Rian chuckled and kissed my cheek. “I'll come back to check on you tomorrow.”
“Uh-huh,” I said distractedly. Not even sex could lure me away from a new invention when it was fresh in my mind. I had to at least get it down on paper before I could even think about anything else.
“See you later, Vashana.” Rian petted her for a while, then left with a “Goodbye, my jewel.”
“Goodbye, love,” I called after him.
Chapter Forty-Two
The next day came and so did Rian. I wasn't there. I was at Hud's shop, working with him on the diagrams for the metal parts I'd need for my invention. Arena informed me of Rian's visit upon my return. The day after that, I was at the weaver's shop, giving them the dimensions and fabric specifications I'd need. When I got back, I found a box of pastries waiting for me, left by Rian. The third day had me out at an enchanter's shop, commissioning the crystal I'd need to hold the Air spell. I left word for Rian this time, a note that thanked him for coming by and for the treats, told him I missed him, and asked him to wait for me to contact him before stopping by again. There was a lot that went into a complicated invention like this. So, I figured Rian would understand that I needed some time to focus on my work. He did stop by and after reading my note, wrote his reply on the back of it. It was two lines.
I understand. But I am not pleased, my jewel.
To be honest, I didn't care. This was more important than a romantic rendezvous with my lover. In fact, I was relieved that we kept missing each other. That way, I didn't have to reject Rian's sexual advances again. We could celebrate when it was all over.
It took a lot longer than expected to make the trap. I had to wait on three other artisans before I could put it all together. Luckily, Hud finished first. So, I was able to start on the base of the trap—the part that would hold the tree and release the covering—first. Finally, five days after Rian's last visit, I completed my invention.
It was the end of the day, and I was too tired to see Rian. I decided to send word to him in the morning. But I did have a little celebration with Arena and Raef, sharing a bottle of wine between the three of us.
“How much are you going to charge them for this?” Raef asked me over his second glass of wine.
The shop was closed, and we were in the workroom, a platter of snacks from our favorite street vendor on the table between us. Arena paused with a pork bun halfway to her mouth and waited eagerly for my answer.
“I didn't think of that,” I murmured. “I mean, I at least need to be compensated for the money I spent on parts.”
“You're not saying you're thinking of doing this for free?!” Raef gaped at me. “You've spent over a week on this, and that's not including the time you put into research.”
I grimaced. “No, I'm not doing this for free. Rian knows I need to be paid. I'm sure he'll send me what he thinks is fair, and it will be more than fair. He paid five times what I was going to ask for those crispers.”
Raef grinned. “Good. Because your invention could be life-changing for farm—”
A solid pounding came from the shop.
“Someone's at the door,” Arena said as Vashana growled.
“You two stay here,” I said to my employees as I stood up.
Vash followed me out to the shop. It was dark, the curtains shut for the night. A second knocking came, sounding ominous.
“Who is it?” I called as I approached the door.
“Me,” someone growled.
Rian's voice was so low, so gravelly, that I didn't recognize it. But there could only be one man who would give that answer.
“Rian?” I asked, just to be sure.
“Yes. Open this fucking door!”
I froze.
“Galin!”
“All right!” I burst into action, throwing the locks and swinging the door wide.
The Dragon King swept in with a swirl of snowflakes. He looked larger than usual in his fur cloak, the hood pulled up. No jaunty hat atop his head. His shoulders seemed broader, his chest more pronounced. And he leveled a searing stare on me that wasn't romantic. Not exactly.
“Boss, is everything all right?” Raef asked as he poked his head out of the workroom.
