Page 91 of Ashes of Aether

“I drank a lot of moon-blossom wine.”

“Imagine if I hadn’t talked you into coming here tonight. Look at what we would have missed out on!”

I raise a brow at her.

“Whatyou’dhave missed out on, of course,” Eliya quickly corrects herself.

“If you’re really that interested in him, I can introduce you.”

She wags a finger at me. “Not so fast. Don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing.”

“And what is it you think I’m doing?”

“Trying to wriggle out of this.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Go and talk to him then.”

“What?” I blanch. “I can’t just walk up to him!”

“Of course you can. We’re in his tavern, and we’re here to drink. So, hurry up and place your order.”

“The Trial of Mind is tomorrow, and we aren’t here to drink. Why don’t we come back another time?”

“Not a chance. I spent hours making you look pretty.”

“I look ridiculous.”

“Come on, Rey-rey. If you end up marrying him one day, think how grateful you’ll be.”

“By the gods, Eliya! Marriage? You’re getting quite ahead of yourself.”

“I’m just being prepared. Who knows what might happen?”

“Definitely not that.”

“Fine,” she says. “When he gives you the night of your life, then you’ll be grateful to me.”

“Eliya!”

“What? Now don’t tell me that’s unlikely to happen. He looks like he would be good in bed, too.”

How exactly she’s come to that conclusion, I have no idea. Nor do I wish to know.

I bury my head in my hands. If I weren’t red before, I certainly am now.

“What’s the matter with you?” she asks.

“Your behavior is the matter.”

“I never knew you were such a prude.”

“I’m not.”

“When was the last time you had sex, anyway?”

“We are not having this conversation here!”