“Good morning, Lune,” Lucien says, less cheerfully than usual as he enters the shop from his room upstairs.
“What’s the matter? You couldn’t spend the night with your lover boy?”
“What are you going on about?” he groans.
“You sound disappointed. I can only assume you couldn’t sleep because you weren’t with him.”
“Not that it’s any of your business, but no, I didn’t. He was busy.”
“Is that why you’re upset?”
“Partially.”
“I’m shocked. He never turns down the opportunity.”
“Well, it’s fine. I just forgot what it’s like to sleep... alone,” his cheeks darken when I smirk. “I couldn’t keep my eyes shut worrying about him. I’m exhausted.”
“I see. I didn’t get much sleep myself. I can’t wait to have my own room at the Academy. I’m so tired of Henry’s snoring.”
“Henry?” He looks surprised for a moment, then starts at the sound of the kettle whistling. “Who’s Henry?”
“He’s Rosalina’s boyfriend,” I say, handing him a cup of tea. He’s been staying over often. He’s very sweet, but he snores like a mist caller when he’s sick.”
“I refuse to believe those creatures are real.”
“You’ve clearly never been to Mirror Lake during mating season.”
I mimic the cry of a whale I’d once heard when I lived in Mirror Lake, the sound closest to a Mist-Caller. Lucien laughs, then hisses as he spills his tea over the rim of his cup onto his hand.
“He can’t possibly sound like that. If he does, he should seek a priest.”
“He’s much better now, but he was like that for days.”
“And Rosalina let him stay?”
“Well, he doesn’t live in the city. He’s traveled from Port Quelil.”
“So, he keeps you up at night, and he smells of fish? Does he not have any money for a room at an inn?”
“He smells like the ocean, not fish. And his oil paints. He’s an artist, and spends his days creating seascapes and the most beautiful pictures of the city when he’s here. You should see them. He sells them in the market.”
“If he’s a good artist, he’d have money. Most artists are rich nobles, who pick up painting as a hobby, but I suppose that sounds nice. I’d love to meet him, if I was permitted at the market,” he pouts, taking a seat at the table, and finishing off my pastry.
“Hey! I was eating that.”
“I’m starving. Losing sleep does that to you. Besides, you can get more. You’re allowed to wander the city freely.”
“Gods, if you’re so miserable, why don’t you just return to Dark Grove? Master Eaimer is a better instructor than most of the professors at the Academy, anyway, according to you and Madam Lyra. And you’d be safer.”
“Trying to get rid of me, too?”
“You know that’s not what I meant.”
“Cyrus is determined to remain in the city as long as possible for some reason, and also keeps advising me to return to the Grove. I’d gladly be out of your hair if he’d just come with me.”
I wince. “Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. It just doesn’t seem enjoyable being trapped here all day, and sneaking around to go see Cyrus gods know where in the middle of the night. If he cared enough, you’d both be safe already.”
“There are still humans out there that support the dark elves, so he’s not in complete danger yet.”
“That’s a comfort to hear,” I snark.
Lucien pauses, and one of his ears flicks, standing straighter than the other, a motion I’ve learned means he’s focused on a distant sound.
“What is it?” I ask.
“I don’t know. Two women that sound very much like you, and keep saying your name.”
“How on earth could you pick that out with all the people walking outside?”
He shrugs, pressing his fingers to the crumbs on my plate, and licking them off his fingers. “It’s like being able to control where your eyes focus, but for hearing. If I hear something that catches my interest, I can tune the other sounds out.”
“Even with the powers of an elf, I get the least desirable ability. That sounds much better than night vision. Those women, by the way, are probably my sisters. I keep forgetting you’ve never met them.”
“You don’t look very excited about seeing them. I thought you would be, since you never stop talking about them.”
“I’ve been working on this paper for Professor Amsel for days. I haven’t quite mastered Astral Projection, and needed the extra points in case I fail to do it successfully. I thought I’d be done with it by now.”
“You daydream all the time. How could you not be good at it?” He laughs. “I’d have thought you’d be an expert.”
“Daydreaming is not the same. I get lost in it. Astral Projection is almost the exact opposite.”
