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He let out a soft sigh. “That was the wrong word. They are being practical. They are trying to help me.”

“Help you with what?”

The door alert triggered, and Faron jumped up and returned with a tray of bright purple fruit and thick slices of what looked like fruitcake. There was also a large bottle of something that smelt alcoholic. He set everything in front of Kendra and returned to his cross-legged position on the floor.

“This is what you eat for breakfast?” Kendra picked up a small piece of the purple fruit and sniffed it.

“It’s draco fruit. It’s good.” Faron sucked down a whole fruit and licked the juice from his fingers. “Try it.”

The sour sweetness burst on Kendra’s tongue as she bit into the soft flesh. It was like no fruit she’d ever tried. The sharpness was replaced by a citrus sweet aftertaste. She blinked tears out of her eyes at its acidity.

“You don’t like it?”

“It’s different. I need to try some more.”

Faron held a piece out to her. “Take this. It’s ripe.”

Kendra smiled as she accepted the fruit from him.

He poured them both a large glass of the crimson drink. “This complements the fruit.”

Kendra took a sip, and fire burned down her throat, making her choke.

Faron jumped up and slammed the flat of his hand against her back. “Do you need medical assistance?”

She choked out a laugh as she got control of herself. “It’s so alcoholic. You could have warned me.”

“It’s our usual morning drink. It’s stimulating.” He thumped her back one last time before returning to the floor.

“It will stimulate me into a coma if I have too much.” Kendra took another small sip. It wasn’t so bad when you knew what to expect.

“Try the fruited bread. That might be more to your liking.”

It was. It was similar to a rich, spicy fruitcake from Earth. Kendra had eaten a whole piece before looking up at Faron and seeing him smiling.

“Sorry, did you want that bit?”

“There is plenty. It is enjoyable to watch you appreciate the food.”

Kendra took another sip of the drink. “This reminds me of a slightly weird afternoon tea. Just with a lot more alcohol.”

Faron shook his head. “That is not something we have on my home planet.”

“On Earth, we used to go for afternoon tea with friends. There would be fancy cakes and alcohol and tiny sandwiches with the crusts cut off. It was very dainty. Fruitcake would often be served.”

“Dainty food sounds pointless.”

“Not pointless. It was decadent. I haven’t had afternoon tea in years.” She smiled at him. “This is nice, though. Thanks for suggesting it.”

“My pleasure.”

She drank more of the fermented spiced wine, liking the way it warmed her from the inside. “I’m not sure what Ivy has planned for us. You do know we can spend the whole day together if you’d like to.”

Faron nodded, his expression growing cautious. “It is not the best of ideas. My family expects things from me. It is wrong of me to go against their wishes.”

“I don’t expect you to do that.” Kendra looked at his hand where faint scar lines could be seen. She wanted to ask more about Faron’s childhood and how he’d endured such punishment from his family.

He offered her more fruit. “You’re still hungry?”