By the time they got back to the inn, it was just before dinner. Yet both were full and tired.
Since the thumping from below had softened, Salīa tried to rest. But Bazil was made restless, having been pondering something deeply.
"Are you alright?"
She turned over to see him sulking.
What's this about, now?
"The prince who always hits his mark. The stranger who always tempts his temptations. The soldier who always finds his gold. And what am I in comparison? An old shoe?"
An old shoe?
Having realized where he quoted that from, Salīa couldn't help but giggle and crawl over to squeeze his cheeks.
"Did I mention you're handsome when you're grouchy?" He groaned in response. "Hmm?"
"I know I can be quite boring. And since I only excel in a few things, I might seem useless compared to some you've met…"
Boring? Useless? Wait, did he think I was thinking of him when Auro and I spoke of that book's love interest?
She wanted to laugh in astonishment, but saw his wet eyes.
"Bazilani," she curled up behind him, letting her fingers comb through his coily curls.
This was something she did often when they were young, before he became more formal. Yet he seemed too worn out to harangue her about propriety.
"Do you not know just how special you are? Outside of your sister, who else have I kept as close to me besides you? Also, do you really think I'd be able to do any of this without you?"
His face softened.
"If it makes you feel any better, the protagonist in that book is very much a dolt. She's always getting into trouble, putting her foot in her mouth, and tripping over things. Sound like anyone you know?"
Even if he wanted to, he couldn't stop himself from smiling.
"I might know someone like that."
"Yeah? Well, another thing to know about this character is she's not perfect. She also gets grouchy, doubtful, and jealous."
"She does?"
"Oh, yeah. If anything, she's relieved to know he shares those complicated feelings. Because if they can be honest about what they both feel, then all those feelings might not feel as complicated anymore. Don't you think?"
It wasn't like him to seek reassurance or let anyone stroke his curls so freely, but he seemed calmer for it, letting his head sink into her grasp.
Yet when she thought back to the tavern, she couldn't help but want to play with him a bit.
"So, you didn't want to tell them you were my brother this time?" she teased.
Of course, she naturally expected this stone-faced, tight-lipped man to just go quiet and leave it at that.
But to her amazement, he faced her and said simply, "No, I didn't."
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