King Falken's eyes widened. “No, nor a consort. Why?”
I shrugged. He wasn't my first Dragon lover, so I knew how volatile they could be. He was also the King, and so I had to be doubly careful. After he expressed displeasure over my premature departure, I couldn't come out and say that the evening had been a necessary release for me and not the start of a relationship. Instead, I had to focus on what made it special. Kings liked flattery. That being said, my talents did not lie in speech. I was no poet. Luckily, the night had been special. I wouldn't have to resort to lying.
“It was an exceptional evening, Your Majesty. You are a most vigorous lover, and I experienced more pleasure with you than I have ever felt before. Thank you.”
His eyes went from wide to narrow. “But?”
I looked at him, the words dying in my throat. I had started the speech to soften what I said next—that I needed to focus on my work. But his thinly veiled aggression and the twitching around his eyes told me to keep that to myself. Also, there was a tiny part of me that wanted a repeat of the evening, even though I didn't need it.
“Well, Master Sevarin?”
“Nothing, Your Majesty. I merely wanted you to know that although I left early, I thoroughly enjoyed our time together.”
“Why did you ask if I had concubines?”
“Oh.” I scrambled for an answer. “Because I didn't want to assume you were interested in more than a single interlude. If you had consorts, they would require your attention.”
King Falken grunted. “Then you will come to me tonight.”
It wasn't a question.
I didn't like that. “If I'm not too tired.”
“Why would you be tired?”
“I'm here to work. Speaking of which, when will my lab be ready?”
He leaned back and sipped his coffee, watching me. “Soon. I spoke to my steward and exchequer this morning. I'll need a list of equipment and ingredients that you require.”
“I have it right here.” I pulled the list I'd made that morning from my jacket pocket and handed it to him.
The King looked it over before putting it away. “What is your plan for today?”
“I need to analyze more examples of Silver Rot. Do you have someone who can show me around the city?”
“I will escort you. I know of several infected locations.”
“That's generous of you, but unnecessary.”
The King narrowed his eyes at me. “I will escort you.”
My tail twitched. Maybe it had been a mistake to fuck the King the first day we'd met. “Very well.”
“You Majesty?” a voice intruded.
I looked up to find the Argaiv alchemist who had insulted me standing before the dais. He sent a quick glare my way before focusing on the Dragon King.
“Yes?” The King looked the man over as if trying to recall who he was.
“I'm Vanre, Sire. A court alchemist.”
I hid my smirk at the change in his title from the one he'd given me, and glanced at Daglor, who grinned outright. The Argaiv might twist things when dealing with me, but he couldn't misrepresent himself to the King.
“Yes, and?” the King prompted.
Vanre fidgeted under the King's steady gaze. “I think I've found a cure for the Silver Rot.”
The dining hall went silent.
