We had our own box.

  Floor seats in front of the stage would have provided the best view, but we were on the second floor directly across from the stage. The seats were made so that they could recline and pivot, while the ledge had trays that unfolded so that we could have our plates in front of us while we ate. The box had six seats in front, with enough space for three rows, though only the front row would have trays for their plates.

  We sat in the middle four seats, with Starna on my left, Vin on my right and Pera on his right. The Vampire seemed like she wanted to talk, but I didn’t want to spend all my time talking to my brother’s date, especially not since Maestra Holly was a once-a-week show. I’d seen her once before, but I’d had to book the show a month in advance. My date hadn’t been impressed by the seats at the back row or the little cafe I’d taken her to before. I couldn’t even remember her name, which worked out because the woman sitting beside me was a much better fit.

  A silver-skinned Mebope woman in a sleek uniform walked in front of us. “My name is Alwen Doronde and I’ll be your server tonight.” She gave a quick bow, then her blue eyes locked onto me. “Would you like to see a menu or…” The raven-haired woman swallowed. “Do you know what you want?”

  “I think-”

  “I heard that there was a shipment of Frost Stag that just came into port.” Pera leaned forward and gave our server a sweet smile. “My companion has also never tried Roc wings, and I assured him that you always keep some on hand.” She looked at my date. “Have you ever tried Lava Bass? The flavor is as spicy as a ghost pepper.”

  Starna swallowed, then shook her head. “I’m not a fan of spicy food.”

  “A shame.” Pera frowned. “But you prefer fish to deer?”

  “I’ve not had anything exotic. Just regular deer from the Centaur forest and brim from the lake just beyond Ammabus Tower.”

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  “We’ll remedy that tonight.” The Vampire snapped her fingers. “One plate of fried Roc Wings, the biggest Frost Stag steak you have, and a bowl of your volcano soup for Vincent.” She patted the Camadt’s leg. “The three of us Frost Stag steak with the house salad and a roll.” Her red eyes twinkled. “Be sure that your blood is fresh.” She looked at us. “What do you want to drink?”

  “Water.” Starna shrank into her chair.

  “Water is fine with me…” I glared at my brother because I knew what he was about to say.

  “Beer!”

  “No.” I shook my head. “You know you’re not old enough and I’m not going to pull rank here.” I looked at the server. “Get him some juice. He likes lemonade with cherries.”

  The timid woman glanced from me to Pera, then back. She started recapping our order under her breath as she memorized it, then nodded. “I’ll be back with your food as soon as it’s ready.”

  My brother turned in his seat to watch her leave. “If only she was a little older…”

  I shook my head. I never understood his fascination with older women, but if my guess was correct, she’d need to be at least twice her age to hold my brother’s attention for long.

  “Don’t you already have a date?” Starna scoffed as she folded her arms across her chest.

  “Miss Glynot could be busy next time!” Vin grinned. “Gotta make sure I’ve got options the next time the two of you decide to try to run off and do mushy stuff without me.”

  I shook my head. I would’ve pointed out that it was only for one night, but our accommodations left him by himself

  “You’re about to be stuck with us on a ship for a few days.” I eyed him. “Are you sure you don’t want some alone time?”

  Pera patted the black-furred feline’s arm. “Don’t worry about your brother. I’ll take good care of him.”

  “I don’t want to know.” I held up my hands. The whispers from below and the other boxes died down as a pale, blonde woman slithered onto the stage. The yellow scales on her belly were a sharp contrast to the purple ones that covered the rest of her body. Just enough purple cloth for her to be considered modest covered the important parts, allowing most of her pale skin on her upper half to be seen. Her face looked like an Elf, blue eyes and short, blonde hair mixed with the confidence of someone who knew they were about to demonstrate their mastery of a craft looked straight at me.

  “It is an honor to perform for the House of Malus again.” Madam Holly bowed and then she began to hum.

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