Anneliese POV

She held onto the crystal goblet as if it held the elixir of life itself. The goblet contained a pre-dinner cocktail, but at the moment, she drank it as if it were a life-saving potion.

Makhel’s eyes lit up. “You like our national drink?”

“It’s strong but not overpowering,” she said after swishing the dark mead in her mouth. “Sophisticated but also with a kick. Yes, I think I could get to like it.”

“Go slow,” he said with such a ...