Page 59 of I Ran Away to Evil #3

What’s a Little Kidnapping and Murder Between Neighbors?

Julian

John appeared from his shadow, fully formed. “I have prevented Sir Tully from ruining the toast. No one was lit on fire.”

“Excellent,” Julian said, noting with amusement that his swordfighter, Jeffry, was chatting up Miss Penny opposite the hall. Jeffry was the viscount of Fell, and never bothered with this kind of thing. He’d completely sworn off love …

“What did you offer him?” he asked, curious.

“The Eye of Effeldor.”

Julian kept a straight face. “Why?”

It was an impressive treasure his rogue had won during their last dungeon raid, and expensive.

“I have to admit, I’m curious too.” Gerda leaned in. “That’s the pin with the [Flight] perk, right?”

“It is.” John’s face didn’t budge when he said, “The staff were prepared, but it would be best if no fire took place at all. I thought Jeffry was the best half elf for the job, and I have no need for [Flight].”

“Is that so?” Julian accepted it, but he knew better.

Jeffry hated these kinds of events with a passion—more so than Julian, even—and John wanted to see their good friend suffer because Jeffry was an insufferable know-it-all.

“Yes,” John continued. “And I’ve confirmed that Lady Amaryllis Elm is not in attendance yet. I have issued a silent search for the saintess, and will inform you when she is found.”

Gerda frowned. “Thank you, John. Could you also let Henrietta know?”

As much as the Hollow elves claimed independence, they were still a part of the Dark Enchanted Forest. Julian could only imagine the nightmare Her Viciousness would face if something happened to Lady Amy during this event.

His rogue looked to Julian for approval, and he nodded.

“I shall. Then, if there is nothing more, I will continue guarding the event.” John offered a shallow bow, but Gerda stopped him before he could leave.

“Actually, could you leave a shadow in that area of the hall to warn us of any impending homicidal archers?” Gerda pointed to a spot by the window.

“Send us,” Erik offered. “We can deal with any assassins.”

Gerda started to shake her head but stopped, eyeing the group of young debutants. A few held their breath, and one looked like the stars themselves were lighting up their eyes.

“Alright,” she agreed. There was an exhilarated, subdued cheer. “But don’t crowd the area. We want the assassin to set up and then get caught, not change their mind and pick a different area.”

“You can trust us, Miss Gerda,” Shiro replied, bowing slightly.

Gerda released Julian’s arm. The bridge troll put her glass into her storage unit, and in its place, she summoned forth a potion bottle. “Here. Take a Revive and give it to anyone who might need it tonight. And keep an eye open for Lady Amy.”

Shiro reached out, taking it with care. They left, just in time to join for the celebratory clap as Julia and Chloe completed their shared first dance. Julian gave John a signal, and the rogue disappeared back into his shadow.

“You just did that to give them a task, didn’t you?” Julian chuckled softly; they were trying to casually walk over to the window and failing miserably.

She smiled up at him. “Yes. Though it is a perfect line of sight to where we are standing.”

“What now?” He asked, “Just wait for it to happen?”

“Now, we dance,” she replied, holding out her hand.

Julian took it readily, drawing her out to the dance floor. Other couples took up spots beside them.

“I’ll admit, I didn’t think we would actually get to dance,” he said as his arm wrapped around her waist and his other hand carefully cupped her palm in a prepared stance. “What with an assassin to foil and a saintess to find.”

“It’s hard to use my powers here, so we might as well.” Gerda’s eyes met his, a light glimmer in their depths. “And you did sign your name for this song.”

“True.”

“Besides,” she added, “I’m under the impression that this is the norm at North Sumbrian balls. What’s a little kidnapping and murder between neighbors?”

“Also true.”

The drum started a soft beat, and they both took a step into the music, which carried them up the hall with the other couples.

Her body fit against his, and she followed his lead without hesitation.

She smelled like the forest, a compliment to her soft green coloring.

He felt a deep sense of satisfaction that they were wearing matching outfits …

and wondered how he could add green accents for next time.

Not that there would be a next time, but as the duke, it was perfectly acceptable that he accompanied her as a representative of North Sumbria in future events.

He already knew she had an invitation to the Fall Ball and the Winter Feast.

“After the dance is over, let’s slip away.” He pulled her closer for a moment, and Gerda looked up at him with enquiring brown eyes. “I have a private room set aside.”

“Okay.” She nodded. Her movements were a bit stiff.

It took a few steps for her to relax, and he dipped them into a turn at the end of the hall.

They circled back the way they came, moving around the dance floor.

At the other end, Julian lifted one hand to send the troll spinning out.

Her long green hair lifted in an arc, and her skirts brushed against his tights.

He brought her back into an embrace, then continued their dance back down the hall.

Her breath caught, and her cheeks flushed against white freckles. Despite the threat of danger, Gerda was smiling openly, clearly enjoying herself. They were able to go another turn around the floor, and by the end, he was fighting a grin as well.

When the music signaled a close, he spun her dramatically into his embrace, catching her and stopping with the final note of the song.

“That was fun.” He promptly dropped his arms and took a step back. He adjusted his vest, pretending like his heart wasn’t pounding wildly.

“Yes.” She snapped open her fan and fluttered it for a cool breeze. “It was.”

They’d stopped close enough to the exit he was aiming for, and it was a short walk to the open doorway.

The hall beyond had a number of break rooms and the washrooms at the end.

Julian had claimed one of the private rooms for his own as soon as he’d found out that he was going to be escorting his bridge troll.

He was thankful he did.

Pushing open the door to a small lounge with a couch and table, there was a jug of fresh water infused with mint and cranberries on a table with a few crystal glasses at the ready, and a tray of light snacks.

Julian tapped his foot on his shadow thrice, letting John know that he would go in alone.

[I’ll return if I get word.]

John sent the message over [Shadow Chat], and then he was gone.

Julian closed the door and immediately went over to pour himself a glass, downing half of it while Gerda took a seat on the couch. She shook her head when he lifted up a second glass to offer her some as well, continuing to fan herself.

“Before we go on,” Julian said, taking a seat next to the troll, “there’s something that I’m curious about.”

“What?” She stiffened but didn’t pull away.

“It was the way you explained your prophecy earlier …” He hesitated. “You said that if you weren’t my partner, then I would get shot.”

“Yes?” Gerda snapped the fan shut and lowered it into her lap. “And?”

He searched her eyes. “You were already my partner when you got the notification … So why did you think the prophecy assumed otherwise?”