“I’m more than just a gambling partier,” Cyrus says in an accent that mimics the nobility’s slight drawl. “I contain multitudes.”
We all laugh at that.
“Well, I’m happy to have you as long as I can, anyway,” I say. Then I realize that sounded different from what I wanted it to. “I just mean…” I swallow.
Laini is about to shut the back door, and a face peers in. Halvard, the orc who works at Cyrus’s pub part-time.
“What is it?” Cyrus sets his dough to the side and wipes his hands on a towel I keep hanging from the wooden counter for that purpose.
“The dragon expert human is back, and he has everyone riled up about the ruins. You might want to come over.”
“You’re twice my size, buddy. Why don’t you kick their moronic arses out and tell them to stop spreading dangerous ideas in our town?”
Halvard’s gaze flits to each of our faces. “I can if you want me to. But maybe you should hear what he’s saying first. You being the subject of his tale and all.”
Cyrus rolls his eyes. “I think he’s full of it. I bet he didn’t even go up there. I had Rustion’s guards keep them off. I seriously doubt he and his party went against them.”
“Go on, Cyrus,” I say. “We are fine here.”
“You sure?”
“Yes. Take care of your business. We don’t want a repeat of the 300-Year Festival nightmare,” I say.
He snorts a laugh. “No, we do not.”
After a friendly pat on my back, he takes off with Halvard, and I’m left with Laini and Tully, who are both being oddly quiet. Well, it’s odd for Tully anyway.
“Come clean, Tully,” I say. “What are you not saying right now? What is going on?”
Chapter 6
Kaya
Tully spins and locks her scary witch gaze on me. “Look. I know he’s hot. He’s a dragon shifter. Gorgeous. He’s a good guy. He and I have been friends longer than you two. But Cyrus isn’t the partner you need.”
I blink at her, wondering if she can somehow sense the way Cyrus’s presence stirs me up. “What are you talking about?”
Laini comes close and gives me a sad smile. “Cyrus will never settle down. I thought you two had crossed this bridge ages ago.”
“I didn’t suggest anything with him,” I say sharply. “I honestly don’t know what you two are talking about.”
“I’m not saying it’s you. It’s him,” Laini says. “The ultimate playboy gambler, who parties more nights than not, volunteered to make scones. That is incredibly suspicious.”
“It was just a timing thing. You both were busy, and he was here when Lady Egrettington arrived. He saw my problem and wanted to help. That’s all.”
Tully lifts one red eyebrow. “But I’ve never seen Cyrus offer to stitch a cute little lamb on one of Laini’s overdue tapestries.”
“It’s weaving, not stitching.” Laini elbows Tully. “And it’s not that late.”
“It is,” Tully says.
Laini huffs and glares, but then she softens as she looks at me. “Cyrus can’t help but be attracted to you. You’re everything he’s never had.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re sweet and inexperienced,” Tully says.
“I didn’t mean that,” Laini says, giving Tully a reproachful glare. “Kaya, you’re a stable, hard-working woman who doesn’t like to drink and play cards. You’re unique in his world. I adore Cyrus, but he is what he is. A player. He would never remain loyal. He would hurt you.”
