“We’ve reviewed all our agreements, and it simply makes sense to renegotiate most of them. That’s why Finn and Gwin are in Vaelon already, discussing matters there. We want to establish larger trades for longer terms, in exchange for more agreeable costs.”
A pause stretched, then Coriander exhaled a thoughtful hum.
“I wonder how far we can stretch the terms we’re using now,” he said, turning to Alameda. “Perhaps we could apply this new standard to other trades that might be mutually beneficial. Textiles, to start with.”
Reagan set his glass down, brow lifting as if weighing the possibility.
“Sure,” he said. “We’d be willing to discuss textiles too, if you think we can renegotiate the cost of Mountheim’s imports.”
I watched them, rolling my ring around my finger, observing the conversation unfold. Reagan wasn’t merely requesting a larger order for his estate; he was establishing new terms. He framed the discussion so that the Barrows could see the advantages for themselves, making it seem like the logical next step.
Alameda tapped a polished nail against the table’s edge. “You know we import leather in abundance,” she said.
Reagan met her gaze evenly. “I remember. It’s one of your rarer materials.”
And that was why he’d slipped textiles into an offhand comment.
Coriander leaned back, thoughtful. “Good. Then let’s revisit the terms.” He met Reagan’s gaze. “We need you to propose the new conditions to the staff. I’m sure you can explain it better.”
Reagan nodded.
The conversation reminded me of restocking the shelves at Pember & Quill. I had once leveraged additional titles from the same bookseller. It was a different item, but the concept could work here too.
“Do you also trade in jewellery?” I asked.
Three pairs of eyes turned to me. I ran through the speeches I’d prepared before the fair.
“Alameda mentioned earlier how much she admires Mountheim’s silversmiths,” I went on. “As far as I know, Mountheim also has an abundance of metals.”
“Your relics are remarkable,” Alameda said, her gaze flicking to the necklace at my throat. “And I don’t think we trade in them. I know there’s a market here for it. I’d be open to importing relics that are already manufactured. I’m as interested in the craftsmanship of your runesmiths as I am in the silver itself.”
Reagan leaned back in his chair, expression content. “I’m sure we can discuss that. When can we meet your staff?”
“Tomorrow,” Coriander replied. “I’ll send for Nala tonight, and then we can discuss terms that are realistically agreeable with her and Roak.”
Reagan inclined his head, satisfaction flickering in his eyes as they found mine. “Brilliant.”
???
“What?” I asked.
Reagan had been glancing my way since we left the dining room, as if I had just grown wings on my back.
We had a lengthy discussion about the border patrols after exploring the possibility of exporting to Erisea. After dinner, the Barrows left to inform their staff about potential new terms, and we planned to reconvene tomorrow.
Now we headed to our own quarters.
“I’m just surprised by you,” he said, his hands buried in his pockets, as his elbow swung slightly, grazing my arm. “Surprised that you were paying so much attention.”
“I think the words you’re looking for arethank you.”
A genuine smile tugged at his lips, flashing white teeth that were far too attractive. He halted abruptly, grasping my elbow and bringing us both to a stop. “How did you know about the silver?” he asked.
I froze for a second. “From the audience in Mountheim,” I admitted. “That seamster said your smiths aren’t short of materials.”
His eyes wandered across my face, as if he were searching for something.
“Thank you,” Reagan said. “Your idea to trade relics was a good one. I hadn’t thought of that. I think I’m blind to some of the options.”
