Page 27 of A Winter Redemption

But he noticed their assessing eyes. No one had been around when Jarne and Ketho had retired to Jarne’s room yesterday. Although he didn’t doubt they’d already guessed the two were sleeping together, he really didn’t have the energy to deal with all this at the moment.

“Good to see you, Ketho,” Rhorton said. “I’ve been wondering when we might see you again.”

“Good to see you too,” Ketho said. “How have you been?”

“Very well,” Rhorton said.

Ketho pulled some coins from his rucksack and placed them on the counter. “I’ll take a Solstice loaf.”

Sero eyed him. Aryn’s gaze flicked between them.

Still awkward, then.

“Here you are.” Mila handed him the loaf. “Anything else?”

“Actually, I have some crocheted lace I got from Castle Evermore.” Ketho removed the long white lace from his pack. “Thought you might be interested.”

“Oh, it’s so lovely! How much?” Mila picked it up and examined it.

Ketho grabbed the coins he’d put down for the loaf. “That should cover it.”

“No. That’s not nearly enough!” she protested. “A loaf is not worth as much as this fine lace.”

She wasn’t wrong. Ketho winked. “Well, I guess you are just very skilled at haggling.”

She giggled, shaking her head. “Well, take this as well, then.” She grabbed sausage and cheese, and though Ketho protested, he took them.

“Right, I best be off,” Ketho said.

“Are those Jarne’s pants?” Aryn asked.

“Why, yes, they are. He’s so kind to lend them to me. Although, they are a little long and big on me. I’ll be back to return them in a couple of days.” Ketho forced a cheery wave and walked to the door. “I’ll see you then.”

“Wait a moment,” Sero called out and jogged over to him. He opened the door and walked out, gesturing for Ketho to follow.

Ketho paused in the overcast day, snowy, windy, and generally unpleasant. Ketho wanted to wrap his arms around himself and protect himself from the wind and snow. But he didn’t. He didn’t want Sero to see that the cold affected him. So he stayed still.

“Sorry if I behaved badly yesterday.” Sero stared out across the village, not meeting Ketho’s eyes. “I was surprised to see you.”

“That’s fair.” Ketho hadn’t expected an apology. “I did just turn up all of a sudden.”

“And I know you never lied to me when we were together. You always were clear about what the relationship was,” Sero said. “It’s not your fault I developed feelings when I shouldn’t have.”

“I’m still sorry I hurt you,” Ketho said. “And I’m glad you are happy. Aryn seems perfectly suited for you.”

Sero smiled. “He is.”

Perhaps this meant that he and Sero could be friends again. If he weren’t so wrung out, Ketho might be glad. But right now he just felt weary, wrestling with the need to be alone.

Sero spoke again, “And you and Jarne—”

“Nothing serious.”

“No. You don’t do serious,” Sero said.

Ketho nodded. “Maybe you should go easier on Jarne.”

“Are you defending him?” Sero asked. “Why? Or is sleeping with him enough of a reason?”