Page 58 of Unkindness of Crimson Ravens

Chapter 23

Unique Use of Swords

“What in the Kingdom are you doing here?” The worry in Florence’s voice was unmistakable.

Francis made his way around the table, taking the empty seat by my side. His eyes never left mine.

Does he remember?

My mind was on fire. A navy blue blazer stopped just above the bite I’d left him. I returned my eyes back to my dessert, unable to hold his gaze any longer.

Anxiety creeped in, settling down in my chest.What was I thinking?I wanted to scream at myself.Fool. I must keep my distance.

“Francis?” Florence persisted.

“Yes?” He finally acknowledged her.

“Are you—” she frowned. “What are you doing here? You need rest.”

“I’ve rested plenty.” Francis took my glass without my permission. “Besides—” he choked on my drink before he could finish. I pretended not to notice his curious gaze on me, though I could not stop a slight smile of amusement from spreading across my face. “I woke to the empty house and assumed you all would be here.” Francis took a more careful sip from my glass this time.

“Where is Caleb?” Roxanne’s brows furrowed.

“How would I know?” Francis shrugged, finally putting my drink down. “So—” He looked over our table. “Anything interesting happened while I was busy?”

“Everything tends to be rather peaceful when you’re not around,” Simon crooked his head.

The conversation carried on, yet I could not pay attention to any words being spoken. As if an invisible barrier separated me from the world, I looked at my companions through thick glass. Too aware of who sat beside me, my mind was unable to break free from the prison of my thoughts.

“Never took you for a moonshine lover, Princess,” a whisper broke through the wall around me.

“I shall get back to the castle. It has been a long night.” I smiled at the table, putting the silverware back on the table with more force than I intended.

“I will join you.” Francis got up from his chair, stretching out his hand to help me up.

“No need, I remember the way back.” I ignored his hand. “Thank you for the fudge,” I smiled at Simon, getting up. “And the drink.”

“Of—” Simon’s brows furrowed in confusion. It took him a second to collect himself before trying again. “Of course!”

The whole table stared, their eyes jumping from Francis' outstretched hand to my face.

Enjoying the spectacle he had created, Francis theatrically dropped his hands when he said, “Why, I might need help getting back.” The smirk did not leave his face. “It’s a pity you do not have your fancy sword with you. I really enjoyed that part.”

Was he mocking me for saving his life? How dared he!

I put a sweet smile on my face. “I am sure you meant to saythank you, Cordelia, for not leaving me in the middle of the forest to die, and also,” I crooked my head to the side, looking him straight in the eyes. “Who said I needed a sword?”

A wide grin slowly spread across his face as he bestowed me with an approving nod.