The Exarch & the Errand Girl Ch. 07

"Any other problems with me?"

"You're not leading the investigation the way I would," said Rouran.

"Tough," said Yvain. "I'm in charge, I'm the Sergeant in the Guard, and I'm the Vashili, so the way you might do it has little to bear."

"I understand that," said Rouran. "But you're missing things, like the dagger hilt."

"If something like the dagger hilt comes up again, I expect you to let me know, Rouran. You did with Lady Elina and Sir Tau, which hasn't yielded us much, but it was a good insight, one that I certainly would have missed. But there's a nature to these sort of things where you have to prove yourself. We don't let just anyone become a Guard, and in the Guard, not just any Guard can become a Sergeant. You prove yourself capable, and more trust is placed in you. I didn't know you from any other Joian refugee when I first met you, except to know that Lord Ked had taken an interest in you."

"Isn't that enough?" asked Rouran. "He's your Exarch, after all."

"No," said Yvain.

"Why not?" asked Rouran.

"Because, at the time, it looked like you were just a pretty woman he'd taken a liking to," said Yvain.

Rouran was silent for a while.

"You don't think that I earned my spot?"

"Well, by your own admission, if Sorcerer Pol hadn't come down the River Joi, you never would've made it to Tia Vashil or Lord Ked's house."

"But you think my looks are what got me a place as Lord Ked's personal clerk?"

"Yes, of course. Just look at you. You're a walking wet dream."

Yvain barely saw her hand fly across the space between him before it collided with his jaw, the sharp smack echoing through the bones in his face, his teeth clattering.

And then Rouran had grabbed him by both ears, and his face was lowering to hers and she kissed him, hard, but brief, just on the lips.

"Hells and dragon's bells, woman—" began Yvain.

"Sergeant Wair, no one in my life has ever given me such a complimentary insult, or such an insulting compliment," said Rouran.

"Well, everyone else obviously knew better!" said Yvain, holding his face. "By Kili's beard, what are you talking about?"

"I—" began Rouran, and then she stopped. "I don't need to explain myself to you. I will, however, see you again tomorrow. I would appreciate, if you see Sorcerer Siara again tonight, if you would be dressed by the first market bell when I arrive at your quarters."

Yvain never would've tolerated such a tone from her, let alone the implication that she could demand how his morning went, except that there was a faint ringing in his ears and he was a little unsure if there was a click in his jaw or not, and if it had always been there or if it was a new feature he'd suddenly acquired.

"Yes, of course," he said. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Rouran nodded, then marched off, leaving Yvain at the smith's workshop.

"I think that means she likes you, Yvain," said Sergeant Marjov.

"Oh, to hells with you," snapped Yvain. "What would you know?"

Marjov just laughed at him. "Enough to make your head spin, but then again, it looks like the lady there already took care of it!"