“I will take the silks and commission something lovely. Perhaps we all need garb for the impending nuptials of our dear Ghreiden…” Lapryda tapped his fingers. “Nothing so vulgar. I’llthink on it. Certainly a wall hanging embroidered for Mezerath’s quarters that we will wait a few years to hang. Baby dragons are hell on good tapestries.”
“Is that all we wished to discuss?” Reigh held his hands up curiously.
“No. I wanted to hand this over to you.” Ghreid fished in a bag he’d brought with him and handed over a rolled-up sheet of parchment. King Reigh opened it carefully and squinted, reading down the page.
“The finalized document about opening up the ports?” His eyes traveled it downward. “And you’re waving Rammolian fees, too?”
A redness crept across his cheeks as Ghreid rolled his hand in a gesture for him to continue reading.
“Fees waved if they donate a day’s service… Oh, this is delightful.” A wide grin spread across his cheeks.
“Rammolians are subject to the port entry fee, an import tax of the declared value with random inspections, and they will be subject to a fee for ongoing bay cleanup and maintenance. Taxes will remain in place, but both fees will be waived upon their completion of a day of labor cleaning the bay.” Ghreid’s grin grew wide and stretched wickedly across his face. “And it’s not even all hands. One ship must deploy at least ten men to bring back one cartload of detritus. If word is spread, they may troll their nets coming in to dump the filth. If we can get the bay under control, we can nip the barnacle breeding grounds and hopefully reestablish a thriving balance and get some crustaceans in to feast and provide another food source—but only after the bay is clean. Any dumping of human waste into the bay will be fined heavily.”
“Brilliant.” King Reigh clapped his hands.
“Your ships will also have advance missive to deploy trolling nets on their way in. I will also pay a nominal fee for anyonewho can dislodge one of the ships from the stacks and bring it to the shipyards.” Ghreid leaned back in his seat, knees spread, shoulders tense. He was so very beautiful, a graven image of a golden god. Varis knew right then that he’d be in love in no time.
“I suppose that will have to do.” Reigh sighed heavily and rested a hand on his face. “When are the docks open?”
“We have two docks open at the moment, room for six ships. I can start taking people immediately, but let’s limit it to only necessary goods for the time being and a full ban on any military vessels.” Ghreid folded his arms and King Reigh nodded once.
“I’ll be sure to have this out to all the capitals as fast as possible. Be patient with those coming in, but it’ll take time.” King Reigh rose and gave a respectful nod. “I assume this is all?”
“It is. And also, be on the lookout for an invitation to my courtship ceremony. I’d rather have it sooner than later, and I imagine my dear mate will look different then.” Ghreid smiled, his eyes glittering bright.
“It’s all new to me, but thank you for your generosity, King Reigh.” Varis gave an inclination of his head in a royal facsimile of respect. “And for the silks, I thank you again. And for what it is worth, if you send word to my kin that I am alive and well—please understand that if they demand my return, I cannot and will not. Their intention is to sacrifice me to their god.”
“I will bear that in mind. You’re out of my hands, as it were. According to our laws, an ashen is to be given to Sauria.” King Reigh gave a nod and hesitated. “Rammolia may want their payment, for Asha, that is. I… I took payment for him, not knowing. I don’t have money to give them.”
“That will change soon, hopefully. Money comes where it will. Trade will resume. On my honor. A dragon profits above all, not before all.” Ghreid stood and extended a hand, taking Varis’s. “Good afternoon, King Reigh. Let us be on our way, dear.”
Lapryda stood with a flourish and chuckled. “Let’s be on our way. We have family coming in and I must be back to Sauria with my spoils.”
Ghreid pulled Varis’s hand to his lips for a soft kiss. “Have something fine made for my mate to wear. I will adore seeing him in such expensive fibers, and gold, no less.”
Lapryda chuckled, and they made their way out. “In time for the wedding or with enough room for the belly?”
Ghreid chuckled. “Up to Varis.”
“Why not both? I love Kaliman dharka.” The flowing shirts from his homeland brought a certain nostalgia back, and he longed to wear the silken fibers he’d spent so long protecting.
“With enough left over for a few egg pillows. Put your babes on display so prettily.” Lapryda waved goodbye as they made it to the stables, and they parted ways there.
“Didn’t he leave his belongings at the estate?” Varis watched Lapryda take off.
“He’ll be back before too long. He’s got enough clothes to last him.” Ghreid snorted and hefted Varis onto the wyvern’s back. “Now, about spoiling you.”
“Will Platinum mind?” Varis glanced down at the rumbling beast slithering along the ground on its forearms.
“All he knows is that I’m happy.” Ghreid ran his hands over Varis’s hips and chest before snatching the reins and clicking his tongue. The wyvern wound around a few times, propped onto his back legs, and took off from the edge of the platform. The sudden drop and flick of wings lurched Varis’s stomach. And as all the blood rushed down, his cock rose to the occasion, and sky tasted better than it ever had. Varis spread his arms and imagined wings.
“Are you happy?” Ghreid rumbled and ran his nose along Varis’s neck.
“I will be when I know how to fly.” And Varis knew it was the only truth he could tell.
Chapter Fourteen
Ghreid
