A Court of Stars and Memories

47. A Kiss of Understanding

    Lysander watched Mitsi and Aramis through narrowed eyes, still not moving from the entrance of the dance hall. He hadn't expected to find them here, although he knew they were going out with Orion and Eira tonight. It was already two hours past midnight, hence his surprise.

    He would've expected them to have left already, especially because Aramis, Eira, and Orion had training tomorrow. Lysander couldn't help but smirk at the thought. Tomorrow would be a miserable day for them. It would probably be miserable for Mitsi too.

    It was clear she'd been drinking. She was laughing and tripping over her own feet while Aramis struggled to keep her upright. Lysander watched them until the dance ended and Aramis guided her back to a booth. Then he moved from his post at the door and headed over to them.

    Mitsi's frosty gaze tracked his approach and his skin prickled in its wake. He smoothed damp hair back from his forehead and raked his fingers through it for good measure. A hint of red tinged Mitsi's cheeks. Lysander reached their booth and paused beside Mitsi.

    "Having fun?" He asked.

    "So much fun," Mitsi replied, her words noticeably slurred.

    Lysander glanced at Aramis. "How much has she had to drink?"

    His nephew shrugged. "Ask Eira. She's the one who was convincing her to try stuff."

    "No, don't bother Eira," Mitsi gasped. "She's dancing with Orion."

    "It's late," Lysander pointed out, ignoring Mitsi's comment. "You should probably try to get some rest. You're going to feel like shit tomorrow, and you know Ameer and Calden won't have any sympathy for you." Mitsi crossed her arms and frowned, obviously unimpressed by his lack of attention.

    Aramis nodded with a sigh. "I'll find Eira and Orion." He slid out of the booth and set off in search of the pair.

    Lysander turned in time to see Mitsi pick up a glass that was still half full. He covered it with his palm before she could drink it. Mitsi's frown deepened and she looked up at him. "Trust me, you don't want to drink any more than you already have."

    "I can make my own decisions," Mitsi retorted.

    "You can," he agreed, "but just this once, let me make one for you."

    Mitsi rolled her eyes but allowed him to take the drink and set it down. She pushed herself out of the booth and swayed on her heels. Lysander's hand was on her waist before he even realized it.

    "Will you dance with me?" He asked, by way of explanation, when Mitsi threw him a questioning look.

    Mitsi's gaze softened and she nodded. Her lips curved into a beautiful smile as he led her back onto the dance floor. Lysander kept their moves slow and simple, and surprisingly, Mitsi kept up with him with only a few stumbles. She was blushing again and didn't meet his gaze.

    "Was this your first time drinking?" Lysander asked curiously.

    "Yes," Mitsi replied. "I like it. It's fun."

    "In moderation. You're going to feel awful tomorrow," he chuckled. "But that surprises me, Owl. You've had sex but never drank before?"

    Mitsi's face flamed and she turned her head even further. "I guess some of us do things backwards."

    Lysander laughed and hooked a finger beneath her chin, guiding her gaze to his. "I guess so." He held her gaze a moment longer, then looked down at her necklace and took in the dress she wore. Mitsi's breath caught as he touched a finger to her locket. Lysander swallowed hard, recalling his unfinished painting. "You look beautiful," he murmured.