Page 31 of Morel Dilemma

“They run in the family.” This time, Jildarin pinned his brother with a pointed look.

“Are you implying that I—” Zilek flattened a hand on his chest, “—am an atypical dragon?”

“Yes,” Rylana said firmly.

Surprisingly, Mya and Zalani echoed her immediately, even though they’d spent less time with him.

This time, Jildarin smirked.

“Perhaps we are both a touch unusual for our kind,” Zilek allowed, lowering his hand. “We are almost to the park entrance. Jildarin, do ensure your companion has a suitable libation, and I suggest that you imbibe a couple of alcoholic beverages yourself.”

“I have used wine in cooking to enhance the flavor of a meal, but I see little point in consuming it in larger quantities.”

“There’s a point.” Zilek smiled at Rylana.

Was he trying to get Jildarin inebriated? So that he would… what? Be more likely to realize he might have some attraction to her? Why would Zilek care?

“From what I’ve observed,” Jildarin said, “when my diners consume alcohol, it impairs coordination, judgment, and memory.”

“It also lowers inhibitions. And you, my brother, are inhibited.”

Jildarin’s brow furrowed, but the carriage halted, and the coachman knocked to let them know they had reached their destination.

“Excellent.” Zilek opened the door and led the way out.

As Zalani and Mya followed, Jildarin touched Rylana’s arm to make her pause. “The only inhibition I feel is due to the many restrictive laws of Tranquility, which I have voluntarily agreed to obey in order to pursue my culinary passions.”

“I believe you. I think he means if you were buzzed, you’d be more likely to… Well, I’m not sure what desires you might have, as you’ve not admitted to any, but alcohol can be a bit like your dragon spices.”

“You mean that it prompts one to have amorous urges?”

“At least to consider acting on them with fewer reservations than normal. But those, uhm, urges have to be there to start with.” Rylana shrugged, not certain they were for Jildarin, however much he valued his business partner.

She stepped out of the carriage. With his brow furrowed again, he hesitated for a thoughtful moment before following her.

Outside, they trailed after other groups of people walking toward the outdoor venue. Most of the ballet-goers were well-dressed, but many also wore jackets and cloaks over their garb since night was falling and the spring temperature dropping. A pathway through the park led past trimmed grass and tidy shrubs toward an open field ringed by copses of magnolia trees, lingering white and pink flowers filling the air with their sweet, lemony scents.

Rows of seats had been set up in the grassy area, and there were also open areas where people could stretch out blankets to sit. The front of the field was set up with a stage and gymnastic apparatuses such as beams, tightropes, springboards, vaulting tables, and a giant crossbow that looked like it could shoot people into the air. All around the field, lanterns hung in tree branches, and glowing spheres of light floated, shedding illumination on the stage. To one side of the performing area, an orchestra was set up, already playing soothing music that would doubtless become invigorating and exciting when the acrobatics began.

Zilek headed straight toward the front row. Rylana, who had the tickets that Layothlee had given her, didn’t know where they were supposed to sit. The green slips didn’t have numbers or seat assignments that she could see, but when she showed them to an usher, he also directed them to the first row.

“Fancy,” Zalani murmured, smiling and tightening her shawl against a cool breeze. She wore a sleeveless blue dress that left her shoulders and a good deal of her bosom bare.

“I’ve never seen elven acrobats,” Mya said. “This should be entertaining.”

“Their people don’t fear flying,” Zilek said.

“Their bones must heal faster than those of dwarves.” Mya patted one of her stout hips.

Jildarin chose a chair on an aisle, and Rylana sat next to him with Mya and Zalani on her other side. What a marvelous view they would have of the performance, not only of what happened in the air but on the stage and apparatuses as well.

Jildarin gripped his chin thoughtfully, staring at the ground instead of watching the preparations.

“Is everything all right?” Rylana asked him. “You’re not dwelling on your brother teasing you, are you?”

“Oh, no. I never dwell on that,” he said as the music rose and some of the magical lights dimmed. “I was debating whether leaving Gniknik in charge of the diner was wise or if we should have closed it for the evening. One does hate to lose revenue and disappoint diners, however.”

“I think it’ll be fine for one night. Though maybe I should have invited Rolf to come with us. Things would be especially fine at the diner if he weren’t leaning on people to leave larger tips.”