Tainted

Chapter Thirty-Nine

It seems like everyone has descended on the center of Haven. A roaring fire crackles from the rock-walled pit in the middle, and tables and chairs have been erected along the outskirts, colored fabrics threaded through them like decorations.

I smell roasting meat and sautéed vegetables; drinking chocolate and spiced wine. My mouth waters as I pass the serving areas, and I grab a plate, wanting to taste everything.

Rogue slips back into view after leaving briefly for the drinks table. "Well don't you look devastating. Can I offer you a mug of Frapa?" he asks. He holds out the mug. I take it an bring it under my nose.

"What is this?" I ask. It smells foul and sickeningly sweet all at once. I hand it back and pick up a spoonful of root vegetables.

Rogue smirks. He takes a sip, swirls it around the inside of his mouth, and swallows. "Ah, like wine for the Goddess."

"More like the Lord of Everdark," I mutter. I move over to the breads. They're still warm. I glance at Rogue, but he's too involved with his drink to watch me, so I quickly take three buttered rolls and hide them on my plate.

"Come now," Rogue says, "this is Seftis's brew. It's fermented grapefruit juice. Don't make fun." Rogue tips the mug back, and in one swallow he's finished the entire thing.

I watch him drink it out of the corner of my eye. He's standing close to me, and I remember how it felt just before we kissed. How the air between our knees seemed to vibrate.

I shake my head quickly to clear it.

His hair is standing on end like fire itself. I don't know if it naturally sweeps up that way, or if he's added a special oil to help it stay standing. I'm guessing the latter. The red of his hair matches the silk sash around his waist. He's wearing a loose cotton shirt with an immaculately tailored white coat. Gold buttons are sewn beneath the lapels with gold thread. There's even a light embroidery in gold along the hems of his sleeves. Below the sash are tight-fitting white pants tucked into high, black boots. Not a speck of dirt or dust can be seen anywhere.

"See something you like?" Rogue asks.

With a start, I realize he's caught me staring. One of the rolls tumbles from my plate and lands at his feet.

"No," I say, bending down to pick it up. "I'm still looking." I tuck the roll back between the others and turn on my heel, leaving Rogue in my proverbial dust.

From across the fire pit, I see Sailor waving at me. He's pointing madly at the chair next to him. I weave through a clustered horde of people until I reach Sailor's table. Char and Vates are already seated. Char is tearing into his meal while Vates is simply watching his. Sailor smiles at me as I approach and pulls out the chair beside him. I sit, and he pushes both me and it back against the table.

"Yae look nice," Sailor says.

"Thank you. So do you." I pull apart the roll and set a few flakes of it on my tongue. They melt like butter.

He's wearing a fitted blue shirt with what look to be pearl buttons, tucked into a pair of black pants. He's still not wearing shoes, and neither am I.

Tanymede sets her plate down across from Vates and sits.

"Everything smells delicious," I say.

"That's because I made it and not Seftis," Tanymede says.

"I heard my name," Seftis says. He walks up to the table and takes Tanymede's hand. "Do you like my food?"

Tanymede looks distinctly ruffled.