King Emeton sighed. It had been another long day. He took off his crown and handed it to a page, with instructions to put it away. The thing gave him a headache. Maybe he’d ask Kith about that. Maybe he’d know why. There was time before dinner. He went to the gallery to relax. Once there, he found a woman near the central exhibit, and ancient dragon statue. It was quite a popular piece. He went to her. “Hello,” he said, smiling. “Hello.” She glanced at him, flashing a smile. “Popular piece. You like it?” He asked “To be honest? Not really. It’s hideous. It looks like it was done by a child. I feel sorry for the model, having her image displayed like this.” “I must admit, I’m not fond of it either, but what makes you say it’s a she?” “No spikes.” Male dragons had spikes running the length of their necks, females didn’t. Few humans realize this. “You must be Tylan, Kith’s friend.” Emeton guessed. She smiled again. “I am.” “What’s your first impression of the palace?” “I don’t see the point. There are dozens of empty rooms. Everything is decorated to the point of being gaudy. I understand wanting to be comfortable and have nice looking things but this seems extreme.” She gestured to the gallery. Emeton’s smile grew. He like this woman. First because she spoke her mind and second because he agreed. The palace was garish. “I couldn’t agree with you more. I think I know a place you may enjoy a little bit more. It’s a bit more modest.” He offered her his arm. She took it and he led her to the garden. The garden was beautiful any season, but it was at its peak now. Aromas from the flowers in the songs of the birds added to its beauty. Tylan’s eyes grew wide and she smiled. “Now, this is beautiful.” “It’s my favorite place here.” He led her to a seat near the waterfall fountain. They sat and talked for quite a while. Eventually, he had dinner brought out to them. He was supposed to eat with Pt’this and Kith but they’d understand. After they ate, he showed her his favorite flowers. It was starting to get dark and the flowers glowed in the dim light. “Watch this.” He brushes fingers over the petals and they change colors. She gasped. “Try it.” She did. They turned another color. “They turned purple for mages but orange for non-mages.” He explained. “You’re a mage?” She guessed. “A weak one.” He nodded. “Not that I cast much.” He looked at her and she was watching him. Impulsively, he drew her to him and kissed her. He’d expected her to pull away, maybe slap him. But instead she returned the kiss. He felt her tremble. He was about to pull away when she put a hand around his neck. It was like ice. He pulled away. “You’re freezing. Let’s go inside warm up.” He led her to an unused guestroom. The fireplace here, like in all rooms, was kept ready to be lit. He used a small bit of magic to start the fire. She stood by it. He heard a small sigh come from her. He wondered how long she’d been cold. He hadn’t noticed the chill. She was wearing a simple linen tunic in trousers. He had on court clothes, layers of silk and velvet, much warmer than what she was wearing. He pulled a blanket from the bed and wrapped it around the two of them. He sat on the floor in front of the fireplace, pulling her with him down onto his lap. She snuggled against him. They watched the fire a bit. Then, he kissed her neck, tentatively. He was being awfully forward. But, she didn’t seem to mind. She tilted her head to make it easier for him. Then, she turned and kissed him. It wasn’t long before he was leading her to the bed. “You sure about this?” He asked. “ ‘Whatever you want.’ Isn’t that what the dragons say?” “That’s not quite it. ‘Nothing you don’t want.’” He corrected. He’d heard Pt’this say it many times. She shrugged. “Basically the same.” He saw the difference but then she kissed him and he soon forgot about it. **** Emeton woke the next morning. Tylan lay next to him. He smiled. He’d fallen in love with her. He’d recognized that before he even kissed her last night. It was crazy. He’d only been widowed a couple of weeks, but it felt like longer. He never loved his second wife, Nadal. It had been an arranged marriage with one of the governors to garner support. He treated her as though he loved her, he doted on her even. He enjoyed spending time with her and hoped one day they would fall in love. But they never had. He should get up. He had responsibilities but he’d rather stay, take one morning and indulge in being something besides being king. Besides, he needed to talk with her. Soon, she woke. She smiled at him. He pulled her to him and kissed her. She kissed him a moment but then pulled away. “I’d love to but I should let Kith know I’m okay. I was supposed to meet with him and Pt’this for dinner.” She explained. He waved it off. “I’m sure they already know what happened.” She looked confused. He laughed. “The king kisses a pretty woman in the garden and then takes her to one of the guest rooms for the night. The way