I poured three glasses, including King Vaxarion's, and handed one to Shale. And I did it all one-handed since Shale refused to let go of me.
“Sorry,” I said. “It's been a long day. Welcome to Latur, King Vaxarion. I hope we didn't keep you waiting long.”
Before King Vaxarion could reply, Shale said, “Do not speak for me, Sebastian.”
I winced, my chest aching suddenly from that barb, but nodded. “My apologies, Your Majesty. I was trying to fill the silence.”
“I've obviously offended you somehow, King Shaleros,” King Vaxarion said, finally going serious. “I know we Sea Dragons don't have the same ideas of propriety that you of the land do. Our cultures are different. Mine is certainly less modern than yours. So I apologize for anything I've done that you saw as inappropriate.”
Shale blinked slowly, his jaw clenching.
I stared hard at him, widening my eyes.
The Dragon King of Latur sighed, his shoulders releasing some of their tension. “I apologize as well, King Vaxarion. It was nothing you did, but rather a comment made by my consort just seconds before our meeting. I'm afraid it triggered my jealousy.”
“A commentyoumade?” King Vaxarion looked at me. “You're his consort?”
“Yes. Uh, it was nothing.” I waved it aside. “Let's just move past this.” I lifted my glass.
“Indeed.” King Vaxarion leaned forward to click his glass against mine.
Shale added his glass to ours, and the tension in the room finally dissipated.
“Thank the Gods,” I muttered just before I drank deeply.
“Welcome to Latur, King Vaxarion,” Shale said. “But I'm confused. I thought King Shosu ruled Morilren?”
“He did. That's actually why I'm here. King Shosu stepped down.”
“Hestepped down? But you are only recently awoken.”
“Yes, and he awakened in more ways than one. Shosu realized that he wanted more from life than ruling.” King Vaxarion shrugged. “We held a crown tournament, and I won.”
“Congratulations,” Shale said. “You could have sent a message.”
“As I said, I know our cultures are different. I wasn't sure if it was proper to announce my rule in such a manner. I thought it might be more respectful to introduce myself in person, at least to the land kings whose kingdoms border mine. It is important for us to have an accord, I think.”
“That is very considerate and wise of you, Your Majesty,” I said with a heavy look at Shale.
Shale grimaced. “It is indeed. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting so long.”
“Not at all.” King Vaxarion waved his hand. “Your staff supplied me with refreshments and offered me a guest room to rest in.”
“I'm glad to hear it. You're welcome to stay, of course. I had a feast planned to celebrate Sebastian's new status, but I'm happy to add your victory to our celebration.”
“New status?” He glanced from Shale to me.
“I have only just made Sebastian my consort last night.”
“Congratulations to you both,” King Vaxarion said. “That's very generous of you to offer to share your feast with me, but I don't wish to take any glory from either of you. I will gladly stay, but only as a guest so I can get to know you better. I haven't gotten the opportunity to spend much time on land. The last time was when Karadas summoned us to his temple.”
“I was there as well,” Shale said.
“Yes, I remember you.”
“You do? I'm sorry. I don't remember you.”
“It's your hair.” King Vaxarion waved at Shale. “So like our God's and just as striking. It makes you hard to forget.”
