“You didn’t think I was going to sit by as Gustus claimed he was the creator ofyourinvention, did you?”
“Not for that—or at least, not just for that,” Blaze said. He slid his hand up to Durae’s cheek and gently brushed his thumb along his cheekbone to his ear. “You could have whoever you wanted, and you keep choosing me and my dream. I’m humbled by that.”
“Blaze, why would I choose anyone else?” Durae said.
“The fact that what a marriage alliance could do for your personal power doesn’t even cross your mind makes me adore you all the more,” Blaze said.
“My father attempted to use his to have me marry an elf who uses his power to claim the work of others. Certain types of power are completely overrated, and I don’t want to be that sort of noble.”
“You never could be. You are uniquely you. And I love you for that.” Blaze kissed Durae.
With a hand pie in one hand and flyers in the other, Durae didn’t have a free hand to grasp Blaze back and keep the kiss going. He pressed his forehead to Blaze’s. “I love you, too.”
Blaze chuckled. “Your stamping around this morning has proven that. Sorry that I’ve been such a gray cloud.”
“I understand why,” Durae said.
“I’m going to do better. Now, let’s get these last flyers passed out and head back to my ship. I still need to put that piece in place.”
CHAPTER 18
The harmony of the engine’s crystals created a soft hum that soothed the last anxieties threatening to overwhelm a beautiful morning. Blaze closed his eyes so he could focus on the sounds of his ship. He strained to hear any note out of place, any sign that the engine was malfunctioning, but it was perfect. Satisfied, he left the cabin and emerged onto the deck.
Durae stood with his hip cocked and his fingers drumming on the railing. His white hair was in one long braid over his shoulder, and he played with the end of it. Though he was without any accessory gems, no one would mistake his finely made tunic, billowy shirt, dark brown breeches, or leather heeled boots for a commoner’s garb. Somehow, he made the look stylish rather than ridiculous.
Which was good because he’d gotten Blaze a coordinating outfit. He claimed it was adventurer’s garb. Even if Durae hadn’t done so much for him, Blaze would have worn the silly outfit. It made Durae happy, and every smile he shot Blaze’s way was worth it.
Especially since sometimes he had a very lustful look in his sapphire eyes when he smiled.
The tiny dock was empty, but the shoreline between it and the house was full. Kidd and the whole crew from the cart stall were there. Lady Mae and one of Durae’s fathers—Papa Hawthorn was what Blaze was supposed to call him—were with Uleyri and her fiancés. Mack and the mess of elflings who had helped polish the ship up were grouped at one end of the crowd. The most surprising attendee was Vespan, but apparently, he and Durae were good friends.
Blaze waved to the small crowd. His stomach flipped seven times in one direction and eighteen more in the other as he neared Durae. The plan was to fly the ship to the Marketplace Pavilion and lower a rope ladder so interested parties could climb up. Durae and his family were also prepared to use cosmomancy to lift or lower those who wouldn’t or couldn’t make the climb.
“Last chance to bail,” Blaze said quietly to Durae.
Rolling his eyes, Durae took his hand and squeezed once. “I told you, it’s going to work perfectly. And if for some reason it does not, you will need me to use magic to lessen our falls.”
“I would need you anyway.” Blaze kissed Durae’s cheek.
“Smooch later!” Kidd called out.
“Agreed!” Vespan added.
Blaze laughed and waved at the gathered elves one more time before heading to the controls. He had managed a few small tests the night before, and the ship had done beautifully, but this was the first true flight. Slowly releasing his breath, he engaged the flight controls. The engine’s hum changed, the notes moving in synchronicity. There was no reason to rush, so he allowed the craft to slowly rise rather than forcing it to go quickly.
The rose an inch. Then two. Then several. Soon, they were feet above the water with the soft sound of drips splattering onto the Glaesflod to announce the craft was genuinely flying.The crowd hooted and hollered. Even the refined Navisoras were boisterous.
And as much as the crowd’s cheers warmed Blaze’s heart, Durae’s delighted smile was all the praise Blaze truly wanted. The rest was nice, but the bright curiosity in Durae’s eyes as he leaned over to watch the ground grow more distant only intensified how lucky Blaze felt.
“Would anyone like a ride to the Innovation Awards?” Durae asked the crowd.
Another chorus of applause broke out. The question was a rhetorical one—they’d all decided who would ride over to the market before Blaze and Durae had stepped foot on board. Everyone would eventually have a chance, but the first set was Mack, Uleyri, and Vespan. The three climbed onto the ship before Blaze continued the ascent. Once they were a few dozen feet in the air, he steered the ship toward the Marketplace Pavilion.
Mack was guiding Vespan around the ship and showing him the various genitalia subtly carved into it. They proudly declared, “I did this one myself.”
“You know if the veins stick out that prominently, there’s a problem, don’t you?” Vespan said.
“It’s artistic expression!”
