Page 55 of Morel Dilemma

“Jasmine and rose hips is the shampoo scent.”

“Yes.”

A possible reason for his suspicion of Tassani came to mind. “Jildarin? Is there a chance you think our kiss in the park… wasn’t a mistake?”

For a moment, he didn’t answer. He didn’t move at all. She caught herself hoping that he would pull her tightly against him, lower his mouth to hers, and tell her that he didn’t care if being with her was a good idea or not, that he wanted her.

But he took a deep breath, released her, and stepped back. “No. It was a mistake, as further acts of intimacy would be. The elves are not the only ones who represent a danger to you.”

“You’re worried your female kin will be back and go after me.”

“I am. You are assisting me greatly in making the diner popular and prompting persons from all the intelligent species to come and consume the food. Many are realizing that dragons can offer more than fire and fangs to the world. I cannot allow my kin to slay you.”

“I don’t want that either, but⁠—”

“Come. We will convince your brother to leave our building alone, and then we will acquire the enchanted morels and create a dish that the elven queen will not be able to resist. She will carry word of our diner back to the south, and soon all elves in the world will know of the excellent food a dragon is capable of creating.” He nodded firmly, grabbed the fork with a slice of chocolate-dipped banana on it, and strode for the door.

Though she was disappointed their hug had ended, Rylana agreed that they had tasks they needed to accomplish. She followed him out into the vestiges of the storm.

16

On the way to Sun Whale Headquarters where her brother worked, Rylana checked the coffee shop to see if Sylin was there. Since she wanted to make sure her friend was all right after her conversation with Layothlee, Rylana had already checked three times that day, not that she’d truly expected to find Sylin perched on the rooftop in the rain. Sylin wasn’t there this time either, but Tezilly and Brella were whispering in hushed tones as they stood shoulder to shoulder and wrote on the chalkboard near the entrance.

So far, it read: Special samples to be shared tomorrow evening include #1 Wyvern Valley Ruin Beans, #2 Equatorial Peaberry, and #3 Surprise to be revealed! Ask for a ticket to reserve a seat at the tasting. Limited quantities!

“Well, if I don’t see her before then,” Rylana said, “Sylin is sure to show up for that.”

“Elven Plant Master Chalora,” Jildarin said from behind her shoulder, “has informed me that, should the weather cooperate, the rooftop terrace will be complete tomorrow. She has already placed pots of exotic elven erasthfusor trees and used her magic to speed their growth to maturity. They will rise to an easily contained twelve to fifteen feet in height and an equal spread with branches that will create a natural pergola.”

Rylana raised her eyebrows at the sharing and wasn’t sure if he was talking to her, to the coffee-shop owners, or to himself.

“The moss and vines have already come in,” Rylana said dryly, waving toward the facade of their diner where the greenery was starting to dangle over the edges and down the walls. The rain had prompted a lot of rapid growth.

“Yes,” Jildarin said.

“It’s going to be beautiful up there,” Tezilly said.

“If you’re into elf froufrou.” Brella waved a dismissive hand.

“Lots of people are,” Tezilly said. “I love nature.”

“It’s okay.”

“Coffee beans come from nature,” Tezilly pointed out.

“Yes,” Brella said with an agreeable purr.

Jildarin looked at Rylana, almost expectantly. Was she supposed to have twigged to something from what he’d shared?

“An outdoor seating area designed by elves would be the ideal place to not only host a most excellent meal,” Jildarin said, “but to unveil your flavored-water specials.”

“Are you inviting us to host our event in your new venue?” Tezilly asked.

“We’re planning to host our event right here in our own shop, surrounded by our roasting and brewing equipment and all our ingredients and our kitchen.” Brella pointed at the floor.

“Your shop lacks elven decor,” Jildarin said.

“We like it that way,” Brella said.