“Thank you. May I join?’
He waved a free hand at the open chair and I took the seat, completing the final point of the god-transfer triangle.
“Cocoa?” Than offered.
“Sure.”
He turned the extra frilly china cup right side up, settling it neatly in a matching saucer.
I studied the design. “Are those… giraffes?”
He raised an eyebrow. “I believe they are.”
“That’s… um… some adult positions they’re attempting.”
“Are they not adult giraffes?”
I squinted. “Maybe?”
“Well, then.”
I glanced over at Frigg, my eyes wide in a what-do-you-say-to-that expression. She slurped her cocoa, her eyes twinkling over the top of marshmallow froth.
“Mallow?” Than tugged a little silver lid off a little silver pot.
“Yes, please.”
He wielded delicate engraved tongs and plunked spongy little hunks into the cup. “Whipped cream? Cinnamon? Sprinkles?”
“No, that’s good. I’m all marshmallow. Ride or die.”
“Fair,” he granted. He passed the cup back to me, and I took it. I tried not to pay attention to which part of the giraffe was pressed against my mouth when I took a sip.
The cocoa was good. No, it was amazing. Jean would be crazy jealous if she knew Death had the best cocoa in town. I’d only found out about it because he’d invited me for a sleepover a few months ago.
“Delicious,” I said.
Than inclined his head. I’d never really seen him smile, but I could tell from the light in his eyes that he was pleased.
“Okay, so the power—” I said.
“Cocoa first,” Than interrupted. “Frigg and I have agreed to share this drink together to better assure the transition of power.”
I looked at Frigg, expecting her to call bullshit. Drinks didn’t make any difference to the powers. The only thing that made a difference was if I was there to facilitate the transfer, and if the gods involved could nominally stand each other’s presence.
“First, the cocoa,” Frigg insisted. “It’s very good, don’t you think so?”
“I just said it’s delicious.”
“You don’t seem surprised at the quality of this beverage.”
“Delicious isn’t a compliment now?”
“No, no. That’s not what I’m getting at. What I’m getting at is you never told me Than could brew such amazing cocoa.”
I took another drink, this one deeper, catching just enough melted marshmallow to make it extra creamy.
“Maybe I was unaware of his skills,” I said airily.
