Ulrick remained silent for a few beats and Keltor merely waited. If he allowed Toralyn to become part of the discussions, Ulrick may end up with a bigger advantage from which to make demands.
The older male finally spoke again. “As my son mentioned, we want your official endorsement on both Keldera and Jasvar. But one thing he forgot to add was that I want to prevent the Treslens from setting up shops on Jasvar for at least a year.”
To get a leg up over their main merchant rival. “And in return? I need specifics this time, not vague promises.”
“I shall divert 10 percent of my profits to supporting the monarchy by any means necessary, in addition to lending a few of my merchant…special operation members.”
“You mean spies.”
Ulrick shrugged. “Call them what you wish.”
“What about the list of enemies? I’ve been able to verify the ten names your son sent earlier, as a sign of good faith. However, I expect to receive every one you know of.”
“I will coordinate my special operation members to go where you wish and will make a public statement of support on the announcement of you selecting Azalyn as a bride. However, profits and further names will only take place after the claiming ceremony and your first public endorsement of the Sulani merchants.”
Keltor considered the terms. Unlike many of the people he had negotiated with in the past, Ulrick had a clear goal in mind, with deadlines.
However, there was one final item he needed to make his future bride happy. “I think we’re almost to a reasonable agreement. All that I would like to add is that I want every record related to Azalyn’s pregnancy and subsequent labor and birth.”
By the slight widening of Ulrick’s eyes, Keltor could tell he’d surprised the older male. However, he quickly recovered. “I’m not sure they still exist.”
“I believe they do. Find them, and once I receive and verify them, we shall have our agreement.” He leaned forward a few inches. “And just know that if your records deviate from what little my father collected himself, then we will renegotiate and I guarantee the terms will shift.”
“Careful, your highness. You need me more than I need you.”
He raised his brows. “Are you sure about that? One message from me and you will not only lose your license on Jasvar to run your business, you will lose it on Keldera as well. You may recover through illicit channels, but the Treslens will quickly become the most powerful merchants on the planet. I suspect your pride won’t allow that, especially considering the head of the family stole your female away from you all those years ago.”
Ulrick studied him for a second before saying, “You are one of the few worthwhile negotiators I’ve encountered. Let me see what I can do. You’ll hear from me shortly.”
The screen turned dark and Keltor shook his head. Ulrick severing the connection first was yet another level in what he assumed would be years of power plays and struggles.
Typing in the disengagement sequence, the privacy screen receded, and he joined Azalyn in the conference room. She rushed to him. “Why did you ask for the birth records?”
He touched her cheek. “Because while I can’t turn back the clock, I can at least give you more information on our children. Every small bit can help you form a bigger picture.”
“Thank you.”
“No need for gratitude.” He kissed her. “Now comes the hardest part—the waiting.”
“I’ll freely admit that I’m not the most patient of people, but I will try.”
He noticed the redness of Azalyn’s eyes as well as the dark circles forming beneath them. His female was exhausted.
He could take her to his quarters and let her sleep. And yet, as he glanced at the timekeeper, he wanted to give her the surprise Veljan was helping put in place.
Azalyn’s voice garnered his attention. “What are you debating?”
“You’re getting too skilled at reading me.”
Raising her brows, she said, “That’s a good thing. But just tell me, Keltor.”
“Well, you seem tired. I had wanted to take a small break with you and give you a surprise, but it might be best to wait until tomorrow.”
Her eyes lit up. “A surprise? What surprise?”
“Are you sure you’re up for it? I can’t have you falling asleep partway through.”
“I’m awake now.”
“Okay. Then we need to stop by the East Garden on the way to my quarters.”
“I surely hope you’re not going to hold me hostage inside the water maze.”
“No. But I won’t tell you more than that.” He took one of her hands. “Come. We need to hurry, or I won’t have a choice but to wait.”
As he guided her out the conference room, he checked the time again. They would indeed need to hurry, or Veljan would be otherwise occupied. “I could carry you.”
“No carrying me. I can keep up.” As if to prove her point, she increased her walking pace.
“Okay, but no complaining. I offered you an alternative and you declined.”
“I won’t complain. Now, let’s hurry up, slowpoke.”
Azalyn half-ran and he chuckled as he increased his strides.
She somehow managed to keep up the pace, even as he turned the last corner. He stopped them in front of the entrance to the East Garden. The doors opened, and he guided his female inside. After saying, “Computer, engage level ten security lock on the East Garden,” the computer paused and stated, “King Keltor’s voice pattern confirmed and protocols implemented. The East Garden is now secure.”
Azalyn squeezed his hand. “Just what do you have planned?”
“You’ll see.”
He’d barely released Azalyn’s hand, put an arm around her waist, and hauled her against his side before the lavender-skinned, silver-haired form of Veljan Ranna appeared from behind a set of bushes.
His friend gave a brief nod, signaling everything was ready for Keltor’s surprise.
Keltor motioned toward his friend. “Azalyn Sulani, this is Veljan Ranna, the royal head gardener.”
