We made it to the dormitory without a complication.
Unless you could call Aelin’s teasing a complication.
I could tell it made Rix uneasy, but the golden-skinned shooter hadn’t said anything about it.
We stowed our gear at the Dorm and then Trent began the trek to the cafe. As we were walking, I moved to the side so that I could talk to Rix.
“Rix." I lowered my voice so that I wouldn’t grab Aelin’s attention. "You know that stuff Aelin is spouting. You don’t have to worry about it. We’re a team and I don’t want to do anything that might jeopardize that.”
Rix nodded and we walked in silence for a little while.
“Are you planning on having a harem?”
Her question surprised me. I hadn’t thought she’d want to have a conversation, especially not about that.
“Right now?” I looked at the white-haired woman talking to Aelin. "I wasn’t planning on getting this close to Ether, but it happened. So if it happens, it happens.” I looked at the redhead. "But my main focus is on trying to get stronger so that I don’t get squashed by the Gods when they figure out what I am.” I nodded at Aelin. "And don’t let it get to you. Ether thinks Aelin is going on about a harem because she’s nervous about the connection she has with Justia and is trying to figure out how to process it.”
“What does Ether think about you having a harem?”
I slowed down. "Surprisingly okay with it. I didn’t think she’d be one to share, but she has been egging Aelin on too, so there’s that.”
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Rix nodded as we went through large double doors. The smells of food hit us and my stomach growled. We hadn’t eaten ration bars specifically because we’d been promised real food.
I hadn’t eaten food like this but a handful of times in the last four years. The temptation to pile a plate with a little of everything was strong, but they didn’t have plates large enough for that, so I’d just have to come back for seconds.
The cafe was filled with clergy as well as other teams. I saw the Yellow team and their teacher sitting near the back wall.
Wrye waved at me and I waved back. It felt strange to not feel resentment towards them. I’d been angry at them for the past few days, but after learning that they’d mostly been following orders and that Rix had humiliated them, I didn’t feel the need to get even. If they wanted to be friendly, I was open to that.
I saw the other three first year teams as well. As my eyes crossed over Bridget’s, she blew me a kiss.
“Moving on so quickly?” Rix raised an eyebrow
I turned beet red.
“Unless… that’s the blonde?”
I looked at her. "How do you know about that?”
“I heard the Yellow team talking about it, the guys are really jealous.”
“Ugh." I realized that meant it was probably gossip, and now that we could eat here… “I’m never going to hear the end of it once Aelin hears about it.”
“Once Aelin hears about what?’ Aelin slid next to us.
“About how good this food is!” I motioned at the lanes of food. "How long do you think it’ll take you to try everything?”
Aelin eyed the two of us. "Right.” She motioned with two fingers.” I’ve got my eyes on the two of you.” She grinned and moved down the line to cut in front of Justia.
“This is my life now.” I let my shoulders sag.
“It’s better than back home.” Rix slapped me on the back.
I thought about it. The last week had been crazy, but I wouldn’t trade it to go back to the way things were before the Mantle Trial.
“Nah.” I elbowed Rix. "Because this is home now.”