Page 21 of By the Horns (Royal Artifactual Guild #2)

Her wariness makes me choose my words carefully. “No, this is me suggesting you show up at my side so we can check out what you’re up against.”

Some of the tension in her frame eases. “What do you mean, what I’m up against?”

“We see which masters act offended because you’re female.

We see which ones treat you like anyone else.

We see if any repeaters or fledglings are invited and how they act.

We chat with the masters and see what they say their teams are good at.

In short, we collect information on everyone.

Because we’re not going to be scouring the streets endlessly.

After a few more weeks of preliminary training, we’re going to be doing team exercises, and then we’ll be pitted against the fledgling teams of other masters.

Wouldn’t you rather know what to expect so you can train properly? ”

She pauses, thinking. “I don’t have much in the way of dressy clothing.”

“Neither do I. We can linger at the back of the wedding so no one notices if we’re shabby. And after the wedding, they’re celebrating at a tavern. We can get dinner, a few drinks, spy on everyone. It’ll be great fun.”

“Mmm.” Gwenna considers this and then eyes me speculatively. “And what are you expecting in exchange for dinner and this information?”

“Companionship.”

Her brow goes up.

“Of the chaste, friendly sort. I wouldn’t expect you to suck my cock simply because you got a mouthful of bread,” I scoff. “Any male who does expect that should be hit over the head, and repeatedly.”

My cock isn’t working right now anyhow, thanks to the potion.

Gwenna’s mouth curves in a faint smile. “On that, we’re in agreement.”

I smile back. Damn, she’s prickly, but it doesn’t bother me.

I understand the reasons behind her crabbiness, and it makes me feel a strange wave of affection for her.

It also makes me want to protect her from idiots like Arrod and Hemmen more than ever.

I like that she keeps me on my toes. Makes me think.

Reminds me of Sarya, but in a completely different way.

Then I think guiltily of all the brothels we passed by and how I didn’t go hunting for Sarya.

I won’t be able to this weekend, either.

Or longer. Not with the wedding and Gwenna needing protection from Arrod and possibly Hemmen.

I’m not going to let them trap her or be alone with her.

She needs someone intimidating looking out for her.

I know she’s close to the slitherskin, but he’s not very intimidating, and he won’t speak up if she’s in danger.

It’s up to me.

Surely Sarya would understand.

I wonder privately if I’m ignoring my hunt for Sarya because of the amount of knot-deadening potion I’ve been downing lately.

It makes me pleasantly numb in all the right areas, but it’s possible it’s numbing other things, too.

When I find Sarya, I can wean myself off the damned stuff. Until then, it’s a necessity.

Focusing on Gwenna, I gesture at the crowded street. “Come on. We’re in the right area. We’ll work on our mapping, but just slow enough that Master Jay can’t give us any new tasks before the end of the day. And once we’re done, we can talk about what we’re going to practice on weekends.”

She gives me a pleased look that makes me feel as if I’ve just climbed a mountain. “That’d be wonderful. What sorts of things are you envisioning we practice first?”

Her question is innocent enough, but my mind goes to hot, dirty places. So much for the potion deadening everything. I clear my throat, thinking. “Maybe…sword work?”

“Oh, you just want to see how tight my grip is, is that it? Or see me work a staff?” There’s a tease in her voice.

I stare at her in surprise. “Are you…flirting with me?”

“I’m not opposed to flirting,” Gwenna says, an amused expression on her round face. “But I like to be the one in control of the situation.”

“So I need to wait for you to flirt with me before I flirt back?”

She just gives me another smile and saunters away, down the crowded street. For some reason, I’m reminded of Sarya. Maybe I just like bossy women who put me in my place.

With a grin, I trail after Gwenna. I’ll let her do a bit of wandering before I point out she’s going the wrong way. No sense in wasting the entire afternoon just to prove a point.

Gwenna

When we return to the dormitory, I’m in a good mood.

If Raptor’s going to help me brush up on my skills during the weekends, I might not feel so far behind and lost. I might have a chance instead of fretting all year that I’m not fast enough, not skilled enough, not smart enough. Not enough , all around.

I’m surprised when we get back to the dormitory and he grabs his pack, sets it on my bed, and then moves my pack and belongings onto his old bed, the one closest to the double doors.

He also glares heartily at Arrod and Hemmen.

“No one gets near Gwenna when she sleeps. Try anything, and you’re going to find an angry Taurian’s fist down your throat. Understand?”

They blink in confusion, and to be fair, so do I. Only Kipp seems unconcerned at this turn of events. He just nods at me as if he expected something like this all along.

Raptor stands at the foot of his bed and gives me a nod, crossing his bulging arms over his chest.

“M-Master Jay is about to leave for the weekend,” Hemmen stammers. “Should we go t-talk to him? Tell him the change in sleeping arrangements?”

“If you like. He won’t care. And this isn’t just for this weekend. This is permanent. This is a job, and you treat it like one. If she wants your fucking dick, she’ll ask for it.” And he glares at both of them. “I’m sure Master Jay will agree with me.”

I bite my lip, looking over at Raptor. “I don’t mean to be a bother—”

He puts a hand up. “Stop.”

I go silent. No one’s ever stood up for me like that.

Normally it’s just a maid’s lot to forever be pushing away hands and telling men you’re not interested.

Doesn’t matter what you look like—if you’re a servant, you’re considered fair game by every noble or rich man.

For Raptor to lay down the law for me so I don’t have to?

It’s rather nice.

I step forward to pick up my bag tossed at the foot of the bed…and then I feel it. A thick wetness between my thighs. Eyes wide, I grab my pack and race with it to the garderobe. The moment the door is shut behind me, I hike up my skirts and check my undergarments.

Sure enough, I’ve started my period.

I’ve never been so happy to bleed. Collapsing on the seat, I cry tears of pure joy.