As Emiko and Anwyll continued their quiet discussion ahead, Kiah slowed her pace and tugged Naya back a few steps so their voices wouldn't be heard.
"If things go smoothly," Naya murmured, "I want to attend the party. It might be my last chance to taste beef."
She licked her lips as a butcher passed with some slab of meat.
Kiah shot her a look. "Do you ever stop thinking about food?"
Naya frowned. "You like food more than me. If I remember correctly, you once betrayed your friends over a tray of—"
"Whatever," Kiah cut her off, lowering her voice. "I have a question."
Naya raised a brow. "What?"
"What is…" she glanced toward Anwyll's back, then whispered, "...rebel protection?"
The term had been gnawing at her since yesterday.
"Oh," Naya's expression shifted, the light in her eyes dimming.
