Page 140 of The Pacifist
“Nero, Anne was saying she’s hungry, will you make sure she eats?” Mila instructed him.
“Of course.” His eyes flew to Tristan as if to silently ask if this was a dream.
With a smack on Nero’s shoulder, Tristan told him, “You two have fun. We can catch up tonight at the celebration. Salma and I better get back to our meet and greet.”
“No problem.” Nero was beaming with happiness when he returned his attention to Anne. “What kind of food do you like?”
“I’m open to anything, but I’ve seen people walk around with a dessert that I really want to try. It’s a long stick with ice cream on it.”
“Yeah, I know them. They’re called Tournament Toffees.”
“Toffees? But it looks like cake.”
“It is, but with a toffee filling. How about a burger first? They’ve got some amazing ones up at the comedy area.”
“I like burgers.”
“Then let’s do it.”
“Nero,” Mila gave him a sweet smile. “Remember that Anne is a vegan.”
“Right, I figured. We’ll have to ask what vegan options they have.”
Anne was still showing her teeth in a broad smile when they began walking to the exit of the tent. “Do you mind if I hold on to your arm?”
“Umm.” Again, his eyes went to me.
My hands went up as I reminded him, “I’m not her protector. If Anne allows you to touch her, that’s up to her.”
“So, can I?” she asked and moved closer to him. “It’s just that it’s a little overwhelming walking around out there. I think I’d feel safer if I held on to you.”
“Of course… yes.” Nero looked like he’d won the whole tournament when Anne slid her arm under his elbow and they walked to the exit.
Leo stopped them with a deep scowl to Nero. “What’s going on?”
“I’m taking Anne out for lunch.”
The tsunami of envious sounds and comments from the men in line made it hard to hear what Leo responded, but he asked Anne a few questions before ordering one of the largest guards in the tent to escort Nero and Anne.
“That went well,” Mila said with satisfaction when they were gone.
“You’re sure he’s a good guy?”
“I’m sure.” Mila took my hand. “You know what this means? We can have a little time for ourselves. I feel like I’ve shared you with too many people today.”
“Ditto.”
She lifted on her toes and kissed me, which resulted in a few whistles from the line of people.
“Let’s get some lunch, I’m starving.”
With our being married, the Nmen kept their distance from Mila as we walked through the festival. Many shouted comments to congratulate me and tell me how they’d hated the way I’d almost been kicked off the Council. I thanked them all for their support.
In beer tents that we passed, we saw fighters with black eyes, drowning their disappointment over lost fights. Street musicians were playing happy tunes and when we passed one of the fighting arenas, we exchanged another look of understanding. Neither of us enjoyed violence, and we passed it without stopping. We only had two hours before we had to be back at the meet and greet tent, but it gave us time to enjoy some of the delicious street food, and visit the large dating tent that Mila had helped decorate.
It was stunning with the magical feeling it provided. Everything in here was in warm colors with strings of lights and chandeliers. There were enough small sofas and chairs in different colors and shapes around the tent to seat at least a hundred, but the large round tent had a capacity of three hundred. Colorful rugs on the wooden floor gave the tent a cozy vibe, and in the middle was a dance floor.
“Oh, look.” Mila threw a nod to the couple on the dance floor swaying from side to side in a close embrace. “I hope they will be among the couples who marry at the closing ceremony.”
