“He did not,” Raven said.
Sevarin looked at the messenger.
“The King didn't tell me anything about payment, Master Sevarin, but I believe he'd be willing to meet your demands, whatever they be.”
Sevarin sighed. “That's not a guarantee of fair recompense.”
“You can always come back,” I said.
“Yes, yes, but packing all of my equipment and carting it to Sconheit only to bring it back is a pain in the ass.”
“I assure you, the King will be more than fair.” The messenger glared at Sevarin. “Your kingdom needs you. Will you deny us help in our darkest hour?”
“I suppose I must at least listen to what the King has to say,” Sevarin huffed. “Have you come with a wagon?”
The messenger blinked.
“Well, do you have coin to purchase one?” Sevarin put his hands on his hips.
The messenger gaped at Sevarin.
“It seems that King Falken isn't as concerned with my needs as he should be. What is your name anyway?”
“Uh, I'm Matthias.”
“Matthias, you can tell the King to—”
Raventar cleared his throat and cut off Sevarin. “I will provide a wagon for your things, Master Sevarin.”
Sevarin grimaced. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I really think it's my king's responsibility.”
“If you decide to come back, you'll have it for your use, and you may return it to me.”
“Ah, that's a rather good point.” Sevarin bowed. “Thank you very much, Sire. It seems I will be leaving your beautiful kingdom sooner than I planned.”
“I support your decision. Good luck, Master Sevarin.”
“Thank you. And good luck with your mate's presentation, King Raventar.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Matthias bowed and then left the hall with Sevarin, cringing under the alchemist's strident demands for help with the packing of his belongings.
I looked at my mate and burst out laughing.
“I almost feel sorry for the King of Sconheit.” Raven shook his head.
“Oh, I don't know.” I stared off after the alchemist. “If he's half the king you are, he'll see past Sevarin's gruff exterior and realize what a wonderful, talented man he is.”
“Wonderful? He does nothing for free.”
“Most of his projects are for the betterment of the world, and yet no one pays him for them. He has to make a living somehow.”
“That's a fair point. Still, I have a feeling King Falken is about to be taken for all he's worth.”
“If he's lucky.” I winked.
Raven burst out laughing.
Chapter Forty
