Rowan signed beneath the signature of the Sanduin representative, relief flowing through him at the fact that the negotiations were finally over. Now he was finished with everything that he had piled up and could spend his time on more important matters. Namely, getting to know his mate, wooing and winning her.
A small smile curved up a corner of his mouth at the thought of Lyssa. Thanks to her, negotiations had gone much smoother than he'd been expecting. Not only that, but the terms turned out more beneficial to both sides than had originally been intended. His mate had been a gift not only to him but to the entire kingdom.
Suddenly filled with the need to see her, he stood and handed the stack of papers to his aide to take to the king for final inspection and ratification. All that was left would be to send off the diplomatic envoy and then he could go seek out his mate. He turned his attention to the small party standing close together, once again the oddity of no wings catching his attention. He couldn't imagine being denied the joys of flight, however, they seemed content with their lot in life.
The head negotiator noted his attention on them and stepped forward, a small but genuine smile on his face. "It has been a pleasure dealing with you, your highness. My people will be overjoyed to hear of your generosity. May our association be a long and fruitful one."
Rowan shook the hand he held out, "You and yours have been the generous ones. I know that my people will benefit greatly from our alliance and look forward to what the coming years may bring."
Formalities concluded, the trader bowed and started to turn away before hesitating and turning back to face Rowan. "If you'll forgive my impertinence, Your Highness, I find that I am curious."
Rowan sighed internally but kept his expression pleasant. "No offense taken, what has caught your interest?"
He fussed with the edge of his crimson dupatta for several seconds before making sure that it was settled neatly back into place against his sherwani. He took a deep breath and met Rowan's eyes, "May I be so bold as to inquire who was in charge of our accommodations? We have found your people much more knowledgeable and hospital than is usually found and would like to extend our thanks for such warmth."
Rowan felt pleased at the indirect praise for Lyssa but before he could reply, there was a knock on the door. Apologizing, he called for the person to enter. The guard stationed outside the room stepped inside, bowing to Rowan and the Sanduins. He made his way over to Rowan who took a step away from the envoy. The guard murmured low enough that no one besides Rowan would be able to hear, "Your lady is in the corridor."
Rowan broke in, "Is something wrong?"
The guard shook his head, "No, my lord. However, she has a message for you. She said that she knows that delicate negotiations can take time and wishes to know if you want refreshments provided for your guests. Ones that might soften them a bit and make negotiations smoother, for all parties."
Rowan was surprised, by both her thoughtfulness and her timing. This was usually the point in negotiations that tensions were either high or they were getting down to business and slogging through all the finer details, each point closely debated as each side tried to get the best advantage. It would be the perfect time for refreshments, showing how the kingdom valued their allies as well as easing tempers. Still, thanks to her, negotiations had gone so smoothly that there was no need.
He told the guard, "Please tell Lady Alyssa that refreshments are unnecessary but if she could spare a moment to speak with the envoy, I would be most grateful."
The guard nodded and left. Rowan turned his attention back to the man who was waiting patiently. "My apologies. However, it was a most fortuitous interruption as it so happens. The lady that we were just talking about wanted to know if we needed refreshments. I've asked her to step in, so you'll be able to extend your questions and thanks personally."
His face brightened at that but before he could answer, a voice called, "Arish, is that you?"
X
Both men turned to look at where she was standing in the doorway, surprise holding her in place. She grinned when she saw him clearly, "It is you! I never thought I'd run into a familiar face here in the palace."
His grin was just as wide as hers, "Aly! I never expected that you were the one behind all of this. What are you doing here, so far from Anaria?"
Suddenly remembering the others in the room, she looked over and found Rowan watching her, a slight frown on his face. She moved over and slipped her arm gently through his arm, smiling at Arish. "Prince Rowan is my mate, of course I would be at his side." She smiled up at Rowan, pleased to note that he had relaxed at her gesture and words. While she was still contemplating the bond, she abhorred those who would personally stir up jealousy in their partner.
Arish immediately gave them a half bow, "We had heard of the joyous occasion but had not learned the name of the lady. Congratulations and much joy to the pair of you."
Rowan nodded, "Our thanks."
Turning to her, Rowan explained, "Negotiations are completed, in large part thanks to your excellent information. However, Envoy Arish wanted to thank the person in charge of their accommodations. Your timing is most excellent."
Arish nodded, "Indeed. The meal and changes last night made us feel right at home and yet yearn for home at the same time. I was reminded of you by the sauce on the lamb. However, I believed you to be many miles away yet and I would not be able to visit you until next month at the earliest. Which reminds me, I was able to locate the manuscripts that you asked for. I will send them over to you at once."
She exclaimed, "Wonderful! I've been needing some of the information that I've heard that they contain and thought that it would be weeks yet until I was able to access it. Now that your negotiations have been concluded, Rowan and I will be heading to Anaria to speak with my family. Are there any messages that you wish to send?"
Arish shook his head, "Only that I hope that they remain in good health and wish them much joy for this momentous news."
She smiled and inclined her head gently, "May the path be smooth beneath your wheels and the sun smile upon your journeys."
He offered them another, deeper bow, "May the wind be beneath your wings and your heart's hearth warm against the storms of life. Until we meet again."
He nodded to the other envoys and they left, leaving Rowan and Alyssa alone in the empty room.
Once she was sure that they were out of earshot, she gave an excited squeak and hugged Rowan tightly. "My books are here! I've been waiting forever! Honestly, I had my doubts that he'd even be able to find them, but I'd hoped. The histories of some of the spices they trade as well as the history of the countries where they originated. I'm so excited!"
X
The last thing that Rowan had expected when they were left alone was for Lyssa to hug him out of nowhere. Thankfully, even though his mind blanked for a moment, his body reacted automatically. He wrapped his arms around her and tucked her close, noticing that the top of her head fit neatly under his chin like she'd been made just for him.
Her enthusiasm and proximity soothed the brief flare of jealousy that had flickered to life. He had not been expecting the easy familiarity between his mate and the Sanduin envoy and it had irritated him, how little he knew about his mate. Still, he knew that he shouldn't be jealous, that he had no one but himself to blame for the current distance between them.
Determined to learn everything he could about her, he pulled back so he could see her sparkling eyes. Reluctantly releasing her, he offered her his arm, intending to take a stroll with her through the gardens before they prepared to depart. "Tell me about these books and what spices you're interested in. I'd love to hear all about it."
Her smile was blinding as she looped her arm through his eagerly, her free hand already gesturing a mile a minute as she started to speak.
Yes, he wanted to learn every last little thing about
her, so that she would always smile like she currently was.
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