the servants gossip, I’m sure the whole palace knows.” She frowned. He was about to tell her not to worry about her reputation when she said, “You’re the king?” That stopped him. “You didn’t know who I was?” “How would I know that? I live in Thager. You didn’t exactly introduce yourself.” He realized she was right. He had assumed she knew he who he was, but... “You slept with me and you didn’t know who I was?” Before she could respond, there was a knock on the door. “Sire?” Tolin called. “See? They know.” He smiled and kissed her. “I’ll be right back.” He put on his pants and went out into the hall, shutting the door behind him. “What are you doing in there? I had to ask Kortu where you were.” “I fell asleep in there.” Emeton shrugged. “With whom?” Tolin raised an eyebrow. “Kith’s friend, Tylan.” “You slept with her? What do you think you’re doing?” Emeton grinned. “I know Dad had that discussion with you. Shades, you have a boy.” “Emeton.” Tolin growled. “Can’t I have just one night to be a man? To not worry about everybody else?” “Just one night? And now?” Emeton smiled. “And now, once you and I are done, I’m thinking of proposing.” “Emeton is this wise? You just met her.” “I’ve known her longer than I knew Nadal before I proposed to her.” “And look how that turned out.” Tolin frowned but quickly added, “I don’t mean her death, but you weren’t happy with her either.” “But I am happy with Tylan. I almost proposed last night.” “Your rocky. You’re completely insane. I’m going to have Mila check you.” “Why did you wake me? To tell me you didn’t approve of me and Tylan?” “No. Governor Borat is coming here today. I need to meet with you about security and Pt’this wants to discuss the visit also.” Emeton sighed. “Okay. Give me a little bit to talk with Tylan and then go get changed. Then, you and I can discuss security over breakfast.” Tolin nodded and left. Emeton found Tylan dressed. He was a little disappointed. He’d hoped for more time with her before starting today. “Are we done already?” He asked pulling her close. “Don’t you have responsibilities?” She asked. “Nothing pressing.” He lied. “Please, don’t let me keep you.” She pulled away. “Did I do something wrong?” “No. You were right. I’m a tramp.” “I didn’t say that.” “But you were thinking it. Why else would I sleep with a man I didn’t know? I’m not mad. It’s true.” “Why? Why do that?” “Why not? Why not enjoy man’s company? It’s better than being alone.” “What about finding a husband?” “A husband?” She laughed humorously. “Who’s going to want a broken down tramp?” “Don’t you want to family?” “I can’t have a family.” Now, she sounded bitter. “What man would want me?” “I would,” he said softly. “What?” He got down on one knee and took her hand. “Tylan, will you marry me?” “What? No.” She pulled away. “Why not?” “I just told you.” “Because you can’t have kids? I’ve got five. I don’t need more heirs.” “I’ve been with other men.” “I figured that out last night. I’ve been with other women.” “You were married.” “And you weren’t, I take it?” She shook her head. “Good, then you can marry me.” He smiled. “What?” “Marry me. I mean it. I don’t care about your past. Be my queen.” “I can’t be queen. I’m a nobody. Worse than that, I’m a thief.” “Is that how you stole my heart so easily?” He joked. “I’m serious.” She frowned. He stood. “So am I. I want to marry you. Tylan, I love you.” “Didn’t you just lose your wife?” “A couple of weeks go.” He nodded. “And you’re already thinking about getting married?” “I’ve met you already.” He smiled. “Sire…” She started “No. You did not get to do that. Whether you marry me or not, you do not call me sire, or your majesty or any of that. You slept with me. You do not share an intimate moment like that and then call me sire. Call me Emeton.” Then he smiled again. “Or call me husband.” “Emeton, don’t you think you’re rushing things?” He sighed. “This is a longer conversation than I have time for right now. I’m supposed to meet with Tolin for breakfast. I didn’t say good night to the kids last night. I’d like to see them this morning. But I do want to talk with you some more. Are you staying, please?” “I have a feeling if I said no you have me detained. I’m staying as long as Kith does. He’s my way back to Thager.” “In that case, I’ll just detain him. But seriously, we do need to talk. I’ve got meetings today with the governor of Resdelk but he and Pt’this are family so they’ll want to visit. We could probably talk then.” “The governor’s a dragon?” Tylan asked. “No. His ancestors helped raise Pt’this when his mom was sick and then after she died. By dragon thinking, when they took him in they became family. It doesn’t matter how many generations have passed.” While he was talking, he’d been getting dressed. He didn’t bother with all the garments. He was going to have to change anyhow. But, he was presentable enough to be out in public and go see his kids. “I have to go. I’ll see you later. And Tylan, I really do