Chapter 15 Everwine
Everwine
Much later, after a shower and a lot of first aid, we walked over the threshold of the Kingdom of Valor’s great hall, carved entirely from obsidian stone, its vaulted ceiling supported by columns etched with names I didn’t recognize.
Everything in this kingdom was sharp and direct; even the celebration feast they were throwing me felt too formal.
But at least I had survived, and with one less key I needed so I could finally get the fuck out of here. I was going to enjoy every bit of this party, even if it was much too serious.
A long table stretched down the center of the room, covered in dishes both savory and strange—smoked meat glazed in something deep purple, roasted root vegetables seasoned with peppery herbs and mixed with fruits I didn’t recognize, a soup that glowed faintly blue.
I chose not to ask, hoping whatever it was wouldn’t make me sick.
Carl-One and Carl-Two sat on either side of me, eagerly shoveling food into their mouths. Carl-One tried to challenge a passing guard to an eating contest but was promptly ignored. It was mid laughter at his brother that Carl-Two recognized the drink perched in the center of the table.
“Miss Liss!” he hissed dramatically, pushing a chilled clay cup into my hand. “You must try this. It’s Everwine.”
I sniffed at it hesitantly. It smelled like cinnamon, honey, and something acidic I couldn’t place.
“Is it going to kill me?”
“Probably not?” Carl-Two answered, watching me expectantly.
“What’s in it?” I asked, eyeing the bloodred liquid suspiciously.
Carl-One puffed up proudly. “Fermented firefruit, starlight syrup, and a dash of mountain root. Oh, and a very bold petal from a heartbloom.”
I stared at him. “You made all of that up.”
Carl-Two grinned. “Just drink it!”
It was warm going down, too warm, and sickly sweet in that dangerous, you-won’t-realize-you’re-drunk-until-it’s-too-late kind of way. Flavor burst over my tongue, like a firework show of pleasure inside my mouth. I took a deep inhale, feeling my body relax as I settled into the taste.
“Okay,” I said, blinking stupidly. “I love it. Which means I definitely shouldn’t have any more.”
By the time dessert was served, I’d had three more. Tarran sat across from me, quietly nursing a pale glass of something silvery-blue. She hadn’t touched the Everwine.
“Don’t like to celebrate?” I asked, trying to sound casual and not like the room was faintly spinning if I moved my head too fast.
She raised an eyebrow. “This is not how I like to celebrate.”
I leaned forward. “What do you like to do then?”
Her mouth curved slightly, but she didn’t answer. “Have you had a little too much Everwine? You sure have a lot of questions.”
“It’s possible,” I admitted. “But also, you don’t talk much about yourself. I want to know more.”
Tarran swirled her drink, watching as the light caught in it. “Some things are better left alone.”
It was a warning, I could hear it in her voice, but the Everwine had made me brave, and I wanted to know about my mysterious guide. I leaned forward, my hand stretching closer until my fingertips were almost able to touch the condensation beading on her glass. “You know—”
Carl-One slammed his mug down, and I jumped, sitting straight up in my chair. “To the warrior of the hour!” he shouted, standing on his chair so he could be seen among the sea of diners enjoying the feast. “She fought the metal devil and won!”
The table roared in approval, and I waved weakly, feeling entirely out of place.
“She also wore pants!” Carl-Two added. “Very important to note.”
I mumbled my thanks incoherently, tipping back in my seat and downing my fourth glass of Everwine.
My boot bumped against Tarran’s underneath the table, and her gaze flicked to mine.
Warm. Appraising. A depth of violet and brown I could get lost in if I dove in too quickly.
My breath hitched in my throat, not sure what she could possibly be thinking.
“What?” I finally asked when she didn’t look away.
She tiled her head slightly, a loose curl nearly kissing her shoulder. “You are something else, Liss. I have high hopes for you.”
I swallowed hard, my tongue like dead weight and sandpaper. I was saved from having to answer, Carl-Two pouring me another drink and urging me on until I’d gulped down the very last drop.
The night blurred into the sounds of laughter and flickering torchlights. I only vaguely remembered another toast from the Carls, a brief appearance from the king, a spilled pitcher, and Carl-Two swearing a girl was trying to wink at him.
Eventually, it was over, Tarran helping me to my feet. I’d lost track of how many glasses of wine I’d had, but it was definitely too many. My head was going to be a nightmare to navigate in the morning.
“Come on, sky girl,” she said. “Time to sleep off the Everwine.”
I tilted my head up to look at her as we moved, my body fitting snugly against hers as she let me lean on her for support. “You’re very pretty,” I whispered, ignoring the tiny voice in my head that said I should immediately stop talking.
She didn’t react right away; she just kept strolling along, the Carls laughing and pushing each other ahead of us. Then, she looked down at me for what seemed like an eternity, her breath feathering lightly across my face.
“So are you.”
She didn’t let me go until I was safely in bed, tucking the covers in around me.