The Hidden Crystal

Chapter 65

Iris still felt nervous about walking around in the dragon city. She had been an escaped prisoner sneaking out of this mountain not so long ago, and she half-expected to meet the mage who'd thrown her in the magic school's dungeons behind every corner.

At least, that was how she'd felt when Elera had taken her dress shopping. Now that she was walking hand-in-hand with Char, she was too busy smiling to worry.

"Do you have the day off?" she asked him.

"No, but I can squeeze in lunch."

"And you still won't tell me what you're working on?"

He smirked. "Nope."

She bumped him with her shoulder. "Why not?"

"Because that would spoil the surprise. Have you ever eaten at a restaurant before?"

She raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

He laughed. "Yeah, guess not."

The entire town of Little Rest could have fit into this mountain several times over, and even though everything was carved from stone, there were pops of color everywhere. Flowers spilling out of window boxes. Vines and leaves snaking up walls and hanging from roofs. People with vibrant hair and eyes in all colors of the rainbow—and then some. And it was all lit by moss and algae growing on the cavern ceiling far, far above it all, shining as bright as the midday sun outside.

Char was popular. Men and women of all ages waved and called greetings to him as they passed on the street, and more than a few eyed Iris with open curiosity.

Or, in the case of a young woman here or there, jealousy.

He was quite a catch, after all. Tall, broad shoulders, shaggy black hair Iris just wanted to run her fingers through and smooth down, sharp green eyes over a rakish smile. She felt a little bad for the girls who had known him for years and failed to catch his eye.

Only a little, though.

He led her to a building covered with so much greenery, very little of the gray stone wall remained visible. Intricate carvings of trees and leaves decorated the oaken door he opened for her, and when she stepped into the dim interior, she felt a twinge of nervousness.

"It's so dark," she whispered.

"That's because it's romantic." He guided her with a hand on the small of her back toward a podium where a man in a suit and tie awaited them. "Table for two, please. In a quiet area."

The water bowed. "Very good, sir."

Potted plants hung from the ceiling and decorated every corner, filling the air with the heavy scent of flowers in bloom. The dim lighting darkened the bright colors, and candlelight edged the petals and leaves in soft gold. Other couples sat at tables and booths, eating, talking, and even kissing, as if they were alone in the world. Indeed, the interior arrangement lent everything an intimate atmosphere.

Iris took a seat in the chair Char pulled out for her. A vase of red roses and a single candle graced the center of their table, one on the left, one on the right, leaving an unbroken eyeline across the table to Char's seat. Napkins folded like flowers decorated the places their plates would soon occupy.

"Thank you. This is really nice."

"Here are your menus," the waiter said, handing them each a sturdy but elegant piece of paper. "May I suggest..."

Iris stared at the menu while the waiter rattled off the drink and meal specials of the day. She wasn't familiar with anything, and she bit her lip, wondering how she was supposed to choose something.