Page 15

It’s relief. To have gotten away.

Calix’s breath hitches, I feel the tickle stop combing through my hair.

I frown at his mask that keeps holding me hostage.

Calix throws me off his lap and I land on the bank with a thunk and a thundering heart.

“I’m not your enemy.”

“You’re not my friend, either.”

Calix sinks a fraction. “What were you up to tonight, before you ran into those nobles? Should I drop you off to someone?”

I pat my belt, feeling for a pouch that is no longer there. Must have fallen in the chase. I sigh and look at Calix imploringly. “Are you hungry? How about we go for some pecan puffs?”

“Pecan puffs?”

“Ground pecans in a creamy custard set into the lightest, flakiest pastries, and pretty taffy art to top it.” My stomach rumbles. I pat it. “Shall we share a plate?”

Calix picks up his oars and shakes his head at me. “You’ve lost your money, haven’t you?”

“Please? They’re a hassle to make so they only sell them at the lovelight festival. I’ll have to wait an entire year...”

“I don’t know. Buying someone dessert sounds like something a... friend would do.”

“What... Are youupset?” There’s something about his tone, his posture... “Well, I’m upset too,” I say. “You took off without a word!”

He looks over sharply, expression pensive.

I frown. Is this it? Another sudden departure between us?

But Calix steers to a set of steps and joins me on the bank. At my confused look, he taps my rumbling belly with a cane he’d pulled from the boat. “Pecan puffs.”

He snaps through the streets, leading the way while I frown after him. He disappears from the mountain without a word, he’s upset we’re not friends, and now he comes along to feed me pastry puffs?

Also—I come to an abrupt halt outside the inn Maskios is heading into, and then hurry inside after him. “Why are you still hurt?” I demand the moment we are seated at a small table.

He stiffens. “Father was furious at my absence that night. I was... punished. I’m to heal without magic.”

Harsh. “He’s tough on you.”

“He’s tough on everyone.”

At my inquiring brow, he clears his throat. “My brother disobeyed him too. We’re both hobbling on canes today.”

I lean in with a smirk. “Then let’s order sikelion lamb and emberfruit pheasant, too. And some borage tea. With that, I can take away your pain.”

“You just want more free food.”

“We both win.”

He orders everything I ask for and the dishes fill every spot of space on the table.

And I moan into all of it, especially the delightful bite of pecan puff.

But, then I catch myself. I smartly put down the pastry and look directly over the table. “Enough.”

He shifts, chest puffed on a held breath.