Chapter 2 #3
“Because you wouldn’t be the first noble who wandered in looking for the pleasure house that used to be here,” Kidd said. “I’d wager you’re not even the first in the last hour to do so.”
“Is that what your lordship was looking for?” the other elf asked.
Words tangled on Durae’s tongue. None made it to his lips, and a fierce heat enflamed his cheeks.
Was he supposed to admit to strangers that he fantasized about using his groin for more than bodily functions and self-pleasure?
But then, how could he talk one into bed if he didn’t?
And how could he gain Blaze’s attention?
He was the one Durae liked most, but he was still busy.
“No shame if you were, and our apologies if you weren’t,” Kidd said kindly. “And please forgive our bluntness, my lord, if your people don’t discuss the subject of sex so openly.”
“My mother makes announcements on which nights have the most ‘sensual potential’ according to the alignment of celestial bodies,” Durae replied.
“She would be horrified that I followed a rumor on a map for the chance to align my body with another’s because I didn’t consult the stars to discover which position would be the most euphoric. ”
Blaze’s script spell flickered. He blindly groped behind him, and his hand collided with Durae’s. His spell grew fainter. “Crap. Kidd—”
“Got ya.” Kidd pulled a scrap of parchment from one of his many pockets and flicked his wrist. A spring-loaded pencil landed in his hand. He began to copy the runes.
While Kidd worked, Blaze remained perfectly still, which meant his hand stayed on top of Durae’s.
Such a small amount of contact should have been ordinary, but Durae had to fight the wriggling in his guts.
A flush crept into his cheeks—he could feel the heat like sunlight from the inside.
He kept his breath soft so not to disturb Blaze’s concentration further, but his spell continued to fade.
“Done,” Kidd announced.
Blaze let out a relieved sigh and sank onto the stool beside Durae. Only once he was seated did he notice that he’d kept his hand where it had landed on Durae’s. He quickly pulled it away with a sheepish guilt. “Please forgive me.”
“I don’t mind,” Durae said quietly. His stupid throat was far too tight to speak louder.
Somehow, the tightness in his throat and the heat in his cheeks were made worse by being able to see Blaze’s eyes more clearly. In the depths of brown, he had tiny flecks of gold, like tiny stars waiting to be mapped into constellations.
“Thank you for your help,” Blaze said.
“I was happy to.”
Blaze opened his mouth, then shut it, then shook his head and laughed. “I’m sorry. I don’t know how to strike up conversation with you. Asking where you learned cosmomancy seems a poor beginning. Judging from your attire, you’re clearly from Dun Steorra. Cosmomancy is the magic of your people.”
“True. Though I do wonder how everyone keeps assuming I’m nobility.” Durae looked down at his clothes. “I thought my attire was appropriate.”
“It’s the materials. Length of your hair. General softness,” Blaze said. His cheeks became ruddy on the last word, and he busied himself in refilling his cup of ale.
“What is general softness supposed to mean?” Durae asked.
“I don’t mean it as an offense!” Blaze squeaked.
Durae furrowed his brow. “Why would I be offended? I still don’t know what you mean!”
Kidd leaned in, which made Durae realize that he and the other elves had circled around the other end of the table.
They seemed to be watching Blaze and Durae with the interest usually reserved for plays or meteor showers.
Kidd said, “He means you seem the sort that enjoys long bubble baths of hot water, rarely does manual labor, and likely has a whole cabinet of creams and oils to maintain your appearance.”
“Oh, that’s all true. Especially the bubble baths. It’s the perfect way to end the day.”
Blaze choked on his ale.
“Are you all right?” Durae asked as he spun back in alarm toward him.
“Fine,” Blaze managed. “Can we talk about something other than bubble baths?”
Durae was about to ask what was wrong with talking about them, but Blaze looked deeply uncomfortable. Despite his longing to know, the polite thing to do would be to change the topic, so he asked, “Would you mind telling me how you came across the arcane problem you were solving?”
“We run a cart repair stall in the market,” Blaze said. “We’re from Manabelt originally. We’re here to see the sights, meet people, and say we were there when whatever happens the next two weeks happens.”
“Far more interesting than my reason for being here,” Durae grumbled. His wine was all right, but not to his taste. “My parents insist that it’s time for me to wed.”
“But you’re not interested in marriage?”
“I’m not interested in their reasons for marriage. But I’m not nearly drunk enough to abuse your ears on that subject.”
“Listening to you talk for hours wouldn’t be a hardship.”
Durae blinked. Was that a flirt? Then the bits of Blaze’s behavior became a pattern he could interpret.
Losing his concentration when Durae mentioned sex, flushing and wanting to switch the topic from bubble baths, and now liking his voice were all signs that Blaze was interested in him. So he is flirting? How do I flirt back?
“Was that too forward?” Blaze asked.
The best way to find a star was to point the telescope right at it.
Durae laughed nervously. “I eavesdropped on your conversation, insisted I knew an answer before introducing myself, and admitted I was looking for a brothel. I also find you incredibly handsome and intelligent. Is there a way to be more forward than that?”
A molten merriment filled Blaze’s eyes. “I can think of a way. Come with me.”
Then he took Durae’s hand and stood.
Whatever pattern Durae’s thoughts might have formed was lost like the moon on a clouded night. Excitement closed off any words he might have said and quickened his step as he followed Blaze out of the tavern.