“And best friend.” Keltor frowned, but Veljan bowed a fraction and continued before he could say anything. “A pleasure to meet you, Miss Sulani. I would take your hand, but mine are covered in dirt.”
“As they should be, otherwise the garden would be a lot less beautiful,” Azalyn said with a smile.
Veljan stood tall again. “A female who understands the work involved in bringing this place to life.” He glanced at Keltor. “She has my approval.”
Azalyn snorted. “While appreciated, I think my approval of Keltor is far more important.”
Laughing, Veljan removed his gloves. “Yes, you are exactly what he needs.”
His female glanced up at him with a question in her eyes, so Keltor explained, “Veljan has been my friend since we were boys. He likes to think he knows what’s best for me.”
“I used to think that. But now, it seems you’ve finally realized you need more than duty,” Veljan said.
“Perhaps. However, would you rather discuss your advice over the years or show us your latest flower creation? Our free time is limited.”
Shaking his head, Veljan said, “Sadly, my latest beauty isn’t ready yet. But rest assured that once she blooms, I promise that Miss Sulani will be the first to see it.”
Veljan winked and Azalyn chuckled. “Call me Azalyn. And maybe tone down the charm. Otherwise, Keltor may replace you out of jealousy.”
Grinning, Veljan stood tall. “He wouldn’t dare try to replace me. After all, I’m the best.” He sobered. “Besides, I know how important you are to him. That means I’m just treating you as I would my own sister.”
Keltor grunted. “Can you two stop discussing me as if I’m not here? I’m starting to rethink stopping by the garden.”
Leaning her head against his side, Azalyn said, “No, the garden is the perfect spot to be. It’s almost as if you leave your title at the door and the rest of the world doesn’t exist when we�
�re here. Well, almost.”
He kissed the top of her head. “I know you’re worried about Toralyn, but with the number of skilled warriors and others watching her—not to mention that all her records have been altered so that she is the biological child of Dolvia Sulani, to ward off people sniffing for her birth parents—she will be fine.”
Sighing, she answered, “Deep down, I know that. But I still worry.”
Squeezing her waist, he murmured, “It’s only natural to worry. But hopefully my surprise will lift your spirits a fraction.”
Glancing up, she stated, “Then you’d better hurry or someone else will snatch you away before I have a chance to figure out what you have in store.”
As he stood with Azalyn at his side and his best friend watching them with a smile, something his father had said to him in recent months started to make sense: Don’t let the little moments pass you by, Keltor, because regret is forever.
He’d assumed his father was trying to somewhat apologize for how he’d treated Keltor and his siblings when they were children. Perhaps that was part of it, but his father might also have been trying to tell Keltor to avoid his mistakes.
While he didn’t have a lot of time before someone would require his presence, he had the moment.
It was time to make the most of it with Azalyn.
Releasing her, he looked to Veljan. “Guide Aza to the center of the maze as quickly as you can and deliver her to one of the benches. I’ll meet you there.”
Before either Veljan or Azalyn could do more than open their mouths, Keltor ran toward the maze.
He may not be able to erase the time he and his female had spent apart, but he intended to use something from their past to connect to the present. It was time to make new memories to replace the old.
~~~
Azalyn watched Keltor dash away and wondered what he was up to.
However, Veljan’s voice garnered her attention before she could think long on it. “If I may have the honor of escorting you, Azalyn?”
Smiling, she met the male’s magenta gaze. Even though she’d just met him, she felt at ease with Veljan. Once things calmed down, she’d make an effort to get to know him better. “Yes, but before we go, I want to say that I think you’ve been keeping Keltor sane all these years, haven’t you?”
“Perhaps. But closer to the truth is that we kept each other sane. I may be a mere commoner, but no matter how much I don’t care about it, the second I was made royal head gardener, I became famous on Keldera.”
“Which means people look at you in awe, much like Keltor.”
He inclined his head. “Exactly.”
He proffered his arm, and Azalyn threaded hers through his. Once they were in motion, heading toward the maze, Azalyn said, “Thank you for being his friend. No doubt Keltor treasures the connection.”
Snorting, Veljan maneuvered them through the first section of the maze. “If you can prove that Keltor ever used the phrase ‘treasures the connection,’ then I shall eat a bowl of dirt.”
“I’ll remember that. Give me a little time, and I might be able to coax it from him.”
He looked at her askance. “You sound determined. Maybe I should retract my offer.”
“Too late.”
“Well, you can’t blame a male for trying.”
After she bobbed her head, they fell into silence. She took the chance to peek at the male who claimed to be Keltor’s best friend.
The smile lines around his mouth told her volumes, as did the way Veljan carried himself with confidence and ease. And while not as handsome as Keltor, many a female would turn their head at his looks and bright smile.
Before she could think better of it, she blurted, “Do you have a bride?”
Something flashed in Veljan’s eyes, but it was quickly replaced with a smile. “I’m flattered, my lady, but I’m not about to steal away Keltor’s future queen.”
She blinked before laughing. “You are a charmer.”
