Page 58 of Onyx Cage: Volume II
“Why does it always seem to sound fun to the two of you to be anywhere away from your responsibilities at court?” Prince Finn countered lightly.
“We meant all of us, Da’,” Gwyn shot back, casting a glance at Rowan that was far less subtle than her twin’s had been. “We could head to the lake.”
Prince Finn followed her gaze thoughtfully. “Logan?”
The king looked at his daughters, one of which was blankly staring into her coffee mug, then heaved a small sigh.
“Aye, I suppose ye should. Just stay away from the taverns.”
“And the—” Jocelyn began, but Davin cut her off.
“Yes, yes, Mamá. No brothels either.”
I did not choke on my coffee, but it was a bit of an effort. Storms, just when I thought I had experienced the pinnacle of inappropriate Lochlannian table conversation, one of them always managed a new height.
At least I could take comfort in how much discomfort it brought Korhonan to hear Davin be so forthright about his proclivities.
“So, what do you all think?” Gwyn asked the table, though she looked directly at Rowan. “We could steal away for the day.”
Rowan finally looked up, blinking rapidly in evident confusion. Her mother mouthed the wordlake,and Rowan sat up a little straighter in her chair, nodding her approval of the idea.
When?Gwyn was even less subtle than the queen with her silent words.
Rowan’s eyes went distant, the same way they always did when she was ostensibly studying the horizon for the mysterious weather patterns that only she could see.
Which was curious, considering she was facing away from the window. She responded withtoday, and I drank my coffee like I hadn’t noticed the exchange. It wasn’t worth putting her on guard again when, for the first time in a while, there was even the slightest hint of life in her features.
I wasn’t sure I was quite as excited to be leaving the castle walls as the rest of them, considering the kingdom full of people who hated me, but it had been a quiet ride thus far.
And of course I was armed, though I still would have preferred to have my men with me. We had decided against guards, opting for a smaller and less conspicuous group.
Rowan raced ahead, letting out the first genuine laugh I had heard from her since my arrival. Her hair streamed behind her, her voice carrying on the mild breeze as she cursed her sister for riding faster than she did, causing Avani to let out a first real laugh of her own and yell something back about being “scrappy”..
While they went to the edge of the serene lake, the rest of us unpacked our saddle bags to set out the food the kitchen had sent with us. Well, most of us set out food, Gwyn more sampled than aided us in setting everything on the picnic blanket, meanwhile Davin pulled out several bottles of wine I wasn't even sure how he had stashed in the relatively small compartment.
As we were finishing up, I couldn’t help but look over my shoulder to where Avani and Rowan still stood, now tightly clasping hands. Even from here, I could feel the sorrow waving off of them.
Gallagher must have noticed where I was looking, because he said, “The last time we were here was with Mac, before…”
Following his words, I could see and feel the grief starting to settle into each of the Lochlannians features, which felt so unnatural to see on Davin’s usually mischievous face.
“Libations?” he asked, shaking off the melancholy before his cousins returned to us, using a small dagger to uncork the bottle with a practiced ease.
I shook my head, even as he shoved the bottle toward me with an expression that said I would need it. I conceded, andafter taking a drink, I passed the bottle to Gwyn who shook her head.
“I prefer to eat my fruit,” she said, popping a large green grape into her mouth.
Gallagher took the bottle instead, taking a long draught before passing it to Theo. “Yes, Gwynnie has never been a fan of imbibing?—”
“Why would I intentionally take something that hindered my reaction time? And that tasted so disgusting?” she asked, eyeing the bottle like it was filled with rotten fish instead of fermented grapes.
“Honestly, I’m still not sure you’re related to this family, Cousin,” Davin said with mock seriousness. “If it weren’t for the fact that you had some of your twin’s good looks, I might think you were adopted.”
She scoffed as Gallagher preened under the complement, before playfully punching them both in the arms.
“Is it sunny like this in Socair during the summer?” Rowan asked as she approached.
She had removed her outer cloak to reveal a pale blue gown with a wide neckline. Her lash marks were still crimson against her fair skin, creeping up her back and over her shoulders.