As soon as Aras was gone, I got dressed, donned my crown, and headed to the lineup of meetings I'd been postponing. One of the perks of being King was never having to apologize or make excuses. My first meeting was with a merchant from Zaru who had been waiting days for his audience, but I didn't offer him a reason for the postponement. I just sat down at the table and waved for him to proceed.
By the fourth meeting, I was getting antsy. I needed my mate. Aras shouldn't be beyond reaching distance. It was hard enough to let him out of my suite, but to know that he had left the castle was excruciating. Where was he? Was he back yet? I told him we'd have dinner together, so he may have returned to his guest suite instead of coming straight to me. Why would Arascome to me? He didn't know he needed to. Because I hadn't told him that we were mated!
Calm yourself!theEye shouted in my mind.
Do you have any idea how difficult this is for me?
I'm in your head, so, yes, I have a very clear idea,she drawled.But I'm the only one who can hear your thoughts. The other people in this room don't understand why you're glaring at them.
I blinked and refocused on my guests. They were from the local theater. They wanted something from me. What was it?
Your approval on their next play,the Eye said.
I cleared my throat and looked down at the paper in my hand. The play involved Dragons. That's why they needed my approval. No one wanted to offend a Dragon, much less a king. However, if I approved the performance, no other Dragon could criticize the theater.Not that there were many Dragons in Renris. Even now that our Water Magic had balanced us, making it possible for us to live closer together, none of my dread had moved to the crown city.
I told you,the Eye said.They are plotting against you.
Then wouldn't it be wiser for them to do so here?
Where you could find them out more easily? I don't think so.She paused, then went on in a kinder tone.I will look after you, Lyrandir. I will watch your back. You and I will form a partnership the likes of which this world has never seen.
Haven't you worked with a Dragon before me?
Yes, but he wasn't as resilient as you.
What does—
You should say something to your guests.
I scanned the pages that summarized the play, then handed them back to the two Deldin. They had their long ears down and bound behind their heads—the man tied his with leather and the woman with a satin ribbon. A glance at their flamboyant clothing would have given away their profession even had I not known.
“This looks interesting,” I said.
The couple visibly relaxed.
The man—I couldn't recall his name—said, “Then we can proceed with casting, Your Majesty?”
I set the pages back in the leather folder and handed it to him. “Yes. You have my approval to perform this.”
“Wonderful!” Your box is reserved for you, as always.”
“My box,” I murmured.
“Yes, the best in the house, Your Majesty,” the woman said.
“Yes, yes.” I waved a hand. “I'm sure it is. I think I'd like to attend a performance.”
“Really?!” the man perked up, the tips of his ears lifting behind him. “It would be an honor, Sire. If you could give us just the tiniest advance notice, I'll make sure that you will have every luxury we can provide.”
“What play are you currently running?” I asked.
“Oh, it's an adventure, Your Majesty,” the woman gushed. “It revolves around a world-roaming Argaiv who finds himself embroiled in the intrigue of a group of assassins.”
“Is there, uh.” I cleared my throat. “Is there any romance involved?”
“Oh, of course!” the man exclaimed. “Our main character falls in love with one of the assassins. It's the biggest obstacle in the story.”
“And the ending?”
