Page 84 of Kiss of Fire

Tor disappeared and Raya realised she was hungry. A blonde woman approached her with a plate full of dark berries. She smiled at Raya.

“Try some?”

“What are they?”

“Ambrosia berries. A delicacy in Nurhan. Go ahead.”

Raya nibbled on one of the berries. It was large and plump, bursting with juice.

“It tastes like chocolate,” she exclaimed. She popped it into her mouth and took another.

“Are you and your young man enjoying the Melae?” asked the woman.

“Oh, he’s just a friend. But yes, we’re having a great time. And you?”

“I think the night is about to get more entertaining,” the woman said. “Will you take one for your friend?”

“Thanks.” Raya put a berry in her dress pocket.

“It is my pleasure. Enjoy yourself, Lady Raya.”

“Thanks, I… hey, how did you…?”

But the woman had gone. Puzzled, Raya tried to find her in the crowd. She turned as she heard Tor’s voice behind her.

“Here, I brought you some raqaq. It’s hot, be careful.”

He handed her a flatbread heaped high with something sweet and spicy. She took a bite.

“This is delicious.” She took another mouthful, trying not to look as though she was stuffing her face.

“It’s all locally grown vegetables cooked with herbs and spices. No dogs.”

“It’s amazing.”

“It’s one of my favourites.”

They munched in silence for a while. He really is good-looking, thought Raya. She finished the raqaq, licking the sauce off her fingers.

“More dancing?” she suggested. He glanced up at the sky.

“Wait just one second. Any minute now…”

Fireworks suddenly lit the sky and Raya gazed upwards in wonder. Starbursts of light cascaded in blues and reds and greens, and each thunderous explosion reverberated pleasantly through her body.

She leaned slightly against Tor, pretending she needed support as she watched the fireworks. When the last blaze of light trailed away in a flash of sulphur, the crowd applauded.

She felt deliciously relaxed as she turned to Tor and looped her hands around his neck.

“I’m having a really good time,” she told him. She smiled into his eyes and let herself rest against him. His arms automatically went round her waist. “I think I promised you a thank you, didn’t I?”

She stood on tiptoe and pressed her lips to the corner of his. He inhaled at the touch of her mouth so close to his own.

“I think you’ve had a bit too much mead,” he said, a little unsteadily.

“I think you’re right.” She giggled, then clapped her hand to her pocket. “I almost forgot. I have something for you. It tastes amazing.”

She brought out the chocolate-flavoured berry. Tor’s reaction was not what she expected. He snatched it from her hand.

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