Page 16 of Barbarian's Treat

The two of them look perfect. Even the chessboard cloaks I made for all four of us stand out in the crowd, and it's no contest when Lukti lines up with the others for the big costume parade so everyone can vote.

"Show-off," Nora tells me cheerfully. "You make the rest of us look bad."

"I do not."

"You do, but it's for a good cause." She eyes the two chess pieces as they stand together. "I don't know who looks like they're having a better time—Lukti or Drenol."

I glance over at my beaming son and the elder at his side. There's a proud, downright emotional look on Drenol's face, his hand on my son's shoulder. Drenol is definitely having the better time. I'm glad he went for a costume with Lukti. "I'm just happy they're enjoying themselves. And I'm going to be even happier when this day is over, so I won't have to work on costumes anymore!"

Nora giggles. "I can honestly say I am tired of sewing literally everything. Esther wanted fringe all over her tunic and I feel like I've been sewing fringe for the last ten years."

"Her tunic turned out cute, though." Esther looks adorable with her hair pulled into two knots beside her horn stubs, and her costume is row after row of fringe in a fading ombre pattern. I don't know what she's supposed to be, but it's clear that Nora worked hard.

"I would hope so after destroying my fingers!" Nora flexes them again. "I'm dead on my feet. I don't know how you have so much energy."

Me? Have energy? I'm tired—or so I thought. Now that Nora mentions it, though, I do feel restless. Not quite uneasy. Just like I can't sit still for long. Even now, I'm pacing along the edge of the crowd, as if I can't find just the right spot to stand in. Or that I can't stand there for long. "Maybe it's adrenaline," I tell my friend. "I'll crash out before the end of the day."

"It sounds like you need to be on one of the football teams, then." She makes a shooing motion at me. "Go join up before it's too late. They're starting soon."

Football might not be a bad idea. I'm not the sporty type, but I'm considering it just to get rid of this restless energy. I touchher arm in thanks and then head away from the group clustered near the costume contest.

"Mom! Did you see us?" Lukti comes running up before I can head for the far end of the village that's been cordoned off for the soccer “fields.” "We won!"

"I saw. You both looked incredible." I turn and hug my son as he throws his arms around me, and share a smile with a beaming Drenol. "No one even stood a chance."

"I got a special prize," he tells me proudly, holding up a beaded leather waist-pouch meant to be looped on the belt. "And Drenol got one too!"

"You two get to match again," I tease. "That's wonderful."

Lukti takes his hat off and cranes his head, eyeing the group gathering at the far end of the village. "You think we're still in time for foot and ball?"

"Football," I correct. His dad says “foot and ball game” even though it's the American version of soccer. "And go change quickly and I bet you can still join in. I'll tell them to hold you a spot while you get out of your costume."

Drenol just stands there. He doesn't go to change costumes. He just eyes me as if I've got something on my face.

"Everything all right?"

His eyes narrow. "You do not seem yourself."

I fight back a flare of irritation at his words. Maybe I'm hormonal? Because normally his comment wouldn't bother me. "I'm just a little on edge today."

"Why?"

Hell if I know. I shrug and turn towards the football players, only to see Salukh heading towards us. The sight of him takes my breath away. Even after all this time, I can't get enough of looking at him. At his strong nose and the soft mouth that kisses me so sweetly. At the impressive breadth of his shoulders. Even the way he smells makes me crazy?—

The way hesmells? Why am I waxing poetic about how my matesmells?

Salukh seems a little agitated, too. He all but races over to my side, and he seems unfocused. His gaze skitters over me before flicking to Drenol and then pulling me closer in a possessive gesture. "You are here."

"Yes. I wanted to play football. Lukti, too."

To my surprise, Salukh frowns. He touches my cheek and shakes his head. "I do not want anyone pushing you. The thought makes me...angry."

"Huh?" I've played football with everyone before. He's never once mentioned getting angry about anything. This isSalukh. He doesn't get angry.

As if realizing what he just said, he scrubs a hand down his face. "Apologies, my heart. I do not know what is going through me this day."

"It's okay. Maybe you're on edge, too." I touch his arm, my fingers lingering on his sleeve. Our eyes meet and we share a small smile.

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