“Then, would you be terrible at water magic?”
“I... can’t answer that.”
“Does it have to do with Fox?”
“Lucien...”
“Why are your sisters coming here?” He quickly changes the subject. “Is it a special occasion? I thought you saw them on the weekends.”
“It’s our birthday.”
“It’s your... Gods, Luna! I’m the worst friend! I completely forgot!”
“You forgot the past two years, as well, but I’m not going to hold it against you just yet.”
“Lune! I need to get you a gift.”
“You really don’t. Drink your tea, finish the task list. I’ll return after lunch.”
“Please don’t rush back.”
“I won’t. Trust me. I’d have to look at this dreadful paper more.”
“I can take a look at it for you, if you’d like.”
“You’re a saint, Luce. You’re right up there with... I don’t know any saint names, but you’d be Saint Lucien.”
“Stop,” he says, rolling his eyes. “Go. I don’t need your cheap flattery.”
“It’s not cheap. You should feel honored. I don’t freely hand those out.”
“Mother is going to wonder why you’re the only one that’s not married yet,” says Celestia, furrowing her brows, and picking an herb off her plate.
“You’re the eldest, Lous,” adds Solera, sneaking a bite of Celestia’s food while she looks away.
“I’m so glad we can celebrate this wonderful occasion by talking about my pathetic love life. I’m almost sad I got you both gifts.”
“What are these, anyway?” Asks Celestia, admiring her new necklace. “They have a strange aura.”
“I bought some jewels from the shop, and had them enchanted with a small protection charm and a bit of luck.”
“That sounds more expensive than what I got for you,” groans Solera, her shoulders slumping. “I spent all my coins on my new home on the nicer side of the city. Didn’t we agree on a budget?”
“I spent all of mine on my wedding,” sighs Celestia, not looking too regretful.
“Well, I’m still living at the Academy, so I just spend mine on classes, and send money back to our parents.”
“You’re the favorite now,” whines Solera.
“Marcellus is their favorite,” I inform her.
“That’s true,” she laughs, and slaps Celestia’s shoulder. “I swear I get more updates from mother regarding Marcellus than about father. Is he even still alive?”
Celestia cackles, and coughs, choking on her ale. “He’s fine. She quickly changed her tune once he started helping her around the house, and giving father a break. He’s the perfect son. And we did decide on a budget. You spent more than you should have on our gifts.”
“It’s the thought that counts. I love my new book! I can’t wait to read it. And, Sols, I love this delicate piece you made for me. It’s going to be my most favorite bookmark.”
“Look at her being all nice,” tuts Celestia. “Been spending time with Lucien? How is he, anyway? Why didn’t he greet us?”
“He couldn’t.”
“Seriously, Celestia is right,” comments Solera. “What’s happening to you, Lous? Did you take a potion before you joined us for lunch?”
“You two are the worst people I’ve ever had the displeasure of knowing.”
“There she is!” They both cry out joyfully.
“I’m just happy to be done with my Astral Projection paper. Lucien said he would read it over for me, so I should pass.”
“You’re still working on that? I finished mine weeks ago,” mumbles Solera. “Why is Lucien still in the city, anyway? Shouldn’t he return home? He’d be safer. Is he an idiot?”
“If you ask me, I’d say he is. He’s staying for his boyfriend.”
“That’s ridiculous!” Cries Celestia. “Why is his boyfriend still here?”
“I honestly have no idea. They’re a pair of idiots, and perfect for each other.”
“Hmph,” she scoffs. “I thought he was smart. There’s someone out there for everyone. You’ll find him soon, Lous.”
“Well, Lucien’s certainly not thinking with his brain, that’s for sure,” I mutter.
Solera snorts into her cup, and spills ale on her shirt. “Lous. Gods, you’re going to make me choke!”
“Sorry. Anyway, in addition to that awful assignment, I haven’t been getting much sleep. My roommate’s boyfriend snores all night.”
“I don’t miss sleeping at the Academy,” says Celestia, rolling a grape over her plate. “But Edward snores sometimes, and I just want to suffocate him with his pillow. He’ll be sleeping soundly one moment, then suddenly sounds like he’s sawing logs.”