“The best.” He guided her into the maze. “But you may want to pay attention so that you can navigate the maze as quickly as Keltor next time, in case he challenges you.”
Veljan clearly didn’t want to discuss females, so Azalyn was more than willing to change the topic. “Did you design this maze?”
“There has always been a maze here, ever since Keltor’s mother moved into the palace. However, I did change a few things to make it more interesting when I became head gardener.” He lowered his voice. “There are some hidden surprises along the way, complete with tokens to find. Not even Keltor has found them all.”
She barely noted the sound of the fountain growing louder. “I have a feeling we’ll be spending quite a bit of what free time we can manage in this garden. Give me a few months. I’ll find them all.”
“A determined female. I like that.”
Before she could question Veljan’s unorthodox view of Kelderan females, they exited into the center, with the giant fountain in the middle. She couldn’t help smiling at how much had changed since the last time she’d been here, when she’d cried about the children she’d never have.
That may still be the case, but even so, at least she’d always have Keltor. And maybe with time, she could earn both of her grown children’s love.
Veljan stopped in front of a bench. “This one affords the best view of the fountain.” He motioned for her to sit, and as soon as she did, Veljan bowed. “I would love to stay and talk further, but I must now depart.”
She raised her brows. “Keltor didn’t mention you needing to leave.”
“Ah, but I know what his surprise is, as I helped put it together. Trust me, he wouldn’t want me here.”
For a second, jealousy flared at how well Veljan knew Keltor over her. But then she dismissed it as silly. She and Keltor had many years to discover everything about one another.
Not wanting Veljan to think her rude, she said, “Until next time, Veljan. Don’t forget to summon me when your latest flower creation blooms.”
“Of course, your majesty.”
She opened her mouth to correct him, but Veljan disappeared into the maze.
Minutes passed, and Azalyn wondered where in the world Keltor could be. After all, they had so little alone time together. Why would he waste it?
Stretching her legs in front of her, she leaned back on the bench and braced her body with her hands. Closing her eyes, she listened to the soothing sounds of the fountain.
However, the peace didn’t last long. Something heavy stepped on her foot and she cried out.
Opening her eyes, she found Keltor standing in front of her, dressed in a common artisan’s outfit of brown synthetic material and a long cloak. He had also covered his skin with a temporary blue tint.
A memory from over twenty-three years ago flashed into her mind, when a much younger Keltor had worn something similar and had stepped on her foot inside the shop she was working at, causing her to drop some of her wares on the ground.
He was recreating how they met. And to Azalyn, it was one of the most romantic gestures she’d ever received, throbbing foot and all.
Determined to play along, she recalled the words from their first encounter and repeated them, “Watch where you’re going, sir.”
“Forgive me, miss. I wasn’t paying attention.”
She stood. “Then you should because if you continue stepping on the feet of people working in this shop, you’ll owe more than you can pay.”
Amusement flared in his eyes, but his face mimicked the regret from their first meeting. “I shall try my best, miss. It shan’t happen again.”
She decided to deviate from the memory. “So does this mean you’ll go away and come back several more times, purposefully bumping into me, before you ask me to go for a walk?”
He grinned. “I think we can fast forward that bit.” Closing the distance between them, he hauled her up against him. “I much prefer reliving our first kiss.”
Placing a hand on his chest, she sai
d, “Before we do, I have a question. Why did you come back to the shop when all I did was scold you that first time? We had a whirlwind romance, and I always forget to ask you that question.”
Rubbing a section of her hair between his fingers, he answered, “I could exalt your beauty and say I was smitten.” She snorted and he added, “But the truth is that while you were—and still are—beautiful, I loved your honesty. Many shop workers would merely murmur an apology and scurry away. But not you.” He tucked the section of hair behind her ear. “And then I thought maybe I could experience a few more instances of being a regular male and slice out a piece of normalcy while I still had the chance.”
The corner of her mouth kicked up. “I’m not sure if it was exactly normal. By your third encounter and time of bumping into me, I strongly suggested that you should have your eyes checked.”
He chuckled. “And as you recall, that’s why I asked you to take a walk with me on your lunch break. I will never forget the confusion on your face when I asked.”
She raised her brows. “Do you blame me? Here I thought I had a clumsy teenage male scouting out my store for who knew what. I’m still not sure why I said yes.”
Keltor ran his finger down her cheek, leaving a trail of heat in his path. His voice was husky as he said, “Because as soon as I took your hand, right before I asked you to walk with me, your breath hitched. You felt the connection as much as I.”
Searching his gaze, she asked quietly, “Did you know then, about me being a potential destined bride?”
“I had suspicions, but remember I was only nineteen. Kelderan males continue to grow until age twenty, and I put my attraction and desire to have you down to the hormones coursing through my body. Only later did I recognize the pull for what it was.” Placing his hand over hers on his chest, he added, “But I know what you aren’t asking me, Aza. I didn’t come back because of some genetically enhanced ability to detect a female who could bear me children. You intrigued me with your wit and beauty. That’s why I kept coming back.”
The Heir Page 18