“You’re a foreigner, and a Vivarrian. They’ll need time and reason to trust you.”
“I don’t need them to trust me, captain.” Despite his intoxication, his voice was steady, and his eyes alight. “I need them to like me enough to buy my wine. And so far, it’s working.”
She sniffed. “Yes, that has clearly been working quite well for you. Now let’s go. The queen has requested your help.”
He threw a hand to his chest. “My help? How shocking.”
“My sentiments exactly,” Driada muttered. “Now get dressed. Let’s go.”
Marcus steadied himself with the bedpost and did as he was told. He gave her a queer look, as though he knew a secret that she did not. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Because you were everything I thought you’d be, and more.”
She pursed her lips. “Which is?”
“An amazing
