#Chapter 24: The Tavern

Raven The tavern sign swung gently in the night breeze. From inside, the sound of music and laughter poured out onto the dark street. A group of drunk patrons stumbled through the door, bumping into each other on their way out. We stood on the path, hoods pulled up to conceal our faces. “We shouldn’t be doing this, Castor,” Neil grumbled for the hundredth time since we’d set foot outside the castle. Castor shook his head and nudged the prince in the side with his elbow. “Just one drink won’t hurt… She could use it, anyway.” Neil rolled his eyes and brushed past me. The door creaked loudly on its hinges as he flung it open. Before he stepped inside, he turned to the tall, broad-shouldered guard and held up one finger. “One,” he enunciated before turning and disappearing into the tavern. The rest of us watched him for a moment before we followed. Castor held the door open for me, offering me a small, reassuring smile when I hesitated on the thres