Chapter 39 Seafood for dinner

Chapter 39 Seafood for dinner
Cassius,

I glanced over her shoulder, meeting that man’s eyes. He was standing right behind her, tall and sharp, his stance alert like a soldier guarding his Queen. The way he watched me wasn’t with fear, but with quiet calculation. I couldn’t recognize him though, which bothered me. Someone that confident shouldn’t have been unfamiliar.

"Mr Brightblade. What happened to you?"

Her voice broke through my thoughts. It was gentle but laced with that quiet concern she often tried to hide behind her calm tone. Her eyes fell to my hand, and only then did I realize the dried blood along my knuckles.

I glanced down. The skin had split earlier when one of those Rogues managed to scratch me before I ended them. It wasn’t deep, but it looked bad enough to draw attention. I straightened, pretending it didn’t hurt.

"It’s nothing," I said, brushing the blood with my thumb. "Just a small scratch. I’ve had worse."

Her eyes flickered to mine, steady and knowing. "That doesn’t look small to me. You should have it cleaned."

I gave a faint, dismissive smile. "I’ll manage. What I don’t understand is why you’re here. This area isn’t safe, especially not at this hour."

She stayed calm, her tone unshaken, but I caught a subtle shift in her expression. "I came out to enjoy some seafood," she said, her lips curving slightly.

I raised a brow, tilting my head just enough to study her face. "Seafood? You could have enjoyed that back in your own area. You didn’t have to come all the way down to this valley."

She blinked, perhaps caught off guard by how sharp my tone was. Then, like someone regaining composure after a stumble, she smiled again—softly, politely, but with a trace of nervousness. "I left the house to walk on the beach," she explained. "It’s peaceful here. I didn’t realize how far I’d gone. Lily and David were with me, so I wasn’t alone."

Her hand gestured toward the man standing quietly behind her. "This is David, one of my assistants."

David gave a slight bow, his movements precise, practiced. "It’s an honor to meet you, Mr Brightblade," he said in a low tone.

I didn’t return the smile. "Assistant, is it?"

"Yes, sir," David answered, keeping his eyes steady but respectful.

"Quite protective for an assistant," I remarked, not missing the subtle tension in his posture.

"He’s just cautious," she interjected smoothly. "After everything that’s happened lately, can you blame him?"

Her words carried truth. Still, something in the way she stood—between me and him, poised and careful—made me wonder if she was protecting him or the other way around.

"Fair enough," I muttered after a pause. "But still, this valley isn’t a good place for a casual stroll. There have been reports of Rogues lately."

She tilted her head slightly, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "And yet, you’re here," she said softly.

That made me smirk. "I’m not here to enjoy the sea breeze, Miss Faustina. I came to take care of those reports."

For a moment, our eyes met—hers calm and assessing, mine narrowed and unyielding. There was an invisible tension between us, something neither of us wanted to acknowledge but couldn’t ignore either.

"I see," she said finally, her voice gentle again. "Then I suppose I should thank you. We might have walked straight into danger without realizing it."

"You shouldn’t be out here without telling anyone," I replied. "Especially not this late. You know how unpredictable this area can be."

She crossed her arms lightly, a hint of amusement glinting in her eyes. "Are you scolding me, Mr Brightblade?"

I met her gaze evenly. "If that’s what it takes to make you more careful, then yes."

Her laughter was soft, barely there, but it broke through the thick air around us. "I’ll keep that in mind next time."

I said nothing, though the corner of my mouth twitched slightly. There was something disarming about how effortlessly she could shift the atmosphere.

After a brief silence, she glanced at me again. "Have you eaten?"

"No," I said flatly. "I don’t usually stop for dinner when I’m working."

"Then maybe you should start," she replied lightly. "We were just about to order something. Would you like to join us?"

Her invitation took me by surprise. For a moment, I simply stared at her, unsure whether she was serious or teasing.

"I don’t think that’s necessary," I said finally. "I should be heading back soon."

Before I could turn away, I felt a deep growl rumbling in the back of my mind. Aedric stirred.

Stay.

I clenched my jaw. Not now.

She’s inviting you. It’s harmless.

I ignored the voice, keeping my face blank. "You don’t have to trouble yourself. I’ll manage."

"Mr Brightblade," she said quietly, her tone soft but firm. "You helped keep this area safe. It would be rude not to at least share a meal. Besides, you could use a break."

Aedric growled again, more insistent this time.

She’s right. Sit down for once. You act like food is poison.

My silence stretched too long, and I could see the faint disappointment flicker in her expression.

"Alright," I said finally, letting out a slow sigh. "Dinner, then. But only for a while."

Her smile widened slightly. "That’s all I ask."

David, who had been standing quietly, turned toward the small open space near the shore. "There’s a place nearby," he said. "They serve freshly caught fish. We were heading there before we ran into you."

I followed them down the narrow path that led to a cluster of lanterns glowing faintly against the night sky. The sound of waves brushing the sand filled the silence.

As we reached the small outdoor setup, Lily waved from a distance. "My Lady, over here!"

She looked relieved when she saw me but froze when her eyes landed on me beside her Lady. Her expression was polite but uneasy.

"Mr Brightblade will be joining us for dinner," she said simply, and Lily nodded quickly.

We took our seats around a wooden table under a canvas roof. The air was rich with the scent of grilled fish and lemon. I sat quietly, my eyes scanning the horizon. David stood a few steps behind, his eyes on the surroundings, not the food.

" Don't stand there. Sit down, David." She called his name so passionately. I couldn't help but grit my teeth. She talked to me like I was some stranger but she talked to him so sweetly. Tsk.