Page 52 of Morel Dilemma

“As far as I know, the elven enclave isn’t a destination that has ever enticed her. Everyone knows that the coffee shop on Acorn Street is the meeting place one suggests to better one’s odds of an acceptance.”

“Is that why you’ve agreed to go on a date with me?” Tassani asked.

“Absolutely. Even if a coffee companion’s wit is lackluster, you’ve still the satisfaction of a rich, frothy latte.”

“The queen’s wit isn’t too bad,” Layothlee said. “I’m less certain about Captain Tassani’s. We haven’t spent that much time together.”

“Really,” he murmured.

“A dragon diner run by an award-winning chef is also an excellent meeting place,” Jildarin said. “Perhaps, if you’d suggested it, you would have succeeded at your goal.”

“Sylin does enjoy his bacon,” Rylana told Layothlee, not mentioning Jildarin’s ongoing efforts to lure the queen to his establishment and the subsequent plaque he hoped to hang.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” she said.

“You should meet with Rylana at the diner,” Jildarin told Tassani, “instead of the coffee shop.”

“Do you want to add his name to your plaque?” Rylana asked.

“I want to ensure that he does not have ulterior motives toward my business partner. Previously, he and his guards sought to take you to the enclave for questioning.”

“I think he’s past that now,” Rylana said.

“Yes.” Tassani nodded firmly.

“Nonetheless, you may explore compatibility in the diner.” It sounded more like a command than a suggestion, and Jildarin folded his arms over his chest.

“I will consider that location for our date, Lord Dragon,” Tassani said politely, if a touch dryly, then waved to Layothlee. “Are you ready to depart?”

“Yes, Captain, but Rylana? Will you… let me know if you can think of a way to entice Sylin to meet the queen? I told her about her heritage, and she got very quiet after that. I can understand it must be startling if she has no memory of her mother and the elven court, but I had no idea how to read her, so I’m not sure, in truth, what she thought.” Layothlee hitched a shoulder. “Anyway, she hasn’t said as much, but I think this was the queen’s ultimate reason for coming up here to visit.”

“To meet Sylin?”

“And find out if she… does indeed have an heir.”

Rylana thought of the way Sylin had tossed that invitation into the river. “I am skeptical that she’s interested in becoming the next elven ruler.”

Layothlee spread her arms. “At the least, the queen wants to meet her daughter for the first time in decades.”

“The diner,” Jildarin said. “When the new rooftop seating area is complete, it will be the ideal location for such a meeting.”

“You seem to think the diner is the ideal location for everything,” Rylana said as the two elves headed off into the night.

“Yes,” Jildarin said.

15

The next day brought a thunderstorm with lightning flashing over Lumi Lake and rain pounding the cobblestones of Acorn Street. Fewer people than usual ventured to the diner to eat, but Jildarin was nonetheless cheerful as he prepared a few staple dishes while experimenting with new mushroom recipes.

He was also perfecting plantain- and banana-based desserts, both because he had an excess of each to use and because the elven queen was from the south, where plantains and bananas originated. Thus, by his logic, she would adore both. The way he prepared them, she might.

Between checking inventory and ordering supplies for the elven gardeners who would resume work on the roof when the weather improved, Rylana stepped into the kitchen to try a few samples. She also intended to apologize to Jildarin. During the night, it had occurred to her that they were only concerned about being evicted because of her family.

“Tomorrow,” Jildarin informed her as she enjoyed her samples, sweet aromas of frying coconut, plantains, and melted chocolate all mixing in the air, “new mushrooms will have sprouted. We will find the enchanted morels.”

He handed her a fork with a slice of a banana dipped in chocolate on it.

“You think so?” Rylana accepted the treat, never hesitating to chomp down something with a chocolate coating.