Page 126 of Heat of the Everflame

“I don’t think so. It fits you quite well. Although I might consider it—for a price.”

“Change it, or I swear to the Kindred, I’ll—”

“You should thank me. It’s a boon for haggling. The sellers will be much more likely to give a discount to a little girl.”

“Look at me,” Taran shouted. “I’m four feet tall! My head barely reaches above the tables!”

“At least that explains why the vendors have been smiling down at your crotch all day,” I teased.

He glared at me. “You’re supposed to be onmyside, Queenie. This is how you repay me for rescuing you from the Guar—”

Alixe elbowed him hard in the ribs and gave him a wide-eyed look.

“What?” he snapped. His face blanched. “Oh.”

If Zalaric noticed Taran’s slip-up, he showed no sign. “I can’t change it here or someone might notice. You’ll have to live with it for now, Tristan.”

Taran’s jaw clenched. “That’s not my name.”

Zalaric frowned. “Tybold?”

“That’s a gods-damnedgryvernname.”

“My apologies. I remember now. It’s Tulip.”

“That’s afucking flower!”

Alixe and I looked at each other, both of us pressing our lips tight to hold back laughter.

“One of us should probably break this up before there’s bloodshed,” I whispered to her. “But I’m enjoying it too much to intervene.”

“So am I. Even Aemonn doesn’t get him thisworked up.”

“Taran! T-A-R-A-N! It’s not that difficult!”

Alixe jogged forward to grab his arm. “Cousin, look, I see some booths with armor. Maybe we can find something useful.”

As they walked away, I noticed Zalaric’s haughty veneer crack as a genuine smile warmed his features.

“Did I go too far?” he asked.

“Not at all. He’s usually the one teasing me, so you have my full support.”

“Perfect. Feel free to hire me any time you need revenge.”

“For a fee?” I joked, and he grinned.

“Of course. Though I might consider a discount if he always looks that handsome when he’s mad.”

My mouth hung open. Was Zalaric...flirtingwith Taran?

“Oh, actually, um, I’m not sure he’s interested in—” I stopped myself. I didn’t really know what Taran was interested in. I had made assumptions, but I’d never bothered to ask. That realization left me a little ashamed.

Zalaric held his elbow out. “Walk with me?”

I slipped my arm through his, and we began to stroll. “Thank you again for offering to do this.”

“Anything for my guests.”

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