Page 15 of A Clash of Embers

I smiled, feeling accomplished. “Let’s get cleaned up. I want to take you to my favorite place to eat in the village. I think you’ll love it as much as I do.”

“Oh. You think you know what I like?”

He chuckled at my response. “Yes, I think I do. You’ll see. I promise.” He stepped towards me as his musky citrus scent closed on me. “Now, go get dressed. I’m hungry.”

Chapter 6

The grass was high around our calves, scratching the material of my pants. I soaked it all up. I touched every blade of grass with my fingertips, took slow breaths, breathing in the sweet, salty air. I wanted to remember everything about this place.

Unlike the mainland of Darthium, this island was warm year-round. Leo told me that only a few days of the year were chilly or worthy of wearing outerwear, which I wouldn’t even know about.

Nearing the village, the sounds of laughter reached my ears, causing me to smile curiously.

“Our people are pleased. They know this is a safe place. Most haven’t left the island in years. Not because we don’t let them, but because they don’t want to.” Leo said as we walked into the village.

Is that a way to convince me to stay?

“So, where’s this amazing lunch spot?” I nudged my elbow into his side.

“It’s right up there. Between the white paneled house and the red brick townhome. On the corner.”

I noticed the cafe. It was a small sea-colored home with a wrap-around porch. On the porch were tables covered in white linen tablecloths and fresh dandelions in clear glass vases.

“Oh. What is that smell? It’s delightful.”

Leo laughed, “See. I knew you would like it.” He smirked at me as he continued, “The lady that runs the cafe is tremendous. She cooks whatever is fresh for the day. So, the menu is ever-changing, which makes itthrilling.”

He sounded so excited to bring me here. With every step, I was more invigorated by his presence as we stepped onto the cafe’s porch.

“Well, well, look who showed up today. Not even a whole day. You couldn’t stay away,” said a voice I had become acquainted with. Callan.

“Eh. I forgot to mention that the chef is Callan’s mother. He comes with the territory of eating here,” Leo said with a smirk.

“What? You were embarrassed to tell our lovely Clara she’d see me today?”

“No. It just slipped my mind,” Leo mumbled.

Callan chuckled, stepping closer to us, keeping his eye contact directly on me. “Yeah. Sure it did, Leo.”

It surprised me that he didn’t call him “Your Highness” or “Your Grace”. I knew the thought ran clear across my face when Leo spoke up.

“Don’t worry about him calling me by my name. When we aren’t on a mission or something official, we drop the titles.”

I nodded in understanding.

“So, what brings you to our quaint cafe today?” Callan turned his head directly to Leo.

Leo stuffed his hands in his dark brown pants, shrugging his shoulders. He looked like a child, the way he cowered at Cal.

“Thought I would take Clara to meet your mother and eat some of her cuisine.”

Callan sighed. “Mom is home. She’s not feeling well, so I’m taking her place today. How ‘bout the two of you pick a seat, and I will bring some drinks and your dishes.” Callan gestured to an open table on the patio.

We were the only ones sitting outside, with a few couples inside the cafe. The warm sea breeze caressed my face as I took in the white pebbled beach before us.

“Sorry about Callan. I should’ve warned you that he could possibly be here.” He smiled, but it was the kind that didn’t reach his eyes.

I reached over and grabbed his forearm. “It’s not a big deal. I enjoy Callan’s company. Let’s hope he is a good cook. I wasn’t planning on dying today.”

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