“Nobles,” Dakin grumbled, and Emry was about to protest that she was in no way a noble, when Brannor interrupted, taking charge.

“We’ll have to leave at dawn to make Avalon before nightfall. The prince sleeps there.” He pointed at the bed furthest from the door. “I’ll take the floor. Dakin, you’re on first watch.”

Dakin looked betrayed.

“Wake me in a few hours and we’ll switch,” Brannor went on, unfastening his cloak.

“What about me?” Lance asked.

“You ’ent one of the prince’s guards,” Brannor reminded him. “You and Merlin can split the other bed.”

Emry was already spreading her coat on the floor, and she glanced up, horrified.

“But I—” she began.

Dakin snickered meaningfully.

“Something you’d like to share?” Arthur asked the young guard, his tone sharp with warning.

“Nope.” Dakin tried to stifle his amusement. Badly. “Nothing I’d like to share.”

“I’ll sleep on the floor,” Lance mumbled. “It’s fine.”

“Absolutely not,” Arthur said. “If you’re not part of my guard, then you’re here as my guest.”

“I’ll take the floor,” Emry volunteered desperately.

“I don’t blame you,” smirked Dakin.

Lance’s expression clouded with pain, and Emry wondered why he was so upset. Was he truly that intent on taking a watch?

“Merlin, would you just share the sarding bed ?” Arthur hissed through gritted teeth.

“I’d prefer the floor,” she insisted.

It was a mistake, and she realized that as soon as she’d said it. There was an awful, heavy silence. She couldn’t figure out what had gone wrong.

Arthur looked like he wanted to punch her. Lance looked like he wanted to punch the wall. Dakin, for some reason, was living for it. Brannor let out a sigh, making it clear that he was too old for this, whatever this even was.

The prince’s eyes blazed as he aimed a glare in her direction.

“That wasn’t a suggestion,” he said, quietly furious. “You’re an inexperienced rider. If you sleep on the floor, you’ll be too sore to get back on the horse tomorrow. Do I make myself clear?”

His expression dared her to argue any further. She’d never heard him speak like that before. As though he was issuing a command, and expected to be obeyed.

“Perfectly, Your Highness,” she said, hatefully eyeing the narrow bed.

“So,” chirped Dakin. “Now that we’ve all got our cozy bedfellows, who’s first?” He kicked the chamber pot into the center of the room with a wicked grin.

Nope.

“I’ll take my chances with the jakes,” Emry retorted, bolting from the room before anyone could lower their hose and go first.