I had no idea what he was talking about.
“Our words are disguised. If anyone were listening in, it would sound as if we were discussing the weather. No one hears my words unless I want them to.”
I snorted out my laughter. “Right, I forgot you’re the big bad sorcerer.”
“And there you go again.”
We were still walking, past the industrial area and into the forest behind. It was not a place I’d ever ventured into. Which was weird because we had searched the forest all over for the prison.
“Doesn’t seem to have affected your confidence too much, so I’m not doing my best job,” I said distractedly. “Wait, what is this place? Why have I never seen this part of the forest?”
We were moving closer to a spectacular waterfall, surrounded on all sides by row after row of lush flowers. The scents were washing through me, I had to close my eyes and stop for a moment – tantalizingly sweet and spicy with hints of floral. Finally I looked up and found a pair of purple eyes regarding me. His expression was guarded. He no longer held my hand, so I tucked them into my back pockets and waited.
“I like my privacy.” His low words seemed to drift along the breeze and there was sadness layering them.
This was getting a little intense for me. I didn’t do serious relationships for this very reason. Subject change required immediately.
“Food,” I blurted out.
His grin wiped clear some of the sadness, and the heavy emotional tone lightened.
“Well, let’s get you some food then. I’ve heard stories of what happens if you get too hungry.”
I rubbed the bridge of my nose. “Don’t believe everything the Compasses say.”
“These stories were from your father,” he said with a laugh.
Great. Everyone was a comedian. Oh well, I might as well own it; the truth doesn’t change, no matter how much I pretend different.
Louis’ home was hidden in an alcove behind the spectacular waterfall. It was single level, simple and spacious. He didn’t need much and it showed. Still, there was a feeling of quality and warmth in the dark gray walls – comfortable furniture and a roaring fireplace. I sat at an island bench in the kitchen while he moved around, gathering, chopping and cooking. For all of my love of food I had no clue how to cook. His confidence in the kitchen was eye-candy.
He placed a large glass in front of me. It seemed to be filled with something that looked like wine. I was feeling a little overwhelmed, so I didn’t question. I clutched the cold vessel and took a huge gulp. It was sweet and bubbly, tickling my throat as it descended. Warmth followed its path. Maybe it was a little stronger than wine.
“Go easy on that. It’s fey and can be a shock if you haven’t had it before,” Louis said before turning back to whatever was sizzling on the stove.
I was surprised. The fey had many amazing things, but most were lost to their dying world. I wondered how the sorcerer had gotten his hands on the drink. It was delicious though. I took another smaller sip, swirling the flavors on my tongue. Tart, but sweet with a strong hint of mint, berry, and … something like a spicy herb.
“Why have you waited so long to ask me on a date?” Okay, seemed as if the drink had already loosened my tongue.
“You’re young … still far too young for me, but I took the opportunity presented and decided to at least make your acquaintance.”
He spoke in an old fashioned manner, which was not a surprise, considering his age. He continued speaking and also managed to cook, wipe the bench down, and refill my glass. Wait, when did I finish that?
“I know you don’t do serious relationships, which suits me perfectly fine, and I’d like to have you as a friend.”
I twisted the glass in my hands, the sweating condensation on the outside coating my fingers.
“I’d like to be friends also. I’m not exactly sure what I can offer you, besides my scintillating wit and ability to eat that of two grown men. But … I’ve seen stranger friendships.”
“You have plenty to offer,” he said as he started to dish up. It looked like a stir-fry with thick noodles. The smells were delicious. My stomach started to grumble as the scents of garlic, lime, and chili hit me.
We moved into the dining area, which was a low slung wooden table with six chairs around it. I hadn’t realized, but it was already set, and there was more wine and crusty bread in the center. I placed my glass down and Louis set the large dish in front of me. It was definitely a chicken stir-fry, mixed with a colorful array of vegetables. I was almost tempted to start without him. He grinned as he left to get his plate. Damn sorcerer was reading my mind.
To distract myself from the food, I drank some more wine, which I really needed to stop doing. The room was starting to get slightly woozy. Usually I could handle my alcohol no problems – not that I drank a lot, but the fast metabolism burnt off any excess. But this fey wine was potent. Louis was back within moments.