The Dragon King and I sat at opposite ends of his dining table with a feast between us. He ate voraciously but with proper table manners, even leaning his forearms against the table instead of propping his elbows on it. My mother would have been impressed. I, however, was hoping for a sign of the beast inside him. Sex was always better with a hint of savagery.
“Where are you from, Master Sevarin?” King Falken wiped his mouth with his napkin and took a sip of wine.
I gazed at his firm lips a moment before answering. “A small village in the Algrine Mountains.”
“The name?”
“Tuva.”
“Ah, yes. And you're of the Beckhur Clan. Are your people mostly alchemists? I know Volper clans are defined by their professions.”
I lifted my eyebrows; his knowledge of my people was unexpected. “We are known as Mixers, but not all of us are alchemists. We also have chemists, potionists, and healers.”
“Alchemists, chemists, potionists, and healers are all types of mixers?” He leaned back and cocked his head.
“We all mix components.”
The King chuckled. “That sounds like a stretch.”
I shrugged. “I didn't come up with the clans.”
“So, you were born to alchemist parents?”
“Yes, but my grandfather taught me. He was the most talented alchemist of our clan.”
“Was?”
“I surpassed him.”
The King grinned. “I'm sure he's proud of that. Did you leave home to become his apprentice?”
I sipped my wine to give myself a moment. His interest seemed odd to me. Why did he care why I left my parents' home? “I did not. My grandfather lives in Tuva as well. I studied with him most days, and then went home at night. When I became an adult, I got my own home and continued to study with my grandfather until I learned all he knew about the craft. Then I traveled around Serai, studying with every great alchemist who would take me as an apprentice.”
“Every great alchemist? I assume they weren't all Volpers.”
“None of them were. My people wander, but we don't settle far from home. Is there anything else you'd like to know about me, Your Majesty?”
The King frowned. “Are my questions annoying you?”
“No. I just don't understand your interest.”
The King chuckled. “I'm making polite conversation. You're welcome to question me in return.”
“Ah, I see.” I fumbled for something to ask him and then decided to use it as an opportunity to seduce him. “Do you prefer men or women in bed?”
He gaped at me. “Excuse me?”
“I assume you enjoy men, what with the way you've been looking at me, but I was wondering if you also bedded women.”
The King cleared his throat. “I don't bed women.”
“I like that answer. And do you appreciate a direct seduction or something more subtle?”
He stared at me for a minute before answering. “You're already being quite direct; subtly now would seem insincere.”
“That's an excellent point. Plus, I lack subtlety.”
The King burst out laughing. “Yes, I see that.”
