Page 9 of Garlands and Gauntlets

“Yes,” I interrupt, maybe a little too eager. “That would be wonderful.”

“Okay,” he says, and for the first time, I think I’m seeing himawkward. I don’t know why, but something about this situation is making him uncomfortable.

“I mean, I don’t have to,” I start, but he shakes his head.

“It’s not that, it’s just…”

He trails off.

“Nevermind,” he says. “I’m sure they’ll love you–but we should probably hurry. Wouldn’t want dinner to get cold.”

I want to pursue it further, but I leave it alone. I’m already incredibly grateful that he’s welcoming me into his life, to meet his family.

“Lead the way,” I tell him.

And we walk away from the market, into the snow.

Chapter six

Vaelin

I’ve made a horriblemistake.

Well…aseriesof horrible mistakes.

First off, I picked the kindest possible soul to con during the season of giving, Gods help me.Then, I started my play…only to give it up.

Now, I’ve spent money on the guy, and I’ve invited him over to meet my family.

And he hasno ideathat he started out the night as a mark.

What is wrong with me?

I can make out my parents’ house from here, and the smell of baking bread hits me a moment later. Theo’s stomach audibly growls as he peers into the distance, toward the golden windows of my childhood home. It sends up a plume of smoke into the snow, the scent getting stronger and stronger.

“Is that their house?” he asks. “It smells amazing.”

“Yeah, my parents are bakers,” he says. “The halfling side have always been bakers–it’s what they wanted me to do, too.”

“And why didn’t you?”

I shrug. “Eh…it’s not really a story worth telling.”

We climb the stone steps to the round front door, which is lovingly inscribed in gold withGolden Crust Bakery. I don’t knock; I just push open the door, the scent of mulled wine, baked bread, and a Yuletide feast rolling out.

Theo’s stomach growls even louder.

“Didn’t you just eat?” I ask.

“Sorry,” he says, and I realize he’s blushing–his olive green cheeks tinted pink. “I’ve got a big appetite.”

Theo has to duck his head to get inside the house, and I quickly realize that he’ll have to walk hunched over the whole time he’s here. It isn’t like I have time to worry about that though–because my mother will do it for me.

She sees us from the sitting room, where she’s lighting candles all over the room. Her face lights up at the sight of me–and the huge warrior behind me.

“Vaelin!” she says. “And you must be Theo…”

She comes forward, extending a hand. Theo reaches out to shake it. “It’s a pleasure, Mrs…”

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