“Adam is perfect,” says Solera, with a dreamy sigh.
“We know,” Celestia and I say bitterly, rolling our eyes at each other.
“Well, I know the three of us have to return to work,” I continue. “So I’ll be seeing you in two weeks for dinner, right?”
“Same time, same place,” agrees Celestia.
Solera nods. “Send our greetings to Lucien and his boyfriend.”
“I’d rather not,” I mumble. “But should he ask, I might mention it.”
“How was your lunch?” Calls Lucien, the moment I set foot past the door.
I walk through the shop, and enter the back room, where I find Lucien stirring two cauldrons at the same time, and using a wind spell to write labels.
“My sisters asked me to send their greetings.”
“Oh, that’s... nice,” he hums.
After clearing a spot on the table, I place a wrapped piece of cake in front of Lucien. His ears flicker with excitement, the quill dropping on the table from a lack of focus.
“For you,” I say, tying up my apron, and reading over the list. “Enjoy.”
“It’s your birthday, and you’re bringing me gifts?”
“Stop. It’s just another day. When I get that potion of immortality, they won’t even matter anymore.”
“Then you should celebrate them while they still matter, don’t you think?”
“You’re so sentimental,” I tut, reading through the task list. “Goodness, there are many deliveries to make today.”
“I completed several. I made a small mark by the the-”
“LUCIEN! You’re not supposed to leave the shop!” I scold.
He presses his hands to his ears. “I was fine. I’m here, aren’t I? I can shadow jump through the city expertly these days.”
“What if someone saw you? You’re going to have to leave. What about Cyrus?”
“Shh,” he presses a finger over his lips, and one over mine with a panicked look on his face. “No one must know he’s still here in the city.”
“What are you talking about?” I whisper.
“He’s...” he steps close to me, and whispers into my ear. “Started a rebellion in the city against those that want to be rid of the dark elves.”
“Has he? It’s about time something was done about it,” I say, slapping his hand away, picking the quill up, and wiping the ink off the table.
“Luna! Don’t admit that out loud,” he hisses. “You’ll get yourself in trouble.”
“Gods, no one will even hear us.”
“Light elves have excellent ears.”
“Have they joined the opposing force? They’re all fools! You’re practically the same.”
“Luna!” He covers my mouth, furrows his brows and frowns.
I kiss his palm, causing him to flinch.
“What’s the matter?” I laugh.
“I thought you were going to bite me.”
“Your hands smell awful. I’m not about to get any of it in my mouth.”
He settles down at the table, and opens up the wrapped package. The fruit tart glistens in the light. He swallows hard and licks his lips.
If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
“You behave as if you’ve never seen a fruit tart before,” I snicker, putting a fork in his hands. “Use this if you need to. I recommend it over whatever smell is lingering on those fingertips.”
“I haven’t had one in a long time. Cyrus doesn’t really like sweets. And it’s just a bit of valerian root.”
“It’s unfortunate he doesn’t like sweets. You’re practically made of sugar.”
He gives me a puzzled look. “What? That doesn’t make any sense.”
“Because you’re... very sweet?” I explain. “It’s a compliment.”
His cheeks darken.
“Oh, thank you,” he smiles sheepishly.
I lean over his shoulder, and take a small piece of his fruit tart when he forks a piece into his mouth. He looks up at me with curious eyes as he chews.
“Did you not get any?” He asks, with his mouth full.
“I had no time. My sisters had to return to their work. Neither of them have someone like you to hold down the fort while they’re away,” I say, pinching his cheeks.
“You still didn’t need to rush back.”
“What would I do all alone? It’s not fun. Seraphina and Arthur are busy, you’re busy. That’s everyone I know.”
“You could stop by the enchantment shop, and try to get a free charm from Fox.”
“I’d rather not.”
“Are the two of you still not talking?”
“No... we’re talking. I just don’t enjoy it.”
“Why’s that?”
“Do you always stay in touch with everyone you’ve been in a relationship with?”
