Well, at least the first five glorious cups were free.
Riley watched in mute disbelief as Orien deployed his deadliest weapons.
Which, unfortunately for the innocent sales personnel, was the child's face.
The golden dragonling stood in front of the free sample booth like a seasoned professional. Big eyes. Soft expression. Cup held carefully in both hands as if it were a sacred treasure.
He took one small sip.
Paused.
Then his lashes fluttered.
Not dramatically. Not obviously.
Just enough.
"Oh…" Orien breathed, staring down at the empty paper cup like it had just betrayed him. "It's already gone."
The saleslady blinked.
Orien looked up slowly. Lower lip barely trembling. Arms extending forward with the empty cup like an offering.
"It was really good," he added softly. "I wanted to taste it again to make sure."
Make sure.
Riley nearly choked.
The saleslady hesitated for exactly half a second before refilling the cup.
Orien beamed.
"Thank you, kind miss!"
Sip.
Pause.
