“You do have a very nice wine here in Al Nuzem,” Orthorr pointed out. “How often do you export it to King Gordon?”
From his expression, the king didn’t know the answer to that, but he summoned one of his daughters, who was also the overseer of the trade houses. She showed up in what looked like a military uniform, wearing trousers and a short jacket in the same deep blue and gold of the king’s colors.
“You summoned me, father?” she asked as she bowed to him, one arm crossed at her waist.
“Samira. How much wine do we export to Eldara?”
She frowned at her father but answered without question. “Almost none. Their taxes are too high. It is considered a luxury import, and they want more than half of the profit for allowing it through their borders. Only a handful of sellers bother, and they charge extra under the table once they cross over for the trouble.”
I blinked in surprise. She knew about under the table dealings? Wasn't that supposed to be a secret from those incharge? I only ever heard about such things second hand in my town, when the guards were bragging within earshot that they’d caught someone who thought they could get one over on them.
“Excellent,” King Zohaib said, crossing to his desk to pull out a quill and paper. “Let’s see if we can bribe a king.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
ORTHORR
We stopped for a break around suppertime, and King Zohaib requested we join him and his wife for a meal. We were brought to a pavilion more extravagant than the one I’d found Cedric in that afternoon, glass in different colors making up the ceiling and glittering in the candle light. The table was already set up for the meal when we arrived, laid with an intricate cloth on top of it, dark blue with gold trim, the colors of the royal family. There were multicolored lanterns hanging from above us and a few on the table, casting soft light on the space to not interrupt the view. The handcarved chairs had cushions so soft, I could imagine sinking into them before I even sat down. With the warm breeze and the view of the city glittering below us, it was truly fit for a king. It was an honor to be brought to such a place.
Queen Raiza arrived after we did, and we all stood in greeting. She gave a soft smile, her black hair tied back in a complicated braid I had no hope of recreating myself, and she wore a gold dress like I’d seen women of this country wear, a circlet resting delicately on her head. King Zohaib beamed ather when she arrived, kissing her cheek and shooing the servant away so he could pull out her chair for her. She was pleased with the attention her husband gave her and rewarded him with another dazzling smile. She reminded me a lot of Tessa. Her smile could bring me to my knees when she was alive.
I cast a glance at Cedric, who had been glued to the view since we arrived, eyes wide with wonder, and I felt a smile tug at my lips. I was no better with him. I knew the moment he cast a look my way, I would be ensnared by his attention.
“So, Orthorr, you never told me you were bonding,” King Zohaib began after he sat beside his wife. “When was this decision made?”
Cedric’s head snapped around, and I saw him blush when he realized the attention was on us. I bit back a chuckle, taking his hand in mine. He wasn’t used to being the center of attention in regards to his relationships. He’d had to hide his interests all his life. It would take him some getting used to, and I was happy to speak for us until he felt more confident.
“Just recently. Cedric arrived with the first group of townspeople Uttin and Zakai retrieved and offered to help me with all the paperwork you’ve been sending us. When he started flirting with me, I couldn’t resist.”
Cedric’s eyes went as wide as dinner plates, and he swung around to gape at me. “I didn’t flirt! At least… not at first…”
Raising an eyebrow at him, I pressed my lips together to hide a smug smile. “No? Were you not flirting when you asked to massage me? I thought perhaps you were looking for excuses to touch me.”
The more I teased, the more red he got, but he couldn’t deny my words. A clan brother wouldn’t have come to me with an offer to rub my shoulders. Not even the women who fussed over me would be that forward. I knew when I accepted his offer thatI was allowing the flirting to happen. I just couldn’t make myself say no.
“What kind of massage?” Idrull asked, more interested in the platter of food being brought in than in the actual answer. He was just teasing.
“He injured his shoulder!” Cedric blurted out, pointing an accusing finger at me. “He was too embarrassed to tell the healers because he didn't want them fussing over him. I offered to help because my sister was a nurse and taught me how when I injured myself the same way a few years ago. I… hadn’t thought he’d notice my interest. I was trying to keep it to myself.”
Queen Raiza gave me a chastising look. “Really, Orthorr? You would not tell the healers you were hurting? Did you wish for it to get worse?”
The motherly scolding reminded me a lot of the women in the clan who fussed over me, but I did my best to mask the stubbornness on my face. I did not wish to disrespect my closest allies.
“I felt I could handle it on my own,” I hedged.
“He did not,” Cedric argued, his own smug grin overtaking his face. “He was going to ignore it until one of the healers noticed and forced him to get it looked at. You’re a stubborn man, don’t pretend otherwise.”
Pursing my lips, I gave him a mock bland look. “I have no reason to be stubborn now. I have you.”
To my surprise and delight, joy overtook Cedric’s face, and he ducked his head to hide his smile. He was so sweet, my ravsol. I loved sharing my feelings with him. It seemed to make him melt every time, and he deserved to know how much I wanted him.
“Aw, you two are sweet,” Queen Raiza cooed, then turned her sharp eyed attention solely onto me. “When can I throw you a wedding party?”
I’d just taken a sip of wine to hide the triumphant grin on my face, and I choked on it when she questioned me. Cedric looked worried, but Idrull leaned over and pounded me on the back, helping me clear my airway.
King Zohaib shot his wife an admonishing look. She raised her eyebrows at him. “What? He’s a clan leader. His bonding should be an event.”
I shook my head, clearing my throat a few times to ease the strain on my airway. “I am not. Once Uttin returns, I will no longer be a clan leader. I stepped down.”