As Edward walked through the crowded hall toward the baron, he
glanced around. Jim was already dancing with the young blonde
woman, laughing and spinning her around. After a few seconds
Edward reached the baron's side.
"My lord," Edward said politely—though he didn't bow.
"Edward! Come, sit. Let us have a chat," the baron said cheerfully.
"You enjoy chatting, my lord?" Edward asked as he sat, uninterested.
"Not usually," the baron chuckled, cheeks slightly red from wine, "but
you seem interesting enough."
He leaned forward. "Tell me, Edward… how did you end up here?
You're far too young to be a hunter. What's your story?"
"I'd rather not talk about my past," Edward replied, taking a sip. "All
you need to know is that I'm looking for someone. As for my age… I'll
tell you if you want."
"I would like to know. It helps me understand a man."
"I'm nineteen, my lord. And… are you drunk?"
"Nineteen?" the baron raised his brows. "I thought Jim was young, but
you—hah! And yes, boy, I'm drunk. It's a feast; if you don't get drunk
on a feast, what's the point?"
He took another bite from his roasted chicken thigh. "This person you're
looking for… a lover, perhaps?" He laughed.
Edward stared at him flatly. "Not a lover. Definitely not."
"Then… slavers took her? Is that why you asked Ronald about
caravans?"
Edward froze. "Yes. Do you know anything? She has hair like mine.
Blue eyes. Younger than me."
"I haven't seen anyone like that." The baron wiped his beard. "But…
someone in Redin might help you. Her name is Susan—manager of the
Free Road Merchant Company. Visit her and tell her I sent you. She's
capable."
"…Thank you. I'll find her when I reach Redin."
"Good." The baron leaned back. "Now then—your reward. I believe ten
gold coins is fair for what you've done."
Edward scanned the hall, then nodded. "That works for me. Can't say
the same for Jim though."
"Oh, he agreed to the same amount." The baron grinned. "Now go—
enjoy the night. You're young. Have some fun like your friend there."
"He's not my friend. Not yet." Edward stood and left.
"Young and beautiful lady," Jim said with playful charm, bowing
deeply, "would you honor me with a dance?"
A soft voice answered, "Oh sir, you honor me with such words."
She placed her warm hand in his. Her bright brown eyes sparkled, and
her long blonde hair moved like silk as she laughed.
"What is your name, my lady?" Jim asked.
"Beanca, good sir."
"What a beautiful name."
He led her onto the dance floor. Her golden skirt and white blouse
hugged her feminine curves, simple but lovely. Her boots were cheap
leather, but freshly made.
After dancing for a while, they sat together, both catching their breath.
"I saw you speaking with the lord," she said shyly. "Are you his friend?"
"You could say that," Jim replied proudly. "Another man and I killed the
monster beneath the city."
"Truly? That's wonderful!" she laughed. "Tell me then, sir hero—what
does a young man like you ask as a reward?"
Jim leaned closer, grinning. "A kiss from you would be enough."
She laughed again, then leaned in. Their lips met softly—warm, slow,
curious. She pulled back with a playful smile.
"Sir… would you like to see more?"
Jim blinked, surprised. "As much as I'd love to, I wouldn't dare touch
such a young lady—"
"I don't mind," she whispered, smiling. "If you want it."
Jim stood, took her hand, and led her toward his room. Anyone passing
the hallway would have heard the soft gasps and breathless moans
coming from behind the door.
The sun crept through the shutters. Beanca was the first to wake—naked,
warm in Jim's arms, her soft body pressed against his. Her smooth hips
and slim waist were partly exposed from beneath the blanket.
She slid out of bed, her bare feet touching the cold wooden floor.
Turning back, she nudged Jim's shoulder gently.
"Sir… you said you must leave early. Wake up, or you'll be late."
Jim opened his eyes slowly, seeing her standing there undressed. The
view almost made him forget how to breathe.
"You should get dressed, my lady… before someone walks in," he
mumbled.
She giggled, slipped into her clothes, then leaned down and kissed him
softly.
"Get ready, sir. Last warning."
Then she left.
Jim groaned, rubbing his forehead. "Damn… good thing I remember the
good parts."
At the gate, Edward was waiting.
"You're late," he grumbled.
"Trust me," Jim smirked, mounting his horse, "if you woke up to what I
did, you'd be late too."
Edward rolled his eyes and mounted his strong white horse. "Whatever.
Let's go. The road is long, and I don't want to ride in the dark."
"Aye aye," Jim said cheerfully. "On the road we go."