“Many of these people only make these crafts for fairs like this,” he said. “The shops in town continue business as usual. That's what draws the people here. They know they'll find things they don't normally see.”
“That makes sense. But with my shop being so new, it might help to get more exposure.”
“That's true. And you continue to make new inventions, so there would be fresh items for people to see.”
“Yes, exactly.”
We stopped at a stall that sold metal mura dolls, used in Ricarri rituals. Of course, I didn't need any of those, though they were interesting to look at. But the vendor also had a selection of fine jewelry made of gold, silver, and precious stones. I perused the necklaces, then moved on.
Potted winter plants, wooden altars, preserved food, and lots of toys covered long tables, everything set out in pretty displays. It was all fun to look at. Then we stopped at a vendor that sold roasted nuts and mulled wine. Rian bought us each a glass of hot, spiced wine and a bag of roasted chestnuts to share. We strolled past the stalls, munching on them and sipping our wine. It wasn't as good as the hot chocolate I'd had earlier, but it was a nice change, and the alcohol helped to warm me along with the temperature of the drink.
“Ah, here's what you need,” Rian said and steered me toward a large tent.
Racks of winter clothes took up most of the space within the tent. People milled through the aisles, trying on jackets, hats, scarves, and cloaks. Rian took me directly to the racks of cloaks. They were all made of heavy material, mostly wool, although there were a few cashmere pieces, the soft knit strengthened with a stiffer backing and lined in fur. I went for the cashmere, my hands stretching out to stroke the fuzzy knit. I loved clothes that felt good against my skin. A deep red cloak seemed to pullme to it. I smiled as I slid my hand from the cashmere and into the thick black fur that lined it.
“This is perfect,” Rian said.
“For you maybe.” I drew back. “Red is too bold a color for me.”
“Why? Your hair would shine against that color and it would compliment your eyes.”
“Really?” I looked back at it.
“Even if it didn't, you obviously like it and that's the most important thing. Here.” He took it off the hanger and put it around my shoulders. “Oh, yes.” Gently, he pulled my hair free and set it over the cloak, pulling it forward and arranging it to his liking before drawing up the hood. “Beautiful.”
“May I assist you?” a human woman asked as she stepped into our aisle. Then she got a good look at Rian. “Oh! Your Majesty, forgive me for not recognizing you immediately.”
“Not at all.” Rian waved her apology away. “Do you have a mirror?”
“Yes, of course. This way.” The woman led us down the aisle and then to the tent wall where a full-length mirror hung. “Here you are.”
I went up to it and stared at myself. I didn't recognize the vibrant, mysterious man who stared back at me. I'd always thought of myself as a delicate beauty, but this man was bold. He was sexy and sophisticated. He was not demure. This was a man who strode down the street with confidence. He attracted attention and loved every second of it. He never pretended to be shy. He wouldn't see the point.
“I'll take it,” I said.
“Wonderful!” The woman declared. “It's two silvers.”
I blinked. It had been a while since I'd purchased clothing and even longer since I'd purchased expensive clothing. My courtier clothes had cost even more than the cloak, but I'd been wearing simpler things lately, and two silvers was more than I was used to spending on a single garment. Still, I was not a poor man. The only thing that made me hesitate was my goal of purchasing a vanrussa.
As I chewed over the price, Rian reached into his pouch and produced the coins.
“Here you are,” he said to the woman.
The woman bowed and handed a coin back. “If you're buying, Sire, I'd like to offer you a discount.”
“That's not necessary.” He pressed the coin back into her hand. “It's a beautiful cloak and worth the price.” He looked at me to add. “Worth ten times that just to see my Galin smile.”
The ice fell out from under me. Not literally, but it sure felt that way. It must have melted under the heat of Rian's stare and the matching fire in my chest. I melted along with it, turning into a puddle at his feet. I had no words. Puddles can't speak.
“Thank you, Your Majesty. Enjoy your cloak, sir.” The woman bowed and wisely left us to our moment.
I stepped forward, and Rian's arms slid around me, beneath both cloaks. His fingers coasted along my wings, and despite the wing scarf, his touch sent a thrill up my spine. Then his hands slipped below my wings to dig into my back. Pull mecloser. His head lowered and this time I didn't lean away. I lifted my face to his.
I expected firmness, but Rian's stern lips softened as they met mine. They brushed over me with tenderness, caressing me before parting. A flick of a tongue. A slide against the seam of my lips. And then I was opening to him, drawing him inside. It felt far more intimate than a mere kiss, especially when Rian drew me closer, pressing our bodies together within the privacy of our cloaks. The slide of our tongues sent an effervescent tingling all over me. The taste of wine and spices made my mind reel. I clutched his shoulders beneath the weight of his cloak and yanked hard, needing more.
On and on it went, the spinning thrill, like flying as high as you could, then letting yourself fall. The hardness and softness mingled, our bodies aligning, so the opposites merged. His hardness against my softness. I groaned into his mouth.
At last, the Dragon King eased away, but only a few inches. He was breathing heavily, and that spiced breath cooled my wet lips. “Did I say ten times as much? This cloak is fucking priceless.”
