“Cade,” she whispered. He had come. He was here. For a moment he seemed at a loss- He seemed to retreat into shadow, but there was the memory of Terrel in that face.
“I wish to come in,” Cade said.
“Oh, of course, please come in. I’m sorry, I was so startled, I mean, please come in.” He moved past her, his weapons and armor jingling slightly.
“You should look to see who is at the door before you open it,” he said.
“Yes, I should, I suppose, I mean. Do you want anything? To drink, or . . .” Her voice trailed off, her confusion overwhelming her. He turned to look at her.
She was attractive in a way. Her face was round, but thin. Her features seemed somehow disjointed, as if a thin veil covered them. Her eyes darted about, not meeting his gaze. But they were her best feature. Brown in an ordinary way, now filled with knowledge and taut pain. She was pretty, her bare shoulder showing in the disarrayed dress. She was pretty. The thought surprised him. It was the sadness, always the sad- ness- When he saw it in women he could never turn from it, never ignore it; it always made them so pretty. He hoped his vengeance would cause her no more . . . sadness.
“I’m sorry,” he said quietly. They both knew what he meant.
“Wine?” she asked, letting the moment pass.
“Wine.” He followed her into the dining area, seating himself at the scarred wooden table. She handed him a goblet, the best she had. He poured the wine; the sound of the goblet filling reverberated loudly in the room. He put the decanter down, not looking at her, not touching the drink.