“These look terrible.” “You may give me your share if you like, though I’d guess you’d change your tune once we fry them in sesame oil.” “Now, I didn’t say that. I merely said they look too ugly to be as delicious as the empress was saying.” “Sometimes . . . sometimes the ugliest things can be the most delicious.” I looked at him sideways as I said it, blushing even darker, and he stared at me. “Did— Was that a compliment? Did you try to pay me a compliment? Have you never paid one before?” “No!”
