Nightfall: Book Two of the Chronicles of Arden by Shiriluna Nott, SaJa H Page B

are our friends expecting us at the Rose?”
    Gib smiled coyly. “Not for another couple of marks.”
    “Perfect,” Joel chuckled into his companion’s ear.
 
     
    “Are you sure you don’t mind us tagging along?”
    Gib smiled and looked back at his companion. Joel’s cheeks were flushed with either the cool night air or the pleasantries of good company, perhaps both. Gib couldn’t be sure.
    Hasain had kept a step ahead of the pair but turned back long enough to reply. “You know everyone wants to see you, Joel. Stop being so modest.”
    Joel put a hand over his heart. “I’ve missed all of you terribly. It’ll be so good to see everyone.”
    “Even if you have to come to the Rose Bouquet to see them?” Gib had to lift his voice over the merry music pouring into the street.
    They shared a laugh as they followed Hasain to the steps of the tavern. The Rose Bouquet was the largest and possibly the best known tavern in all of Silver City. The three story building had once been a warehouse, but when a wealthy family of merchants purchased it years before, they had repurposed it into the establishment it was today. Gib had seen no finer place where one might get a warm meal, strong drink, a room for the night, and even someone to share a bed with—all for the right price, of course—and despite the clientele one might expect to find here, the crowd was always an assortment of mixed company. The Rose Bouquet was a place where lords and ladies could be found mingling with waifs, soldiers, and beggars.
    Hasain led the way through the open door. Music, light, and laughter enveloped them, and Gib lifted his nose to the smell of stew even as Joel made a sound of appreciation. Of course, the entire dwelling was packed. No booth, table, or chair lay empty.
    Gib called over the din to Hasain. “Do you know where everyone is?”
    Already on his way to the bar, Hasain barely glanced back. “How would I know? Are you too spoiled to look for yourself?”
    Gib let out a huff but smiled when he felt Joel’s fingertips brush his own. Their eyes met and instantly, heat pooled on Gib’s face. “We could just head back to the estate. They don’t even know we’re here yet.”
    “Are you trying to bribe me?” Joel quirked one brow and laughed.
    Gib’s face burned like someone held a torch close by. “No—I mean—oh hell, there’s always tomorrow to come see everyone.”
    Blue eyes twinkling, Joel opened his mouth to respond, only to be stopped short by a boisterous voice shouting over the crowd. “Oh, hey! Joel is back! Gib Nemesio and Joel Adelwijn, over here!”
    Gib grimaced. They’d been caught after all.
    In a booth in the far corner, a familiar figure waved his hands at them. Nage Nessuno was wearing his sentinel uniform, but judging from his good cheer and nearly empty flagon, Gib was willing to bet his duties had ended for the day. An orphan from birth, Nage had been drafted alongside Gib. Counted among the poorest students that year, he and Nage had forged a bond as a defense against the “aloof highborns.” It all seemed laughable now, seeing as they’d befriended Diddy a moment after only to find out he was a prince.
    “I guess we’d be missed now,” Joel whispered. “Perhaps we’ll only stay for one drink?”
    Gib nodded as he waved back to Nage. “Fair enough—but no more touching me. My face is already blazing.”
    They made their way to the booth without another word, but Joel made heavy eye contact the whole way. Gib’s head didn’t feel any less fuzzy by the time they got there.
    Tarquin had arrived before them and was squeezed between Nage and the wall. His pale face went red. “Oh, thank The Two. I was beginning to think I’d have to put up with him by myself all night.”
    Rolling laughter gave rise to a hiccup before Nage cuffed his friend’s arm. “Tarquin’s no fun. Wouldn’t even get a mead ’til he knew you two were gonna show.”
    Tarquin straightened the laces on his tunic