Royal Tea Service (Tea Princess Chronicles, #3)

by Casey Blair

I blurt, “Do you want to get dinner?” Everyone stares at me, Yorani included, and I feel myself reddening. Was that too sudden, or strange? Perhaps they don’t want to spend any more time with me. Truly, given how much I ask of them I can’t blame them— “Yes, that is an activity that groups of close acquaintances in Istalam engage in, isn’t it?” Sa Nikuran nods like I’ve proposed a satisfactory answer to a philosophical proposition. “I would like to partake in it.” “I mean,” Lorwyn says, “yes, friends going out to dinner is a thing that normal people—okay how in the world have we gotten to a situation where I am the person explaining normal behavior? Miyara, I am absolutely sure this is your fault.” Their tentative acceptance—or at least lack of rejection—of my overture fills me with a sudden fervor. Friends go out to dinner. “We should invite Risteri.” Sa Nikuran chimes in, “As well as your Entero and Deniel!” “He is not my Entero,” Lorwyn says. “Of course he is,” Sa Nikuran says, looking at Lorwyn like she’s stupid. “Is seven too many for dinner?” I ask Lorwyn. “What? No—I don’t think so? It’s not like I go out to eat with people!” Glynis cuts in, “You are the most socially confused adult friends. It’s adorable.” I look back at Lorwyn. “Is this what’s known as ‘trash talking’?” Dryly, Lorwyn answers, “Yes, but only if it takes.”