Chapter 65: Tea, Terror, and Unexpected Approval

[Azure Bloom Tea Hall—Continuation]

I sat across from her, knees practically vibrating under the table, while she lifted her teacup with that calm, untouchable elegance of someone who could freeze oceans with a glance. Zephyy sat on the edge of my chair, tail flicking lazily.

'Master,' he whispered telepathically, 'the sun is blazing out, but I still feel like we are in Frojnholm.'

'Same here, Zephyy… same here,' I telepathied back, trying not to flinch as my pulse raced.

She finally glanced at me, the faintest trace of… what?… amusement? "I just wanted to have some tea with you, Leif. No need to be nervous."

I gave a stiff, awkward smile. "Ah… yes… Madam."

Inside, my brain was screaming. No… calm… don't spill tea on your shoes… don't faint… don't say "I love your son" in a squeaky voice…