Page 16 of The Fifth Soul

“That is sauce for the meat,” Brandon says between chewing. “A cultural food from here. You spread it on top. It adds flavor.”

“Aren’t princelings not supposed to talk with food in their mouths?” I ask under my breath.

“No one is supposed to speak with food in their mouths,” Isabel corrects me. She doesn’t say it in a rude tone, but I still feel like a scolded child. It's also the first thing she has ever said to me.

Curious about this sauce, I spread a layer on top of my food and give it a tentative bite. The flavor erupts on my tongue, making my eyes widen. I cover my cough with my hand. I cover two more before all hell breaks loose.

I break into a coughing fit that makes it hard to breathe. Tears gather at the corners of my eyes. My mouth feels like it’s on fire. I spit the food on a napkin, but it does nothing to stop the blazing feeling rooted in my taste buds. Adding flavor is a funny way to describe what is happening to my mouth. Brandon’s smile spreads to a wicked grin.

Was this a joke of some kind?

I witnessed everyone at this table try the same sauce. They act like nothing's wrong and look at me like I am crazy. Am I going crazy?

“What the hell is that?” I fan my face, but nothing helps. I try a gulp of water, but it only lights the fire higher. “Help!” I let out a cry, prompting an even rowdier laughter from him.

“Here.” Isabel pushes a small cup of creamer closer to me. “It will help.”

I don’t dispute the piece of advice. I swallow the entire thing in two gulps. The milk goes down smoothly, soothing the burn.

“Hey, that was for my coffee.” Lexi Blue crosses her arms and glares at me.

Isabel taps her knee with a gentle smile. “We’ll get you some more.”

Brandon’s teasing smile is bright as the day. “I should have warned you it would be spicy.”

Yeah, well, a little too late.

“Ahh.” The sensation is not totally gone, but it definitely lessened. “How can you possibly eat that for enjoyment?”

“I do not think your dramatics were truly necessary,” Brandon says. “We eat spicy food from a young age. If you’re new to it, it’s different, but you might grow to like it. It’s your first time. Perhaps start with a smaller amount. You bathed your plate in the sauce.”

“I’d rather not.” I close my eyes and lean back on the couch. A trail of sweat runs down my temple.

“Suit yourself, but imagine all the wonderful things in the world you will miss for having such a closed mind toward new things.”

Those words coming from a crown prince makes me feel like a child being scolded for the second time this morning.

Isabel stands. “I’ll go get Lexi Blue some fresh coffee cream.”

Isabel cleans up the space as she makes her way out of the room. She is comfortable enough in the space to tell me she is likely the one occupying the other room.

“I am sorry about your milk,” I tell Lexi Blue. I don’t think I should have to apologize, but keeping the peace is a priority after my encounter with Isabel.

“It’s okay,” she says without making eye contact. “What’s your name?”

“Bianca,” I say. “Bianca Blanco and you’re Lexi?”

“My name is Lexi Blue,” she corrects.

“Lexi Blue,” I repeat.

Lexi Blue says nothing else as she follows Isabel out of the room. She murmurs under her breath as she continues to sway from side to side with each step, the door shutting slowly behind her.

I face Brandon again, noticing he hasn't finished eating yet. He looks like he’s enjoying every bite. I know it’s rude to stare, but it’s almost like the man is having a spiritual experience.

“Are you done eating?” He asks as he puts his plate down.

I don’t think I could keep going if I tried. I quip that I'm scared, and he rolls his eyes, but there's a spark of amusement.

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