Jucai stood. “Goodbye, Lady Sehala.” He lifted his gaze to Yevena. “And Lady Yevena.”
“Goodbye until this evening.” She bowed to him. “It's so nice to have you home, Lord Nadar.”
“Thank you, it's nice to be home.”
We sat down as they left. I returned to my fruit, but when I glanced at Jucai, I found him frowning.
“What's wrong?” I asked. “I thought it was sweet that she mistook you for Karadas.”
“Indeed, it was quite complementary.”
“Then why do you look upset?”
“I am not.” Jucai smiled. “It has been a lovely day despite the way it began.”
“Great Gods, it feels as if it's been a week since we left the sea.”
“The day has been long indeed.”
“And here I am offering you fruit. You must be starving.” Even as I said the words, my stomach growled.
“As are you.” He laughed.
“After we finish our fruit, I'll buy us some lamb kebabs. They should hold us over until dinner.”
“You have a wonderful home, Nadar.”
I went still. His tone had been bitter and a little wistful. Was this why he was upset? Did he expect to find a lesser city, only to be met with Zaru’s glittering splendor instead?
“Your home is extraordinary as well, Jucai.”
Jucai frowned. “Yes, of course it is. Why would you say that?”
“I thought perhaps you were upset to see that life was as good on land as it is underwater.”
“Why would that upset me?”
“I don't know. Pride maybe.”
“Kansu is not in competition with Erimbar. They are both beautiful.”
“Then what is it? You were so happy a few minutes ago.”
“There are no oranges.”
“What?” I looked into his bowl. “There's a piece right there.”
“No, in the park.” He waved his hand outward. “You said there were orange trees in the park.”
“Oh!” I laughed. “Actually, I didn't say that. I said it smelled of citrus and sage. Then I said that we grew sweet oranges here. Breathe in, you'll smell orange blossoms.”
“Yes, I smelled them earlier, but where are the trees?”
“The scent comes from the mock orange bushes.” I waved at the bushes covered in little white flowers behind us. “They smell like orange blossoms, thus the name.”
“Mock orange.” He grimaced. “They are pretend oranges. I don't like that.”
“But you have the smell in your nose and the fruit in your bowl.” I pointed at the bowl. “What more do you need?”
