Welcome to Stories from Among the Stars.

You're listening to Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorn.

Narrated by Jessica Threat.

Chapter 27. Raina

One morning, Raina returned from the market to find Keanth waiting with a surprise.

Raina slid through the open door with a bag of flour on one shoulder, a bag of sugar on the other,

and rolled her eyes when Kianth stopped in the middle of delivering tea to whistle appreciatively.

Look at how strong my girlfriend is, she told Tarley, who'd swung by that morning for a new book.

The blacksmith snorted. It's impressive.

Not as impressive as these, but close. For emphasis, he flexed his arms, showing off muscles far

bulkier than anything Raina boasted. Raina paused, quirking an eyebrow. The flower was settled, but the sugar shifted in its bag,

and she had to hoist it back up her shoulder. Can't attest that claim, Tarley.

Two pence on Raina. Matild called from the romance section.

Matild! Tarley deflated immediately.

"'I'll bet on you, Tarley.'

Kianth chimed in, delivering a mug of tea to one of their patrons.

Her eyes met Rana's across the shop, and competitions sparked between them.

Raina offered a fierce grin.

One Kianth matched.

"'But let's postpone it for now. She's already tired.

Raina grunted as she nudged the front door closed with her foot. I'm hardly tired.

To her surprise, both Charlie and Matild were nodding agreement.

...