The Lost Hero - Chapter 5

If Juen had thought the Champion hostile before, she discovered she had grossly underestimated the depths of his dislike. Even Ninan commented on it. The man stared after the Champion’s retreating back with a thoughtful frown.

“Prickly as a hinta toad?” Juen suggested.

“Nor like,” Ninan drawled. He caught himself and answered more formally. “What was that about? Did you say something to him?”

She hadn’t spoke to the Champion since the demon attack. In fact, she had not had an actual conversation with him at all. A few exchanges, some civilities, if they could be called that. Pointed glares.

Ninan jogged to keep pace as she hurried down the stairs.

“Captain? Captain Gotkasi!”

He turned, face carefully blank. She recognized the expression from her life in court and knew he must be seething. The air around him was almost hot.

“Yes, your majesty?”

What should she say?

“I did not thank you, sir, for saving my life yet again.”

“My pleasure.” His tone grated the words into something altogether insincere. “I am needed elsewhere, ma’am. Was there something…?”

She planted herself firmly by his side. “Where?”

He actually blinked, as if taken aback by her effrontery. She didn’t go quite as far as threading her arm through his. Not that she would ever do such a misguided thing; she liked her fingers right where they were.

“The temple,” he said finally.

“May I accompany you? I have not yet seen it.”

He wanted to brush her off. But his eyes flicked to the King’s House and he gave a half bow. “As you will.”

They attracted curious looks as they passed through the markets. Ero greeted his soldiers. Townsfolk waved. A herdsman clapped his shoulder, grinning around a pipe. A baker proffered a steaming roll, another a meat pie. Offers for a drink or meal followed them through the city.

They all seemed unconcerned when he declined with curt politeness.

“Next time, my lad!”

“Always have a warm plate for you!”

A pretty woman fluttered her eyelashes coyly. “Are you sure? They’re your favorite!”

Juen watched this all with interest. He must have some personality behind his surly manners. Careful questions to the staff and soldiers showed he was well-liked, genuinely respected by the Athusans.

“Ero! Unon!”