“When I say I won't be kept, I also mean there is to be no expectation of courtly displays.”
“Displays?”
“Don't expect me to behave as your concubine in public. You don't have to hide our relationship, but I don't want it to be a big production either.”
The King cleared his throat. “I expect you to behave as you wish to.”
“Good. Now, let's talk about gifts.”
“You want gifts?” He chuckled.
“No, I want to define gift giving.”
“Go on.”
“Ambiguity is predatory. If you give me something, you must clearly define it as either a part of my employment, something for both of us as partners, an exchange for something you want from me, or a genuine gift without expectation of return.”
The King looked me over slowly. “You're scared.”
“I'm careful. My people have learned to be. I will not tolerate emotional debt.”
“I'm not used to labeling my gifts.” Falken grimaced. “Very well. I agree to define things I give to you. What else?”
“Our relationship doesn’t entitle you to my work. My alchemy doesn't belong to you. I don't want my discoveries weaponized without my consent.”
“Of course not. I hired you to cure the rot. Beyond that, your work belongs to you.”
“Thank you. Now, going back to my first term, which we didn't settle over flame, I want you to agree that I can leave whenever I wish.”
The King's expression went horrified. “I will not hold you captive, Sevarin.”
“Yes, but you need to know that should I form feelings for you, it may not result in my staying. I am in my wander years. Trail bonds sometimes form during these years, but they rarely result in a permanent relationship.”
“I see. Yes, agreed.”
“My next term is truth. You will never lie to me, nor I to you. If you do lie, I will leave. No second chances, no theatrics, it will be the end.”
“Understood.”
“Do you agree?”
“Yes, I agree to your truth clause.” He shook his head. “You negotiate as if I'm trying to trap you.”
I met his gaze. “No, I'm negotiating as if I want to stay. If I leave something undefined, it could hurt me, and I'd be forced to leave you.”
The Dragon King's expression went from peeved to hopeful. “I understand. Thank you for being clear.”
“Those are all of my terms,” I hurried on, worried that I had shown too much. “We have a contract.”
“Hold on now. You got to make terms, but you didn't give me a chance to.”
I blinked, taken aback. “What are your terms?”
“First, if someone takes you from me, I will come for you.”
I made a huffing sound. “No one is going to abduct me.”
“But if someone did, I want the right to save you without you seeing it as possessive behavior.”
