Page 85 of Ale Storm

“Yes. But, as you’ve pointed out before, people aren’t as deterred by dragons here in Tranquility.” Jildarin shook his head.

“They’re reasonably sure that you’re not going to chase them through the city in your native form while breathing fire.”

“Presumptuous. I will start my preparations now. Will you locate the diplomat and find out if the king has sent word that he will eat tonight?”

“Sure. I’m happy to help.”

“Will you also, at your leisure, do some research and run calculations on what it might cost to add a small underground grotto to the diner?”

Rylana had turned away, intending to depart, but halted. “A grotto?”

“Under the dining room, a place for the dwarves and ogres.”

“It might be more accurate to call it a basement or cellar, like the underground section of Zilek’s wine conclave.”

“Yes, that is precisely what I imagine,” Jildarin said. “Stone walls with no windows. The term grotto would make it sound more prestigious, would it not?”

“I suppose it could.”

“I am aware that there would not be time to add it today, as reinforcement of the floor would be required as well as excavation—” His expression grew wistful, like he was already imagining precisely how it would look and lamenting that he couldn’t instantly create it. “But since we’ve made an area to accommodate the nature- and sun-loving clientele in the city, it might behoove us also to add a place that will draw ogres and dwarves. And minotaurs. Did you know there’s a small labyrinth in the mountains where their kind live? I’ve recently learned they occasionally visit Tranquility.”

“I’m not opposed to expanding the diner to accommodate all preferences, but we’ll have to ask the landlord first before doing another addition. Especially one that would require excavation. But I can look into it, yes.”

Jildarin’s distracted expression grew more focused as he faced her. He walked over, gazing into her eyes, and took her hand. “When you first arrived, scheming and eavesdropping and, I believed, masterminding my death, never would I have thought… Well, let us say that you are most magnificent, especially given the limitations of your meager species, and I was wise to make you my business partner.”

“I do so love it when you compliment me.” Rylana smirked but silently admitted she did love it—even if it always contained a slight to her species. He might not respect all—most—humans, but he appreciated her. That was what she loved.

“So often you stand by my side, and you desire for me to succeed at my dreams,” he said seriously, his eyes intent. “Not all female dragons scheme and manipulate and care only about their own goals and desires, but none of them have ever…” His brow furrowed, as if he were trying to puzzle something out. “It is my own kind that I should logically long for, but I desire you.”

Rylana swallowed, aware of the warmth of his hand clasping hers and the appealing power that she could always sense emanating from him when they were this close. It was alluring. He was alluring.

“I want you too,” she whispered, captivated by his gaze and tempted to lean into him. “You know that.”

“Yes. You have admitted experiencing symptoms of arousal in my presence.” Jildarin looked at her chest, and she flushed with warmth and desire. “And you know I am aroused by you, but I refer to more than sex. Your loyalty and support mean a great deal to me. You…” His lips parted, but he didn’t seem to have the words to finish the thought. Instead, he stepped closer and kissed her.

“You need to start your preparations,” she reminded him even as their lips touched and her arms wrapped around his shoulders of their own volition.

“Yes,” he said against her mouth, his arms encircling her to pull her against him. “My intense attraction and longing for you should be put aside until an appropriate time for recreational activities.”

“That would be logical.” Rylana ran her arms down his sleeves, gripping his hard muscles and wanting nothing more than to grip more of him, but she didn’t want to be the reason he wasn’t ready for the king. She made herself pull her lips from his and lean back, though his arms tightened, and he didn’t release her. “Are you going to be logical, Jildarin?”

He growled with frustration and longing, but he let the kiss break and looked up at the ceiling. Tendons in his neck stood out, and his entire body radiated tension.

Rylana opened her mouth, wanting to promise they could engage in recreational activities that night, but someone called from the dining room.

“Hello? Chef Jildarin-grozanarav? Bookkeeper Rylana Avandar?” The voice was gnomish and familiar.

Rylana patted Jildarin on the chest and pulled back. This time, he released her, though he sighed, his eyes full of longing for a time when they would be together. She looked forward to it.

Captain Laridon waited in the dining room with a couple of his uniformed troops. Outside the open front door, the side of a looming golem was visible.

“Problem, Captain?” Rylana didn’t think they’d done anything recently that should have brought the peacekeepers to the diner, and Laridon was something of an ally, but she always felt wary when they came by.

“I took the case of the dwarven gang over from Captain Dindarin,” Laridon said, “and wanted to let you know that we’re keeping the two dwarves we apprehended for attacking you and Baker Mya in jail for the time being. They’re known thieves and have stolen from local business owners, and they’ve even perpetrated violence—other violence—since their arrival in the city.”

“I’m glad you locked them up then, but did you say gang?” Rylana thought again of the dwarf female they’d seen.

“When did dwarves attack you?” Jildarin had been standing a few feet behind Rylana, but he came up to her side with a frown.