He laughs, and stuffs the last piece of tart into my mouth before getting up to put his fork into the wash basin.
“What would you know about my dating life?” He asks.
“I don’t, actually. Just that you’re with Cyrus, and he keeps you- uh... physically active.”
“I remain amicable with all of my past relationships-”
“Stop talking,” I groan, beginning to write labels.
“You have something to add?” He asks, standing over my shoulder.
“Only that you continue to amaze me because you’re so nice. I hate you. I don’t know how you remain so perfect. Go be a princess somewhere else.”
“It’s not difficult to remain friends with-”
“Shut up.”
He walks around the table, and sits in front of me. He begins to wipe down some bottles he’s already prepared and begins to cork them. I watch him, waiting for his mouth to open again.
“I was going to add that I’m not around any of them all the time,” he says quickly, before I can stop him.
“Oh.”
“If I had to be, I wouldn’t be.”
“So, what you’re saying is that I need to get as far away from Fox as possible, and we’ll remain on good terms?”
“Where would you even go first?”
“Port Quelil! Henry talks about it all the time.”
“Again with Henry,” he sighs.
“Of course. He’s living the life I want to live. He’s visiting other places. He paints them. And he does it incredibly well, I might add.”
“Is that so?” He asks, resting his arms on the table, and giving me his full attention.
“Yes! And I could see all of the big ships in the port. Visit some of the shops with items from all parts of Amith and beyond!”
“Wow, beyond Amith, huh?” He says, with amusement.
“Oh, stop it, you,” I say, trying to keep a straight face. “You’re making fun of me.”
“I’m not. You should go once you’re done with level six. Go see what’s beyond Ibis Islands.”
“One day. I’m too much of a coward to do it alone.”
“Alone? You plan to be alone?”
“Who would I take with me?”
“Did you forget about me?”
“I’m sorry, I thought you had a small anchor named...” I lean over, and cup my mouth. “Cyrus.”
“He can come with us.”
“And you were going to settle down in the Grove or something, if I’m recalling my ancient memories correctly,” I say, getting back to my work.
“The stars. I’ll go with you if you go to see the stars.”
“We haven’t gone stargazing in ages.”
“Let’s go, then. For your birthday.”
“Is that what it takes? In that case, you owe me three stargazing days, since you didn’t get me any gifts.”
“When should we go?”
“Tonight.”
“Tonight?” His eyes wander over to the task list sitting on the table.
“Yes, tonight. So you should get to work. We have many potions to brew.”
“It’s impossible. Maybe tomorrow. I have things to do after the shop, anyway.”
“Like Cyrus?”
His cheeks darken. “That’s not what I meant.”
“But I’m right.”
“You are.”
I laugh at him, and he nudges me before getting back to wiping the bottles.
“Why are you making me cover my eyes?” I whine. “I’ve seen this forest before. It’s not going to look any differently than it usually does. I’m going to fall over and break an ankle, and then neither of us will have a fun evening.”
“I’ll catch you, it’s just a bit further.”
I take small steps, the blindfold blocking everything but the view of my feet.
“Okay, take it off.”
Lit candles inside glass jars surround me, and there’s a blanket spread across the floor. A woven basket and bottle of wine sits on the blanket.
“Are you trying to start a fire?”
“They’re not real. It’s a spell. I’m not an idiot,” he says, flatly.
“What’s this?” I ask, sitting on the blanket, and opening up the basket. “You brought food, and wine. What else is in here? Oh, I wonder what this is. It smells of honey.”
“That’s for you to eat last.”
“It’s my birthday.”
“That was yesterday.”
“That’s not fair.”
“Lune, don’t make this difficult. I struggled enough hauling all of this out here.”
“For no reason. I can see in the dark.”
“It’s for... ambiance.”
“What sort of ambiance? I feel like I’m on a...”
“It’s supposed to look... Enchanting.”
“We’re stargazing. The point is to be in the dark, isn’t it?”
He frowns.
“I’m sorry. I like it-”
“Liar.”
“No, really. I feel like a proper lady.”
“Just eat,” he says with a roll of his eyes. “I found a good spot not far from here to go see the sky.”
