Lingering Glance (Patreon)

Out of context, this story seems like a comedy. 😆

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You throw a piece of bread at him.

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Alessa stabs the baked potato.

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You wipe your mouth with the back of your hand. "Shit's putting it mildly."

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But Lance doesn't seem the slightest bit bothered. "And you, Alessa White, how do you fare in the noble art of hosting?"

Alessa redirects her arched brow from you to him. "I know not. I have never hosted."

"Somehow, that does not surprise me."

Alessa takes another sip of wine. "Indeed. Nor would it surprise me if this was not the first time you have invited yourself for supper, bard. 'Tis the only way you are ever invited at all."

Lance's gold tooth flashes. From behind the glass, you see Alessa's lips curling in a sharp smile.

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"Did you wait with bathed breath?" you whisper against her lips.

From the corner of your eyes, you see Hadrian tilting his head back and staring sufferingly at the ceiling.

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Hadrian chews a particularly stringy piece of meat. "Took me a year with the Company to get rid of that habit," he says. "The first time I ate in the stronghold, I— I had to take my food and eat outside." He lowers his voice. "Alone."

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The bard bows dramatically.

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Almost done with the draft!!!! Rafael, that bastard, fought with me in his last scene every step of the way, but I finally wrestled it out of him. 🎉