Page 15 of Conspirators' Kingdom

“Is there anything else I should be aware of before we reach the palace? I wouldn’t want to cause further offence.”

Taisiya’s face gave nothing away, but her white-knuckle grip on the arms of her chair conveyed her discomfort at sailing through the sky. They’d levelled off seamlessly and proceeded at a stately pace, the creatures that pulled them along not bound by natural laws concerning momentum during flight. The barge was spelled to keep its occupants within its confines and the whipping winds to pass around them, allowing for pleasant conversation. The others had all summoned their own creatures and were flying at a respectful distance.

“I would not advise tempting my fellow fae into a deal. We will uphold our end of the bargain, but to the fae, wording is everything. If a bargain can be interpreted differently, we have the inclination to do so in the way that benefits us the most.”

He couldn’t very well have her making a bargain with one of his enemies that would prevent her from marrying him, after all. Though giving her such a warning might make luring her into a trap more difficult, if he needed to do so. Her shrewd, amethyst-coloured eyes searched his face.

“Just your countrymen, then? Not yourself? Then shall you and I make a deal, Prince Mereruka?”

He couldn’t help his grin her moxie. Thank the forgotten gods, she’d willingly put herself in his snare.

“What did you have in mind, Ambassador?”

“I wish to be the sole person in charge of trade between Maat and Lethe. Am I correct in my assumption that you are the one who can make that happen?”

It was wealth she desired? How pedestrian.

“You are.” He nodded. “But what are you willing to give me in return?”

“The same exclusivity, naturally.”

“No,” he replied.

What need did he have of wealth? He probably had enough to buy her empire out from under her. She raised a brow, the same attractively boisterous shade of copper as her hair.

“King Khety has grand plans for this trade mission. He wishes me to take a wife from your land in order to create permanent ties.”

“And what requirements do you have for a wife?”

Her cautious question had him smiling again. He was beginning to like the ambassador. Bold, and yet not so bold as to make his little game too easy for him.

“If possible, one with a constitution like your own.”

“Yes, I imagine you’d quickly run out of footwear otherwise.”

Mereruka laughed. He was of a mind to demand the emperor and empress make her his bride. Did they have that power? Though if he wanted her in truth, it would be better to win her honestly. He couldn’t have her aiming for his head while he aimed for Khety’s. Yes, an honest courtship would be better, but not strictly necessary.

“I expect I’ll be going barefoot before long if the illustra is a fair representative of mage-kind. But as for other qualities, she must be shrewd and well-versed in politicking. Maat’s court is no place for a demure, doe-eyed girl with romantic notions.”

“Suppose I agreed to find this woman for you, what then?”

Not jumping at the chance herself? He supposed he would just have to show off his wealth and charms then.

“If you are successful, then I will ensure all official trade goes through you and you alone.”

“And if I am unsuccessful?”

Clever woman. If she was this discerning upon her first meeting with the fae, and with so little knowledge, what would she do when she learned more about them?

“Then you shall grant me whatever boon I ask of you instead. That is the same stipulation any agreement with a fae would entail. If you make a deal, be certain you can uphold your end of it. Fae have a habit of being punitive when their sense of fairness has been thwarted.”

“Will you give me a few days to consider?”

“You may have all the time you desire…” he began. Relief made her smile. The trap had been set. “I won’t seek out another mage with this offer, but neither will I hesitate to seal the deal with another if they take the initiative. How many others in Lethe do you suppose are as ambitious as you, Ambassador?”

He could see her weighing her desire against her prudence, her eyes faraway. Would she fall to temptation?

“Only time will tell,” she replied with a slow grin.

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