“There’s more?”
“Yes. Now, stop being difficult and cooperate.”
“Yes, sir!”
I lick my fingers, staring up at the skies as Lucien finishes his piece of honey cake slowly. He hums with delight as he takes another bite, and despite having already eaten my own slice, my mouth waters.
“I brought more, you know,” he says. “You can have another piece if you want.”
“Maybe later? I’m so comfortable. If only there was someone around who could feed it to me like they do in the palaces.”
“They don’t do that in palaces unless you have no dignity remaining.”
I sigh dramatically. “I’ve no dignity left, Sir Moonshadow.”
“I can see that,” he says with amusement, as his eyes wander over my face. “I’ll warn you; you’ll feel foolish.”
I open my mouth, and shut my eyes. Lucien stuffs an oversized piece of cake into my mouth and begins to laugh.
“Now my face is all sticky,” I complain, taking the remaining cake out of my mouth, and placing it on a plate. “It’s my birthday.”
“I’m sorry, you’re right.”
He tosses a damp rag at my face. I wipe the honey off, and lie back again.
“Do it properly,” I chuckle.
“Are you sure this boat is still... good?” I ask, my body trembling in fear.
“We’re already in the middle of the lake, so it’s a bit late to be asking that. It’s clearly floating”
“It just feels so small.”
“It was the only one I could get at the last moment. No one is exactly loaning out boats to dark elves, are they?”
I gaze up at the night sky, aware of the silence, the cold night air, and the warmth of Lucien at my side. I want to gaze at the stars, but the joy I can see in his eyes as he stares up at them seems to bring me more joy.
“Do I have something on my face?” He asks.
“What are you talking about?” I ask, quickly turning away.
“You’re staring at me.”
“Sorry, it’s just.... You’re so...”
“Yes?”
I can feel his gaze on me, and I’m drawn to it.
“I’m cold.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
He carefully drapes his cloak over me, and pulls me closer to this side, wrapping an arm around me. “How’s that?”
“I...”
I feel like clay perfectly molded to his side. Any tension I might have had before is completely gone, replaced with the feeling of lightness.
“Lune?” He asks, turning my chin to face him. “Better?”
I nod, my gaze settling on his lips. I lean into him, and his lips part slightly.
“I think that for my second birthday gift, which you still owe me, of course-”
“Of course,” he smirks.
“I want to taste... Nothing, it’s stupid.”
“Try me.”
I think fast, grasping for any thought to come to mind, my thoughts reflexively returning to honey cake.
“Mead.”
“Mead?”
“Yes. Mead made of Master Eaimer’s honey.”
“You’ll have to give me some months, but maybe I could do it. I’m not very familiar with the process.”
“Good, get started on that immediately. I’m sure we have all the equipment you need at the shop, and you’ll see it as a fun project.”
He chuckles and returns his gaze to the stars. “Madam Lyra would love that. I might have to make extra.”
“Possibly, but the first batch is mine.”
“Of course.”
“Oh, good morning,” I say, taken aback at the sight of Cyrus sitting at the table of the shop.
Lucien is nowhere in sight, as I step past the threshold cautiously.
“Good morning, Lou,” he says, when he hears me.
“Did you spend the night with our favorite elf?”
He looks up at me with a smirk. “I did. Is he your favorite elf? You don’t have a collection of them lying about do you?”
I chuckle. “Did he send you down to fetch cookies?”
“Doesn’t he always?”
“I wouldn’t know, but I’ve noticed he likes sweets early in the morning. Would you like some tea?”
“That would be lovely.”
“Is Lucien awake already? I swear he never sleeps.”
“Yes, he’s been awake obsessing over some project of his. He sent me down to get cookies, but I couldn’t find them, and didn’t want to return upstairs to listen to him speak endlessly about fermentation for the hundredth time. It’s too early for that. The cookies might help distract him long enough for me to wake up.”
“Is it the mead? His project?”
“Yes, how did you guess? Has he been torturing you with it, too?”
“He has. I don’t know why he’s suddenly possessed.”
