Hawkeye entered his room, his feet feeling heavier than usual. Allowing himself the rare luxury of being unarmed, he placed his weapons on the small chest in the room. He was sure he was going to need them again, far sooner than he would prefer.

A slow sense of dread was oozing through him like poisonous molasses as he sat on the bed. He shook his head, not comprehending why he was so afraid. He never thought he would be afraid when he anticipated meeting the Earl again.

He also knew, it was going to be in the middle of the Earl’s preferred lair. A party. Hawkeye hated parties.

He sighed, finally shutting his eyes tightly as he lied down on the much too small bed.

An hour later, he was still awake when a voice said, “You should stop scowling. You’ll get frown lines.”

He opened an eye to look at Elletra standing in the doorway. He hadn’t heard the door open.

He smiled faintly and suddenly got an idea. “Do you trust me?”

“Always.” She nodded.

His smile grew a little pained, “We’re going to a ball.”