Though I don’t dislike shopping, I don’t particularly want to spend myentireday in fitting rooms.
The same way that if you discover anything of interest in Voshna, you’ll tell me all about it. Did I mention that Alyona’s last known residence was the Voshnan human quarters?
A smile blooms over my lips. “I guess I’m going to Voshna.”
Dádhi must’ve come to terms with me not only staying but also helping. Though I do suspect that the instant winter hits Glace, he’ll want me gone.
“What time will you be docking, Iz?” Lev asks.
“Late morning, so everyone can sleep in and have plenty of energy for what I have planned.” She waggles her eyebrows. “It’s quite possibly the event I’m most excited about.”
“Kohanosh, you’re excited aboutallthe events.” Aodhan cupshis love’s hand and carries it to his lips for a kiss.
Izolda’s cheeks heft with a grin. “He’s right. I am. But this one is going to beextra.”
“Us, Voshnans, are aware,” Lev says with genuine levity. “Your party planners have besieged the old town with the zeal of a rival army.”
“I thought this was a shopping trip,” Naeva says from the other side of the table.
“There will be plenty of shopping, but also plenty of…otherthings.” Izolda seems to vibrate in her seat, as though burstingwith the desire to reveal all these other things. “Kostya, I know you have meetings all day tomorrow, so you’re off the hook until four, but at four sharp, Aodhan will be around to collect you.”
“I’ve been informed of my schedule,” Konstantin replies genially.
As guests try to wheedle more information out of Izolda, Lev murmurs, “I hope you’ll do me the honor of visiting my home. I live on the cliff overlooking the harbor.”
Even though a tryst isn’t my intent, if I don’t break away from the group at some point, there’s little chance I’ll make it to the human lands.
“I’d love to see your house. Interiors fascinate me.” Which admittedly, isn’t a lie.
Lev’s amber eyes glint as though his fire-magic has converged behind his irises.
“IfIzolda allows me to escape, that is?” I turn toward my other neighbor.
“Escape?” Her eyebrows peak, which jostles her iridescent stripes.
Izolda always matches her Crow paint to what she wears. Seeing as her dress and complexion are both ivory, she had to go with the next best thing—mother-of-pearl.
“Lev offered to show me his home tomorrow.”
“Did he now?” Inuendo vibrates her voice. “At the end of the big event, you’re free to wander.”
“I’m simply dying to know more about thebig event,” Phoeppa says, his face luminous with excitement and glittery stripes. Like Izolda, he’s taken to matching his stripes to his clothing.
“Are you more excited for the big event than for the shopping, Phoeppa?” Naeva asks him.
Phoeppa twines his long fingers around his crystal wine goblet. “Never more than for the shopping. Glacin cashmeresand wools are simply exquisite. And their beadwork…chef’s kiss. I’ve actually created a little something special for this winter—a bodysuit woven from cashmere. I might have samples in my Voshnan boutique.”
As Phoeppa tells a very intrigued Milana about his latest creation, Lev asks, “Are there any foods you don’t eat?”
His gaze dips to my half-eaten beef stew, which was delicious,ifa little copious.
“No,” I say, aware he must be planning a meal.
How surprised will he be when I suggest he take me to the Voshnan human quarters? Will he refuse or indulge me? I suppose it doesn’t matter. Either he takes me, or I pass on his offer of dinner and take myself.
He sips some of that clear liquid Glacins brew from root vegetables. A drink that is eye-wateringly terrible and so high in alcohol, I’d be surprised if it left livers intact.
“I hope you’ll love my city,” he says as our shallow soup bowls are cleared and dessert arrives.