I take my apron off the hook, and replace it with my cloak. Warm sunlight floods the back of the shop when I open the back door to let in some fresh air.
“Would you like any particular kind of tea?” I ask him.
“Anything is fine.”
“Barley coming up.”
“Gods, no,” he groans.
“Lucien hates it, too.”
“Does he? I didn’t know.”
“He’s very subtle about things he dislikes. You have to watch him.”
“Is that so?” His eyes follow me around the shop as I take mugs off a shelf, and place them near the kettle.
“Yes, he always flutters his ears when he’s lying about something. If it’s really bad, he narrows his eyes slightly, and flares his nostrils, but only once and quickly, so you have to watch him closely.”
“What does he do when he likes something?”
“If it’s food,” I think for a moment. “After his first bite, he smells it, and stares off, over analyzing the flavors, the textures, what have you. He tries to figure out the ingredients.”
“And if it’s not food?” He challenges.
“Well, his ears flutter differently...”
“Right,” he murmurs.
“They stand more upright. His lips also part slightly, and his eyes light up.”
“I see.”
I blush, realizing I’ve said too much, and he’s examining my reactions carefully. The floorboards creak, and Lucien appears before me.
“Gods! Lune!” He steps back, vanishing before I realize he was half-naked.
I clear my throat to keep myself from gasping as I line several mugs on the counter, and place a small bag of peppermint tea in each.
“How can you tell if he likes a person?” He asks.
My hands shake. Does he know? That would be embarrassing. What am I thinking? I’m not even a threat. I’m human, and not even half as good-looking as Lucien’s left eyeball.
“You’d know. He likes you, doesn’t he?” I ask.
“Does he? Lately he’s seemed so distant. I wonder if I’ve upset him.”
“Lucien’s sentimental. All you have to do is make the most of the small moments. Spend more time with him. Don’t just lie with him and leave. He remembers that sort of thing, just like the rest of us, but he overthinks things, always trying to break them down into the smallest components.”
“He is sentimental, isn’t he?” He chuckles, and becomes lost in thought.
The kettle whistles, pulling us both out of our daydreams. I remove its fire enchantment, and pour the water evenly into each cup. My ears ring.
“I’m sorry, Lune. I didn’t realize you were here,” comes Lucien’s voice behind me.
“That’s alright. I’ll announce myself next time. ‘Oh, Lucien!’” I call. “‘Oh, lover boy!’”
“That’s... it’s not necessary,” he finches, and turns to Cyrus. “Did you find the cookies?”
“No,” he responds, his eyes trailing over Lucien’s body admiringly.
I turn away, feeling an uncomfortable desire to toss hot tea at Cyrus’ face. I walk over to the supply closet to give them a moment alone. On the highest shelf sits a jar of cookies Lucien and I keep out of Madam Lyra’s sight. It’s empty.
“Sorry, Luce, we’re all out of cookies!” I call out.
“What?” He cries out in a panic. “I couldn’t have finished them all. Do you think Madam Lyra found them?”
I step out of the closet, shutting the door behind me. “Or you just forgot you ate all of them, but it’s empty, I’m afraid. I can get some for you during lunch later today, if you survive this tragic ordeal.”
His face lights up. “You will?”
“I-I’ll get them!” Says Cyrus, getting up from his seat. “I’ll get you cookies, Lucien.”
Lucien’s eyes light up. “That’s alright, Cyrus. I don’t want to put you through all the trouble.”
“Well,” I say, taking up the list on the table, and looking it over. “According to this list, he might need to. We’ll be working well into the night. I’ll be much too busy.”
Lucien walks up to my side, and while Lucien is reading the list over, I glance up at Cyrus who quietly thanks me. I wink, and give him a grin.
“I’m afraid she’s right. We won’t have time for anything,” says Lucien, taking the list from my hands.
“I’ll bring you both lunch and dinner as well, then,” adds Cyrus.
“Thank you, Cyrus. Please let us give you some coins for all of it.”
“No, I insist. It’s on me. I’ll return later.”
He does return, but leaves immediately, promising to see Lucien that evening to help us finish off our tasks.
