Page 61 of Morel Dilemma

“True. I am honored.”

Sylin set aside the book, wincing as she did so. After releasing it, she rotated her arm.

“Training accident?” Rylana guessed.

Sylin pushed aside her shirt to reveal a crooked bandage, blood seeping through, and Rylana stared.

“An encounter with one of the elves who doesn’t want me to speak with the queen. I was in Boxwood Park, contemplating the arch into the enclave briefly, when a wizard out on one of their patrols saw through the magical camouflage I’ve always been able to will around myself. I was lucky to escape with my life.”

“Damn.”

Sylin twitched a dismissive finger. “I should have known to stay away and observe—read—from afar.”

“I see now why you opted to visit the library instead of the enclave.”

“If I wanted to speak with them—with her—I would have to get a message to her through an intermediary to arrange a meeting.”

“My father’s boathouse is still available.”

“I’m going to have to start paying him rent if I keep visiting it.”

“He’s a businessman. He likes receiving payments.”

“I’ll bet.” Sylin looked toward the lantern again.

“Does a tiny part of you want that? To speak with the queen? You haven’t left the city, even though we’ve spoken often about how wise it would be for you to do so.” Rylana pointed at her injured shoulder. “Is curiosity what’s keeping you here?”

“Curiosity about special menu item number three.”

Rylana laughed. “As good a customer as you are, I’m surprised Brella and Tezilly haven’t been willing to tell you ahead of time what that is and give you a sample. I assume you asked.”

“I did, and they weren’t willing, no. I thought about threatening them with physical duress, but it’s unwise to assault the purveyor of one’s passion.”

“Or one’s addiction.”

“Quite.” Still gazing at the flame dancing on the wick in the lantern, Sylin let a quiet thoughtful moment pass before asking, “Do you think I should speak with her?”

“Yes.”

Sylin snorted. “Go ahead and take all the time you need to consider your answer.”

“Why wouldn’t you at least talk? I know the elves—the elves loyal to the Shaldonas—have been after you, but she doesn’t want to kill you.”

“Probably. You don’t have any way to know that the queen and Layothlee aren’t lying about everything.”

“Sure I do. I have gifts for intuition and perspicacity.”

“You didn’t even know which of your family members was trying to have you evicted.”

“I’m not sure why I was honored you wanted me to stay up here.”

“Because you were lonely without your dragon.”

Rylana squinted at her. For someone who’d been raised by wolves, Sylin had more than her fair share of intuition and perspicacity.

“You’re probably right not to trust the elves implicitly, even the queen,” Rylana admitted.

She started to say more, but Sylin broke in with, “Especially the queen.”