“Thank you,” I said.
“Sure thing. And well done on the sale, Boss. Eight silvers!”
“And she said it's a fair price,” I whispered. “Maybe I should think about charging more for things.”
“You definitely should. We've been doing well while you've been gone. And no one has tried to barter with us.”
“Wonderful!”
We took the reckoiner into the shop and set its wood box down beside the table Raef had set up. Then we took it out and set it on the table.
“Oh, it's lovely,” Racine said as she ran her hands over the levers and buttons. “So shiny. And the engravings are exquisite.”
“I wanted it to be beautiful and functional,” I said.
“It's perfect for my shop.” She looked back at me. “I can proudly put this out on my back counter.”
“I'm so glad you like it. Let me go over how it works again. But don't worry, it comes with a manual.”
“A manual? How brilliant.”
I thought of the manual Furn sent me home with for Vashana and agreed. It was best to be clear about things, especially important things.
“I see you're wearing your pendant,” Racine noted as I stepped closer.
“Yes, I love it.” I leaned in to add, “I think it's given me some clarity.”
“I'm not surprised,” she said with all seriousness. “The Graen have powerful magic beyond the elements.”
“I don't know much about them. I'm originally from Vix.”
“Ah. Well, they're very intuitive people. They believe that the Gods gave us everything we need to face life. Any problem can be solved, not by looking outside of yourself, but by searching within.”
“Fascinating.”
As I showed Racine how to use the reckoiner, my thoughts kept straying to Rian, love, and beetles. Hopefully, my Graen pendant would help me search within for the answers I needed. I could certainly use the insight.
Chapter Forty-One
I was looking through my notes on the rasalt beetles three days later when the shop bell rang.
“Your Majesty!” Raef declared. “Welcome.”
My heart sped up. I'd been missing Rian. But at the same time, it felt too soon. Still, I got to my feet. Vashana stood with me and headed out into the shop ahead of me to make sure it was safe. Her yip was both a greeting to Rian and a signal that I could safely follow.
“Hey, Vash,” Rian said.
He was just coming up from petting her when I walked out. Our stares met, and it was like my body breathed a sigh of relief. Or simply breathed for the first time in days. I'd been so happy to get home that I'd forgotten he was a part of home for me now. A big part.
“Hello, Your Majesty,” I said.
Rian closed the distance in a single step and pulled me into his arms. His kiss was a bit fierce, as if daring me to deny him, but when I didn't, he settled into it. His tenderness came forth in the loving strokes of his lips and tongue. The press of his chest. The pull of his hands.
When Rian eased back, he whispered, “Hello, my jewel.”
“Would you like some coffee?” I asked as I took his hand and led him into the workroom.
“Yes, thank you.”