“Maybe he’s running a bit late,” I suggest. “He is... him... after all, and many of the things he does don’t often go as planned.”
“You’re right. He did have some sort of raid planned against the Guardians.”
“Guardians?”
“Yes, there’s some group of maniacs running loose in the city murdering anyone that supports the dark elves, and the city guards aren’t doing anything about it.”
“That’s sad. How are all of you still anywhere north of the Grove by now,” I laugh.
“Luna!” He scolds. “They’re being forced out of their homes. It’s not easy for those that have built their entire livelihoods here.”
“Sorry. I just... I wish you’d go home, at least. I wouldn’t have to worry about you every time I hear that another dark elf has had their horns removed.”
“Still trying to get rid of me?”
“You know what I mean,” I huff. “Is Cyrus really worth all of this trouble?”
“He is.”
“It must be true love, then,” I scoff, stocking the shelves. “Oh, look at this. This is new. What is it?”
“It’s a perfume... It was something Madam Lyra wanted to try out.”
I remove the top, and take a deep breath in. A strong smell of rose and lavender hit me, and when it hits the back of my throat, I cough.
“It’s strong,” I comment, placing it on the shelf.
“Well, it’s not for consumption. Speaking of which, the mead is finished, if you want some.”
“We’ll need some to counteract that sour mood of yours.”
“Can you blame me?”
“Yes. It makes you more and more upset each time.”
He huffs.
“I can’t believe he didn’t show!” Cries Lucien, completely drunk.
“Will you just shut up about him, already? I’m so tired of hearing about him. He’s such a bad boyfriend! Why do you insist on reinforcing my opinion of him?”
“Because I’m venting!”
“Can you vent when I’m not drunk, then? I have a headache, and I want to pound his skull in with a cauldron.”
“You can’t even lift a cauldron.”
“People have more strength when they’re in a desperate situation. And I could lift it with a wind spell.”
“For half a second... Are you really drunk?” Asks Lucien. “How?”
“I probably had too much. How much did you make?”
“Several gallons.”
“How much have we had?”
“Barely anything. It’s probably because we never had dinner.”
“Gods, food sounds amazing right now!” I whine.
“It really does. I can throw something together for you from the basket of things he brought.”
“Are we not saying his name, now?”
“No.”
“I’ll take your offer.”
I dangle a cookie over Lucien’s mouth, and he angrily chases it until he’s able to take it from my fingers.
“How dare you take the last one? He brought them for me,” he whines.
“Well, you should have moved faster, then. He should have brought more, too. He should know better.”
“I didn’t think you could be so heartless as to take the last cookie. I trusted you.”
“I can be heartless over sweets. In my family, anything to do with sweets was on par with war.”
“I can tell that you often lost them.”
“Possibly.”
I settle down in bed next to Lucien, and we both stare up at the ceiling as Lucien chews slowly on the last cookie, savoring every bite.
“Open the window, it’s too stuffy,” I whine.
The bed creaks when Lucien stands. He walks slowly across the room, his braid swaying back and forth, the sight of it mesmerizing.
He’s lost in his thoughts once he’s at my side again. It’s some minutes later, when I finally feel the first hint of the cool night air on my skin.
“I need water,” I grumble, getting up.
“I’ll get it,” he says, pushing me back down into bed.
When Lucien returns, his robes are draped over his shoulder, his upper body bare, as he carries two large cups filled to the brim with water.
“That fire is still burning strong. I opened the window downstairs to let in some cool air.”
Lucien hands me a cup, and I take a long drink.
“I should return to the Academy. It’s getting late, and I still need to wash up.”
“Could you stay?”
My heart begins to race.
“Sorry, I don’t know what I’m saying. I’m drunk.”
“What if Cyrus returns? It would be very awkward. I swear he thinks I have... feelings for you.”
What was I saying?
“We’re friends, aren’t we?” He asks, so innocently, I want to pinch his cheeks.
“Best friends,” I huff out a laugh.
“It’s late, anyway. He’s not coming back.”
I lie back in bed, listening carefully to each sound that he makes. His bare feet padding across the floor. The jewels in his ears tinkling as he walks. The soft sound of his silk robes falling into the chair at his desk.
