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February 26 - February 26, 2023
Run away with me, the mage had said, her eyes alight. You like tea. I like books. Let’s open a shop somewhere remote and forget the world exists.
All she wanted was a nice, hot cup of tea. It was treason to think that. She thought it anyway.
She swallowed hard, and the whispered words felt like a promise. “Run away with me. You like tea. I like books. Care to open a shop and forget the world exists?”
A bookstore that served tea, perched in the most remote corner of the world. Kianthe could see it already.
Kianthe looked delighted. “You made friends already?” “I’m social,” Reyna said. At the mage’s amused expression, she crossed her arms. “I can be social.”
“A bookshop that serves tea, My Lord.” He stopped short, eyes widening. “A—a bookstore?” For a moment, it looked like all his dreams were coming true. Reyna’s irritation with him vanished, replaced now with mild amusement. He leaned forward, voice eager. “Where are you obtaining the books?”
“I look forward to the bookshop you envision. I haven’t had a good cup of tea in years.”
“Did I—fall off a roof?”
Kianthe looked simultaneously ready to shake her senseless… or kiss her senseless. Reyna would have preferred the latter, if she had a choice.
That was the thing about their communication style. Once one of them asked that question, they stayed quiet until the other was absolutely finished. Sometimes, a person just needed to verbally work through their feelings. Sometimes, the first thing out of their mouth wasn’t really the problem.
the carpenter framed the west wall with towering bookshelves, just like Kianthe wanted. As a surprise for Reyna—and because Kianthe herself hated being cold—she had the carpenter design a fireplace dividing the wall of books. It was big and deep, framed in stone with a heavy mantle, and would make the cold winters in Tawney almost bearable.
She’d already turned her attention to the wall of bookshelves, tilting her head to survey their height. “Are we going to add a ladder, so the customers can pull books they want?”
On the back countertops, the carpenter had devised a clever shelving system for a future assortment of teas,
I need a partner, not a protector.”
“Six knives?” Kianthe squinted, studying every piece of her attire. “Where?” “Darling, please stay focused.”
“Our bedroom is done, by the way. We can move in anytime,” Reyna said, changing the subject. In response, Kianthe squinted harder. “Seriously. Where are the knives?” Reyna just laughed.
“Why do I get the feeling they’re halfway in love already?” “Quite possible.” Kianthe gestured at their empty bookshelves. “Maybe once we fill the shop, obtain a few regulars, and get the business settled, we can play matchmaker. Until then, it’s fun to watch them fight.”
Kianthe tugged out another book. “A Gentleperson’s Guide to Sex and Sensuality.” She didn’t bother quelling her suggestive smile. “This one may be a hint.”
“I want you to feel loved without earning it. Because that’s how you make me feel every Stone-damned day.”
“Are we helping everyone who comes into our home?” Reyna snorted. “Dear, you once rescued a litter of kittens, then realized you didn’t have the wherewithal to raise them and handed them off to me. I don’t think you’re able to dispute this.”
“I love you, and I’ll be back shortly.” “I’ll raze the town if you aren’t.” Reyna couldn’t tell if she was serious or not.
“Reyna, I love you more than Visk, the moon, the stars, and all the flowers in Shepara. But if you try and attack a dragon with that toothpick of a blade, I will tie you to a chair and leave you to contemplate your actions.”
Diarn Feo’s eyes raked Wylan’s form. It was barely a second, but they definitely gave the young lord a once-over. Reyna stepped aside, her lips quirking in amusement.
“Fine. I’ll report to your home first thing tomorrow for… collaboration.” Kianthe would have a field day with that, if she were here.
Her tone was sly. “Is your passion project Lord Wylan?” Diarn Feo spluttered, ducking their head to hide a blush. “Absolutely not. I couldn’t care less what Wylan does with his time and energy.”
They hadn’t declared a relationship yet, but they spent an awful lot of time “discussing” the town’s future.
Will you marry me?” Reyna bounced like a kid in a bakery. Her eyes were alight as she threw her arms around Kianthe’s neck, kissed her passionately. “Of course I’ll marry you, you ridiculous mage. It took you long enough to ask.” “You told me to wait!” “Well, I got impatient.”
