”
I groaned. “Really wish you hadn’t done that,” I muttered under my breath. For so many reasons, especially the ones she didn’t know about yet.
Lancelet turned to me, her eyes flashing. “As for you! Take that stupid hood off for once, Morgan. You don’t bloody well need it.”
And then she pulled it down for me.
There was silence. I felt as if the entire tavern had gone mute, but surely it wasn't that bad. Sure enough, I glanced around and saw that in one back corner, a group of men and women were still chattering.
Wonderful. Only most of the tavern had gone silent and were staring at me.
I smiled weakly, and raised a hand to lift my hood again, but Lancelet’s hand snapped over mine.
“Don’t you dare,” she hissed.
I glared at her.
The man was still standing there, watching everything. He must have heard what Lancelet said but he didn’t seem particularly impressed.
Finally, he spoke. “I didn’t know,” he said begrudgingly. “I beg your pardon. Princess.”
I tried not to snort. As if this man could have been humble if he tried.
“Thank you,” I said, trying for a modicum of grace. “It doesn't matter. Come, Lancelet.”
“Wait,” Lancelet demanded, putting up a hand. “Who the bloody hell are you, anyhow?”
The man frowned. “Kairos Draven. I’m one of the new members of the Royal Guard.”
“Oh, you are, are you?” Lancelet murmured
“Yes.” This time there was clear discomfort on his handsome face. Princess Morgan, I truly did not know. I apologize for...”
This was unbearable. Much worse than no apology at all.
“There is no need.” My voice was clearer and louder this time. “You did nothing wrong. The fault was mine. I stumbled. Kairos Draven, please go about your business.”
I grabbed Lancelet’s arm and dragged her away towards the table where Galahad still sat watching.
“What are you doing?” she demanded, as I pulled her away. “Make him pay. At least a little!”
I turned to her, my cheeks still blazing. “Make himpay? For what? For accidentally knocking into me once? This time he was not even at fault.”
I decided I was definitely not going to tell her about the incident in the forest.
“He pushed the man who pushed you,” Lancelet argued. “He’s arrogant and rude.”
I thought of the man’s rudeness in the forest the night before. He hadn’t known who he was then, so he had spoken the truth. His truth. I might not agree with him, but was I really going to punish him for speaking plainly to me?
That wasn’t my way. It was Arthur’s.
“Yes, he’s detestable. I’m not disagreeing. But you are the one who embarrassed me in front of a roomful of people,” I said quietly.
“You know she doesn’t like it when you pull her hood down,” Galahad chimed in helpfully from the table behind us. “I’ve, uh, taken the liberty of ordering a pitcher of spiced wine for us all.”
