Page 38 of The Never List
Definitely not what I was expecting from a prince rumored to have pushed a man off one of these buildings for simply looking at him the wrong way.
“This is my favorite café in the city,” he says, holding open a door for me at the base of a quaint building pressed between two taller ones. The scents of fresh-baked bread and sugar and coffee hit me as we walk in. The hostess practically falls over herself to get to us.
“Your highness,” she says, bowing low at the waist. “I didn’t realize you’d be in today.”
“Spontaneity struck,” he says. “Alice, this is Rylee. I wanted to take her to the best café in town for her first visit.”
Alice beams at him, then me. “Of course,” she says. “Your usual seat?”
Kal nods, and she weaves through the place, guiding us to a back corner table that offers more privacy. I slide into a cushioned seat across from him. The lanterns around us are low and flickering with the faint hint of red.
“What can I get you?” she asks, eyes darting between the two of us.
I flounder, having only been to a handful of restaurants in my entire life. That’s what happens when it takes me two months’ wages just to afford a meal at one in Leaf and Claw.
“Would it be all right if I asked the chef to surprise us?” Kal asks me. “She’s the best, trust me.”
“Definitely,” I say, sighing with relief. He could’ve easily ordered for me, but it’s adorable that he asked. He’s playing this game much better than me so far.
“I’ll let her know,” Alice says. “Coffee?”
“Please,” Kal and I say in unison, then laugh as Alicewinks at us and disappears. She returns with our coffees in record time, along with a silver tray with cream and three different types of sugar on it.
Kal immediately scoops some white sugar into his coffee, topping it off with a heavy amount of cream. I watch his motions carefully, taking mental notes. If I learn enough of his preferences, winning him over will be easier.
“You don’t take anything in yours?” he asks, holding the mug up to his lips.
I blink a few times, then glance at the sugars again. “I’m not against a little chocolate in mine,” I say. “But I don’t mind drinking it plain, either.”
Kal smiles, then nods to a darker-looking sugar. “Try that one.”
I pick up the small spoon and stir it into my coffee. Kal watches me as I take a sip. My eyebrows rise involuntarily at the sweet, rich flavor.
“Like it?”
“Love,”I say, taking another steaming hot sip. The dark sugar has transformed the drink into a blissful, velvety texture with notes of chocolate and cinnamon.
“I told you,” he says, raising his mug to mine. “This is the best place. They make everything here, right down to their infused sugars.”
I gently clink my mug against his, my muscles relaxing as I take another sip. I can’t imagine having coffee every morning, or a life that would allow for such luxuries, but I’m going to enjoy it while I’m allowed.
A crack sounds from across the room, and I jump. One of the Occuli is holding a green flame in the palm of his hand, those black eyes reflecting the flame’s color. He nods at Kal,an emotionless smile on his lips. The conjurer is already bored with us and playing with magic for entertainment? Or is he showing a slip of his power in the hopes of intimidating me?
Kal dips his head, but a muscle in his jaw flexes. “The flames are a form of communication,” he explains.
I tilt my head.
“A direct line to my father,” he continues. “They’re reporting. Likely telling my father we’ve arrived safe in the Ruby Aire.”
Goddess, the power in that direct line to the kings is astounding. And terrifying. One slip, and I won’t even have time to beg for my life before the kings know about my misstep. My nerves tangle at the thought.
“Do you ever get used to that?” I ask, forcing the fear from my tone. “Being tracked constantly during this time?”
“Not really,” he answers. “You adjust. You learn to separate yourself into different categories.” I flash a silent question at that. “When the Occuli are around, I behave a certain way,” he explains. “A way that would be acceptable to the kings and not cause further interruption in my life. Then, I behave differently when I’m around my friends and those I trust.”
I take another sip, scanning the lines of his face. “What about privately?” I dare to ask. “What’s that like?”
He wets his lips, blue eyes flaring at the question. “What do you mean?” He lowers his voice, eyes darting to the Occuli across the room and back.
