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Levon came into view, standing frozen, looking to Kaizen's unsheathed sword and then to my fearful eyes. Several large men behind Levon approached the back of the carriage and took our trunks. I stepped back from Kaizen, forcing my trembling to subside and finding my breath again. I quickly placed the dagger behind my back and regretted not wearing my leathers.

Levon paced towards us, exchanging a worried look with Kaizen. Kaizen subtly nodded, and stepped forward, gripping the reins, and led the horses and carriage toward a large opening that had appeared in the mountainside, with stalls and other carriages stowed within.

I steadied my breathing as Levon peered into the darkness, guiding me to the front door of the inn. He kept a constant watch over his shoulder, keeping me close until we were safely inside. The door closed firmly behind us, sealing out the night.

Inside, the warmth and light were a welcome contrast to the cold outside. Levon's breathing was ragged with fear and anger, drowning out my thoughts amidst the chatter, the clinking of dishes, and the smack of cards.

I turned to find several groups gathered around tables, laughing and enjoying themselves. They guzzled down golden liquid, played cards, and savored their meals. My stomach grumbled at the enticing aroma of food, prompting me to move closer, hoping to ease the tremors of fear within me.

Levon reached for my hand and pulled me into a quick embrace, breathing in as a shuddering breath escaped his lips. "Eat first, then we'll talk."

I nodded as he led me toward a pale-skinned man with a beard as dark as night.

"Well, isn't it little Alder all grown up, yet somehow still looking as youthful as the first day we met," the man said, grabbing two large wooden plates and walking back to the large stone oven, where several pots and pans were simmering. The warmth and rich smells filled the air, thawing my frozen fear. We both managed to smile.

"And isn't it little Jucam all grown up, looking more like an old man with that beard?" Levon replied with a tease, which made the man full on belly laugh. He returned with the plates, setting them down before us, piled with delicious food, which made my stomach ache with hunger.

"How long has it been? Mam's been so upset you never returned and has waited every fall and winter for you," he said, scratching his beard.

Levon's smile became genuine as he shook his head. "A few years. I wanted to come back, but plans changed," Levon stated, glancing at me.

Jucam's raven eyes skimmed me and smiled.

"Eliah, this is Faren Jucam, owner of this fine inn and the best cook around," Levon said.

I gave him a tense smile and a curt nod, trying my best not to glance back at the large wooden door, praying it was strong enough to hold whatever was out there. Levon squeezed my hand, bringing me back to the present.

"Nice to meet you, milady." Jucam pushed the plates forward, "On the house. Just make sure to tell Mam hi before you leave, or she'll have my hide."

Levon laughed in agreement and nodded his thanks. He took the two plates and guided me toward an empty table farthest from the door. He pulled out a chair for me and then sat down himself.

"Eat first," he reminded me, touching my shaking knee.

Inhale.

I took a bite, hoping my grumbling stomach wouldn't attract attention, and was hit with an explosion of flavor that instantly distracted me from my fears. The lemon and onion potatoes, seasoned with some exotic spice, danced on my taste buds while the juicy roast warmed my belly and soul.

Levon laughed, breaking me out of my trance.

I covered my mouth, still chewing. "This is amazing."

"Jucam was in the Royal Cookery before he left to come here," Levon explained.

"I'm sure King Thealor was not happy about that," I remarked, taking another juicy bite of the shallots mixed with fiery greens, perfectly spiced.

"He wasn't. But Jucam became a father, and the king knows the importance of family," Levon said before taking another bite.

"The king?" I said, sneering slightly. "I don't know if I ever thought King Thealor to be a family man."

He only laughed as we both finished off our plates with satisfaction. He wiped at his lips with his thumb, a gesture that sent a thrill of butterflies bounding in my chest. I found myself unable to meet his gaze, instead wringing my hands with the urge not to reach out and touch him, refusing to allow myself to harbor suchfeelingsfor him. But deep down, I knew that he was nothing like Jesri or those pompous men, that hewaskind, and he was trying the best he could to help me obtain my dreams no matter what bind he was in.

I stood. "We've eaten."

He nodded and grabbed the plates, walking back toward Jucam to express his thanks before returning and taking my hand. He led me down a long hallway lined with moss and scattered doors, stopping at one deep within the mountain. The cold air sent a chill down my spine as he opened the door. Kaizen was sitting on the large bed at its center, eating his share ofthe savory food. He seemed unbothered and continued with his meal as we entered.

Levon let go of my hand and locked the door behind us. I scanned the cool, stone room. Our trunks sat at the far end of the wall, where a narrow hallway led to another small room with a single bed. My surprise surpassed the novelty of an inn carved out from a mountainside, and I was impressed by the decent accommodations.

Levon walked to a closed door on the right and opened it with a smirk. "It looks like you're blessed and will be able to relieve yourself during the night," he teased, a faint echo of our first night at that inn weeks ago. Despite the tension in the air, I managed a weak smile.