“Yes, that is so.” His nose nearly touches mine, and I almost gag as I smell his breath. It alone is enough to kill a man.

“I don’t think you understand the severity of what you’re walking into, Lute Boy.”

“A man with no weapon, threatening an armed combatant? Are you that daft?” He holds his lute high and gives it a violent shake.

“Your little instrument doesn’t scare me.”

“No, but the power of song should.”

Our jaws clench tightly as we stare deep into each other’s eyes, waiting for the other to strike first.

Idalia’s loud laugh breaks my stare. I turn my neck to see her almost in tears, holding one hand to her belly, the other to her forehead.

“What is happening?!” Her voice cracks as deep laughs roll from her. “Is this how men deal with things? Guard and Sword, what a joke!”

I immediately step back and point at her. “Don’t involve yourself, Sparrow. I’m going to kill this man.”

“That’s right, little lady, no sense in you being so close to danger. Why don’t you sit on the fence while I take care of this tone-deaf savage?”

She slaps a hand to her mouth and then drags it down her throat. “Fine! Go ahead, boys. I’ll be right over here, waiting for the victor.” She strolls to the fence and sits, nestling her chin in her palms and glaring at me.

I watch her for a few seconds before turning back to the weasel.

“I’ll have you know; I’m not tone deaf. I’ve been told countless times that my voice is pretty good.”

“Please.” The man rolls his eyes and steadies his footing. “I can tell with just one look who’s got the gift, and I’m telling you right now, Prince Man, you don’t got it.”

“You calling me a liar?”

“So, what if I am?”

I release a breathy chuckle. The male may be taller, but I must have at least forty pounds on him. This fight will be over before it starts.

“You might be a singer, but you don’t want to join this dance. Trust me.”

He leans close. Too close.

“I can assure you… I do.” He pulls back his fist.

A horse whinnies, and I bolt my head around. Idalia is mounted and already on the road. She peeks back to catch my eye and smirks.

“Hiyah!” She kicks the horse’s ribs, and they’re off.

“Should’ve seen that one coming,” I say with a large sigh. With one last look at my opponent, I scramble over the fence. A brown stallion with white patches grazes nearby, unperturbed. He’ll do just fine.

“Where are you going?” The man shouts, but I ignore him. I’m already flinging myself onto the stallion as he runs towards me.