Jayln slapped his arm across his chest. “Oh, because?—”
“No, not because.” Fyn’s eye started to twitch.
“Does Kylana know?” Jayln asked.
“I haven’t seen Kylana lately.” He leaned back into his chair, but his shoulders tightened. He said her name as if she was someone to him.
“Sure, you haven’t. You’re here often enough.” Jayln studied me as he spoke.
“How often is he here?” My curiosity swelled.
Jayln started to rise. “Oh no, I’m not getting in the middle of whatever this is?—”
“Whatever what is?” A melodic voice lifted above the chatter around us. “Fyn.”
His eyes widened when she looked at him.
“You haven’t been by in a while.” She sat down beside Fyn, twisting the ends of her red hair. It was even bolder than Cora’s.
Fyn clenched his jaw.
“Who is this?” She asked as she looked across the table at me, tugging up at neckline that hung too low on her gown.
“This is Fyn’s… remind me what you are to him?” Jayln sat back down in his seat.
I was absolutely not playing his game. “My name is Ash.”
Her smile flashed so quickly I could have missed it. “I thought you said you weren’t coming back to the trade route soon.”
“Plans changed. We’re here on business,” Fyn said.
“A lady who trades… how interesting.” She studied me.
“I guess you could say that.” I was trading myself.
“Whatever brought you back to Sygil, I’m glad you’re here. I’ve missed seeing you.” She slid her hand on top of his before she pulled it back. “I have to talk to Ellie, but come find me later.”
Pressure built in my chest as she walked off.
“Oh, you always know how to make things entertaining,” Jayln said.
“It’s about time you go order yourself a drink, Jayln, then go drink it over there.” Fyn gestured to the bar.
“If you wanted a moment alone together, you could have just asked for it.” Jayln’s laughter hissed in my ears as he shook his head and rose from the table.
“Can we please order something?” I asked. “I’m suddenly more tired than I was. Or maybe I could just skip dinner and go to bed.”
“You need something in your stomach. I’ll be right back,” Fyn said. “I hope he didn’t bother you too much. He’s a lot sometimes.”
“I am not bothered.” The words escaped me too quickly.
“Great. I’ll go order then.” He walked off toward the counter.
The sound of Kylana’s laughter rose from near where he stood. It took too long for me to notice that I was staring. My gaze caught Fyn’s as he turned back toward me.
When Fyn returned, he placed a glass of water in front of me.
I drank it too quickly until I started choking on it.
