Lia was sure there would be one for Felix.
The doors opened once again. This time, carrying in a familiar face.
Olwen.
Dahlia gently pulled her hand from Felix and murmured a quick goodbye before weaving her way back to the bar top. She pushed past the swinging kitchen doors and leaned heavily against the massive prep table.
Olwen was here. Surely, he would recognize her?
Diaz sampled the stew her husband, Hunt, was seasoning. “More salt.”
The burly mountain human glared at his wife. “You take that back.”
“Only if you kiss me,niliov,” Diaz purred. Her husband was the only one she softened for.
Hunt chuckled and pressed a quick kiss to her lips. “Now be gone with you.”
The older giantess smirked at him before turning to Lia, her playfulness melting away. “I saw you with that merchant. He carries hearts in his eyes for you.” Hunt grunted in agreement.
Tipping her head back, Lia stared at the ceiling. Felix was the last of her problems. “Would you mind terribly if I worked in the scullery tonight?” Perhaps she could avoid Olwen all night.
Diaz tsked. “My nephew is cleaning dishes tonight. I have no need of you back there. What I need is a young prettyvallesdoing her job instead of hiding in my kitchen.”
Lia winced and then nodded. She could not lose this job, but entering the main tavern could mean her life.
The older giantess sidled up to her and held Lia’s chin gently between her claws, scrutinizing her face. “You hold shadows in your eyes. That merchant might be able to add light to them. Only if you let him.”
“I can’t.”
“So you say,” Hunt called over his shoulder. “There are always ways to find happiness. You just have to be willing to reach for them.”
“Hush you,” Diaz scolded her spouse halfheartedly. “I know these last few weeks have been difficult with the warriors bringing their prejudice here. The war has made it worse. You will tell me if anyone is harassing you, no?” Her eyes narrowed on Lia’s face. “We do not allow such behavior here. Everyone is welcome as long as they follow my rules.”
“Sei.”
Diaz hummed and released Lia. “Now, out with you.”
Dahlia inhaled deeply, shook out her hair, and stepped through the double doors behind the bar. The cacophony of sounds was an assault to the senses. She jogged over to Jaiix. “I will pour and clean if you want to take the tables tonight.”
“Again?” Jaiix whined.
“Do you not want the extra tips?” Lia asked, knowing talk of coin would turn the halfling’s mood right around. She had expensive taste in clothing.
The halfling grinned. “I get all the tips?”
“They’re all yours.”
Jaiix squealed and tugged Lia into a hug. For a moment, she let herself sink into thevalles’heat. There was something so infectious about Jaiix’s enthusiasm.
“Thanks! Perhaps I can purchase something that will catch the king’s eye.”
Lia didn’t react to the words. Jaiix had been gushing about Neve for days since she’d served him wine. Jealousy reared its ugly head each time, but she mercilessly stamped it out. She had no claim to the Frost King.
“I’m sure whatever you pick will be lovely.” The words tasted bitter on her tongue.
“You’re the best!” The halfling pranced away, arms laden with drink and an extra spring to her step.
Lia shook her head, a silly smile on her face. Jaiix was so bubbly. The world needed more of that.