love you.” He kissed her cheek and hurried off. **** Kith sat on the balcony of his uncle’s receiving room, overlooking the garden. He’d lived in Menthanla longer than he’d lived in the desert but he still was fascinated with the garden and the sheer number of plants it had. The desert had plants, but nothing like this. “Isn’t it a little early for ale?” His uncle asked, coming out. “It’s apple juice.” Kith frowned but didn’t say anything else. He did drink too much and the mug was one his uncle often used for ale. “Is Tylan still sleeping?” Pt’this asked. Kith shrugged “I haven’t seen her since yesterday.” “Isn’t she your chosen?” “Tylan? Nope. She’s a friend. I have no interest in her in that manner.” “Good, because you’d have competition,” Tolin said, joining them. Kith smiled but Pt’this looked confused. “What?” Kith saw Emeton cutting across the garden, carrying some of his clothes. Tylan left the same room a moment later. “Look,” he said pointing. “Apparently, she and Emeton spent the night together.” Tolin explained. “Good,” Kith said. “Good?” Pt’this growled. “Is that why you brought her, to seduce Emeton?” Kith growled right back. “Tylan doesn’t seduce anyone. I brought her because she needed to get away for a few days. I had hoped she and Emeton would get along. Both are lonely and both think similarly. I hadn’t expected them to sleep together.” “What if he got her pregnant? Birth control potions aren’t particularly effective with him.” Pt’this pointed out. “Tylan can’t get pregnant.” Kith shook his head. “Says who?” Pt’this asked skeptically. “Shunati.” “You had Shunati check that?” Now, Pt’this looked suspicious. “No. She had a bad case of sleepless fever as a child and couldn’t shake it. They had Shunati heal her. He checked her then.” “Emeton said he wants to marry her,” Tolin said. “Okay, that I didn’t expect, not yet,” Kith said. “But so what?” That was his goal in introducing them after all. He just hadn’t told anyone. He’d wanted to fix them up after Trella had died but then he’d gotten sick and Emeton jumped into that arranged marriage with Nadal. “So what? Has that juice started to ferment?” Pt’this asked. “She’ll become queen if they got married.” “So?” “How many of the nobles would tolerate a queen who was an unknown peasant from Thager?” “Isn’t she also suspected in several thefts?” Tolin asked. “Suspected and guilty are not the same. I don’t know what crimes she may have committed, if any.” Kith shrugged. “Now, I know my brain is a bit pickled and I didn’t finish school.” He continued. “But am I remembering the treaty laws wrong? Isn’t the final decision to marry theirs since they’re both of age?” Pt’this stared at him. They both knew he was right. But, if Emeton lost support of the nobles, he could lose the throne. “Is Aunt Mirimar coming to see Borat too?” Kith asked. “She wasn’t planning on it.” Pt’this shrugged. “Why?” “I just thought she was a good judge of character. Maybe we could see what she thought of Tylan.” Pt’this and Tolin looked at each other. Kith could see they thought the idea was good. Mirimar’s addiction was gossip. She would be happy to listen to gossip all day but she’d check facts, only accurate information was repeated. She also had a great ability to judge people. After spending a few minutes talking with someone, she could tell if they were trustworthy, what they did for a living, and even if they’d be a good choice for a job, if two people would make a good couple or if a couple was having trouble. Kith didn’t know for sure but he suspected it was a side effect of her addiction. “I can ask her to come. I would love to see her,” Pt’this said. “Somehow, I doubt Emeton would listen even if she thought it was a bad idea, but ask her anyhow, if she feels up to it.” Tolin agreed. “She’s willing to come,” Pt’this said a moment later. “But, she wants to know if you’d come get her. She doesn’t feel strong enough to transport herself.” “I’d be happy to.” Kith smiled. If Mirimar approved, it would encourage the nobles. She was well-liked by many. “She said give her about ten minutes to get ready,” Pt’this said. “And, Kith.” He added. “Take her right to our room for her cane.” “I know.” Kith had done this many times. And he was the one who made Mirimar the cane. He also knew Pt’this wanted time alone with her. But he didn’t say anything about that. Everyone knew. His uncle knew everyone knew. He tried to be discreet, but failed. Kith went to meet Tylan to tell her he’d be gone for a while. Pt’this went to grab a quick breakfast so he could spend the time while Emeton ate with his mate. Tolin went to find his brother, to talk with him about Borat’s visit. He wouldn’t say anymore about him marrying Tylan, yet. He really should meet her first. Plus, Emeton wouldn’t listen. The man had spent too much time around that sexed crazed dragon growing up. At least he focused on sex with his wife, rather than sex in general. Unfortunately, his wives kept dying.