When he sits, the bed bows, and I’m forced to turn to face him.
“Sure. I’ll stay.”
“Get comfortable,” he says, reaching at my back and undoing my stays in one swift motion.
“I’m impressed,” I tease him. “Do you do this often?”
“You think I’ve only ever dated men?”
“Angelina?”
“How on earth did you guess?”
“She’s very pretty.”
He buries his face under his pillow.
“Oh, Lucien!” I say, trying to rip the pillow from his grip. “Tell me more.”
When I succeed, his face is completely dark.
“Oooh, my. What are you thinking about?”
“Angelina was more lovely when she wasn't wearing any clothes.”
I gasp, and blush. When he notices, he clasps his mouth shut with his hand, and looks away embarrassed.
“Lucien!” I snicker. “You’re a naughty elf.”
“I’m a man.”
“I’m sure you’re a gentleman.”
“It depends.”
“Oh, does it? On what?”
A cat-like grin spreads over his lips. “On how much clothing is still being worn.”
I laugh nervously. “Are you sure you’re not the one initiating all your nighttime rendezvous?”
“Should I walk you back to the Academy?” Lucien asks, knowing I’m still wide awake.
“Sorry, I just... When Fox and I were... close...” I hesitate.
“Go on.”
“It feels strange talking to you about that.”
“Why? You’ve told Seraphina. Am I not your friend, too? Have I been replaced by her? Should I be worried?”
“You’re... right. Sometimes I wish we still had that truth serum so I could speak with you more freely.”
He flinches.
“Sorry, we’re absolutely not talking about that time.”
“Right. I wish we would at least talk about Fox, because I still think of that moment often.”
“Which one?”
“What other one would I be talking about? The day you parted ways!”
“Why would you think about something so miserable?”
“You were never the same again, Lune. You changed. I feel like some light inside of you blew out.”
I take a deep breath and shudder as I exhale, fighting back the sadness. “I just didn’t understand how he could claim to love me so much, but left me. I just don’t understand it still. He wouldn’t... change his mind.”
“We all want different things in life, and we’re willing to make sacrifices to get them.”
“What would you want so badly that you’d leave Cyrus for? I bet it’s not anything.”
“I want to-”
“See the stars?”
He nods, and buries his face into my back, warming me with his blush. “What about you?”
“I have nothing to give up, so that’s a useless question.”
“Alright, what if you had a second chance with Fox. What would make you leave again?”
“I’m not sure. If he didn’t want to travel, I suppose. But he did. He was... He was perfect. I guess I’m not over it yet,” I fight back the tears welling in my eyes.
“I know you’re not.”
“How would you know? Are you a mind reader?”
“Please, I’ve seen how you look at him. Your heart practically leaps out of your chest each time. Your eyes practically spring out of your skull.”
“From fright, I guarantee it.”
“So, tell me why you are thinking of Fox?”
“When we’d lie together, he’d always...”
I remember all the nights I’d spent with Fox, and my cheeks burn.
“Oh, I see. You’re aroused.”
“Lucien, stop talking, or you’re taking me back to the Academy.”
“Sorry, just go to sleep. I promise nothing will happen between us tonight.”
“Just tonight?”
“Shut up, you’re drunk. I’m going to take you back to the Academy.”
“Sorry, I’ll stop.”
There’s a loud crash downstairs, and the moment I step down from the ladder, Lucien disappears into the night through the back door. He returns with Cyrus in his arms drenched in red and black blood.
“How’s he doing? Have you heard any news?” I ask.
“He’s going to be fine. I’m just not permitted to know where they’re keeping him.”
“Lucien! That’s not fa-”
“I refused to join the rebellion. I’m not permitted to know where they’re keeping him.”
“So join.”
“Remember how we promised not to tell each other anything life-threatening when we took the truth serum?”
“Yes.”
“I can’t tell you why I can’t join this war.”
“Do you at least want to?”
“Of course I do. There’s nothing I want more than to see Cyrus, and be at his side.”
“And that whole saving the dark elves part, right?”
“Right.”