Page 98 of Morel Dilemma

“Ah.” Rylana relaxed. “Sorry about that. I know what a tremendous secret that place was and how relaxing and safe you felt up there while sipping your brews.”

“It provided a lovely view and a way to imbibe without interacting with the plebeian masses in the shop below.”

“Up until last night, you thought you were one of the plebeian masses.”

“I never believed that. I’ve always been unique.”

“One might say quirky, strange, or eccentric.”

“One having recently eaten pages from a thesaurus might, yes.”

“Were those pages rubbed in coffee, I might sample such a fare.”

“Ah, yes, coffee.” Sylin rested a hand on her chest in a manner similar to Aztor’s when he’d regarded the beauty of the terrace. “Given last night’s atmosphere, I found it difficult to appreciate the rare samples.”

“I assume you refer to having to speak with the elven queen, not the battle. The latter being a comfortable and familiar atmosphere for you.”

“It’s true that I don’t mind battles, but it’s hard to fight an enemy without liquid flying from your cup. I was most distressed to see numerous spills in the midst of the battle. Given the precious rarity of the coffee, that was tragic.”

“The moss didn’t seem to mind lapping it up. I think the moisture even helped it grow some overnight.”

“Coffee is a stimulant.”

“I would invite you to simply bring your cups over here, where the openness and greenery of our terrace will naturally soothe your elven sensibilities, but I suppose it won’t necessarily be safe for you. Even now that you’re known to be the queen’s daughter—and probably not interested in assassinating her.” Rylana lifted her eyebrows, curious about what she hadn’t heard of their conversation the night before. How much had Fareesa and Sylin managed to discuss before the attack had begun? Had Sylin come to believe without a doubt that she was the queen’s daughter?

“I don’t think I’ll be that safe, no,” Sylin said.

“Is that confirmation that you are the queen’s daughter? Did you remember her?”

“Are you prying into my personal life?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Hm.”

“You can’t not answer me,” Rylana said. “Not when Jildarin and I were involved in setting things up so you could speak with the queen.”

“You mean you’ve been meddling.”

“Assisting in reuniting a long-lost child with the mother who believed her dead for decades. That’s a noble act.”

“Also known as interfering, interloping, and butting in.”

“Now, who’s been noshing on thesaurus pages? Look, I just need to know if you’re sticking around in Tranquility or leaving for the elven heartlands in the south to learn how to be a proper princess and train in the ways of governing an entire kingdom.”

“You need to know that?” Sylin asked.

“Of course. You’re my best friend. If you leave, I’ll have to start interviewing others for the position. It’ll be difficult because the options on the table thus far aren’t very appealing. My cousin is far too worried about my fertility, so she can’t apply. My brother schemed against the diner, so he’s out. The employees of the diner are fairly agreeable, if a touch eccentric, but since I’m their employer, we should maintain a professional relationship. Besides, I don’t think Rolf or Gniknik would come with me if I wanted someone to jog and spar with.”

“The goblin might spar with your purse.”

“It’s not lonely.”

“Are you?” Sylin’s eyebrows twitched. “You spend a lot of time with your new business partner.”

“I do enjoy his company.”

“I would hope so. He not only bought you a bedroom set, but he drugged a bunch of high-ranking elven warriors for you. Based on your feelings and hunches. Fairy-tale true loves aren’t purported to be that devoted.”