“Don’t be ridiculous.” I growl, my embarrassment coming off as aggression instead. My response caused him to arch an eyebrow, casually taking a drink from his tankard. I floundered internally as his eyes remained keenly focused on where my face was. After briefly wondering whether or not he could actually see my expression, I quickly added, “Look, you may be cute and handsome, but I’m not interested.”

Both of his eyebrows instantly shot up as his eyes widened ever so slightly, a gentle and charming smile blooming on his lips as he returned the mug to the table.

“You think I’m handsome?” He asked with mild incredulity.

Silently cursing, I grit my teeth, refraining from saying anything that I could come to regret later. He continued to stare at me, his overall expression filled with delight as his eyes danced with amusement.

With a sharp exhale and painful deliberation, I forced my body into a calmer state. “Look, let’s not get distracted.”

He grinned at me, leaning over the table. “I’d hardly call this distracting. Here you are, just paying me a compliment.”

Seeing his cheeky grin caused my cheeks to heat up further. “Getting back on topic…” I respond tightly, which caused his grin to widen just a bit.

“I’m sorry, am I making you uncomfortable…?”

...

At this point, I mildly glared at him. “What is it you wanted to talk to me about?” I asked flatly, my fists clenching beneath my cloak. ‘I swear if he makes one more smart-ass remark…’

An amused chuckle escaped him as he lifted his tankard and brought it to his lips. “Very well, let’s continue. But,” that grin returned. “Don’t think I’ll forget about this.” Taking a sip from the flagon, he continued. “Now to the business at hand.” He placed the now empty mug down on the table, his expression shifting from jovial to grim.

“The King of this land, Maldrek, is not the charming man everyone says he is. He usurped the throne from the rightful heir and chased her out of her own lands.” There was a pause in which the usual sounds of the tavern reached us. Strange how it felt as if there was a heavy curtain surrounding us. “I’ve heard rumors that the true heir has fled to the West; to the land beyond the mountains. There, she is building an army.” He trailed off, his gaze distant.

Though the young man had spoken quietly, it seemed to me that the room had gotten quieter. Despite the obvious hush in the environment, I leaned forward ever so slightly, keeping my voice equally low. “This I know. It’s why I’m here.” My words caused him to react, the focus returning to his eyes as he honed in on me, his grim expression becoming stern. “I’m here to put the rightful ruler back on the throne and right the wrong that has been done by whatever means necessary.”

Nearly all sound had silenced by this point, creating a strained atmosphere. Not even the tavern wenches were speaking, merely fulfilling all previous orders in a nervous rush.

The young man gave a single nod. “I had a feeling you were involved.” When I gave no further movement or response, he leaned in a bit closer before adding, “I can help you.”