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Abruptly, a hand was on my arm yanking me away.
“What do you think you’re doing?” I demanded angrily as Draven pulled me to the bar.
“We’re leaving,” he said tersely. “Exactly how much khorva did you have?”
“A glass.” I saw my mug was still where I’d left it on the bar and reached towards it. But Draven was faster. He pushed it away.
I made a whining sound and glared at him. “What do you think you’re doing? I’m having a good time. Is that not allowed?”
He looked me up and down, faint boredom in his eyes, and in that moment I really believed I hated him.
He hadn’t noticed the new dress or my mask. Instead, all he said was, “You’re going to be so sick tonight.”
“I am not,” I said furiously. “And I want to stay here tonight.”
He rolled his eyes. “Not happening.”
“Why not? I like it here. I like khorva. I like Khor. I like Khor’a’val.” I giggled, putting a hand to my mouth.
Fine. Perhaps the khorva had gone to my head a little.
Draven gripped my arm firmly and propelled me towards the door. “We’re leaving. Now.”
I turned my head, trying to catch a glimpse of the lute player, but all I could see were the whirling colors of the crowd. Draven caught me looking back and grimaced.
He pushed open the tavern door. Outside night had fallen. The cool air hit my face. I breathed it in, feeling refreshed.
Then I closed my eyes. I was still spinning, but not in a good way.
“Oh, dear,” I said weakly, clutching at the railing of the tavern stairs.
“Dizzy?” Draven watched me with narrowed eyes.
“I still want to stay,” I said, lifting my chin. “I like it here.”
Draven shot me an exasperated look. “Yes, I believe you’ve said that before.”
I looked across the town square with interest.
Since we had arrived, a statue had been set up beside a roaring bonfire. The statue depicted a handsome young man carved in gold and ivory, with curling yellow hair, a muscular body, and a large, jutting...
“Oh, my,” I breathed. “That’s quite...”
“Yes, isn’t it?” Draven’s voice was wry. “It’s a fertility festival, Morgan. At night things can get rather wild.”
I let out a huff. “And you’d know all about that, would you?”
He cleared his throat. “I may have visited once before.” He looked at me. “I mean, if you really want to stay, we can stay. But you should know you don’t always get to choose your partners. Once midnight arrives, all of the citizens who wish to participate in the Khor’a’val rites gather in the square by the statue over there, strip off all their clothes and anoint themselves with colorful paint. Quite a beautiful sight really. And then once they’re naked and painted...”
“All right, all right,” I said hastily. “I get the idea.” I frowned.
Dancing was one thing. I wasn’t certain I was ready to strip naked and do more than dance with complete strangers. I thought of the young fae man and felt my cheeks growing hot. Maybe if they were a little more than strangers.
“I thought not,” Draven drawled. “Well then? Shall we?”
I followed him down the steps, trying to walk in as straight a line as I could manage. My head was clearing, but as for my stomach... that was another matter.
I eyed Haya nervously. “I’m not sure I can ride.”
