They only walked a few steps down the hall before the servant stopped and very cautiously knocked on one of the age-worn doors there. For several moments, there was no response. Finally, a muffled “enter” was heard. The young man cracked the door open, bowing to whoever was in the room. “My deepest apologies for the intrusion, but the tea merchant you scheduled for today has arrived. Shall I show him in, or is there somewhere I should have him rest?”
A dry chuckle floated out. “Bring him in. I am eager to see what wares he has on offer.”
With another bow the servant turned and gave Jin a significant look. Not one to ignore so clear a direction, Jin stepped forward. He slipped into the room and bowed, shutting the door behind himself without breaking his position. “You honour me with this meeting.”
“And you are most punctual. I am pleased by that.”
Jin bowed again for good measure before straightening. The man who sat enthroned in a leather armchair behind a large and beautifully carved desk was everything Jin thought of when he heard of Nalbinian nobility. Blond hair greying a touch at the temples, a thick mustache, and brilliant blue eyes, like the sky on a cloudless day, stared at him. The baron was dressed in the height of fashion, his dark jacket worn over pinstriped pants and a perfectly pressed white shirt with a striped red and gold tie.
Though two chairs sat in front of the desk, the baron didn’t indicate Jin should sit, so he stopped on the other side of the desk and remained standing. “How may I be of service, my lord?”
The other man’s lips thinned and turned upwards slightly. Jin had seen this type of noble before in court and had a fair idea of how best to work around him. And if he was very lucky, the baron would be the type to boast and loosen his tongue around those he considered beneath him.
“I have heard you have teas of...special properties. I would like to hear more on them.”
“If I may?” Jin held his box up. When the baron nodded, he placed it on the desk between them and opened it. “These are speciality teas infused with magic. A combination of herbs and spells are used, giving effects that range from wakefulness, sleep and calming, among others. Each contain carefully selected tea leaves and herbs and are spelled for their desired effect.”
The baron ran a finger down the bottle of the restorative tea before looking at Jin. “These spells, they are safe?”
“I have some small magic myself and personally check each batch to ensure everything is as it should be. If one follows the directions, there is no issue. Some of the teas, if the dosage is changed, can cause the effects to last too long or be overly strong, but one must exceed the directions by quite a lot for that to happen. The body is resistant to doing things beyond what is natural for it.”
“As a mage, you would know if there are ill-effects on those with magic when using these.”
Jin bobbed his head. “I personally use the wakefulness tea, especially when business is high. The spells are low-level, the type that won’t interfere with your ordinary magi. I can’t guarantee they won’t affect a highly sensitive spell, but they won’t be a problem for ordinary spellcasting.”
The baron smiled, the expression colder than the earl’s. “That is good. I find myself most interested in the calming, sleeping and restorative teas. I would like to receive several doses of each. Should they prove effective, there may be room to enter into a contract for a supply of them.”
Jin made sure to look humbled. “I am happy to leave you with the samples, and I can have large doses delivered by tomorrow should you wish them. Each of these bottles makes approximately six pots of tea.”
“I would like at least double that of each of the teas.”
“I will make those arrangements.” Jin bowed. “If it interests you, my lord, I should also mention what I have here are the general types of speciality teas. There are a wide range of other effects and teas that can be procured in the Empire, in case you find my selection lacking. I would be happy to source any other type you may think of if it exists. And if it doesn’t, there’s always the possibility that it can be made.”
The baron flicked his gaze over Jin, his hands clasped in front of his mouth, before he dropped them to the desk and leaned forward. “There is one other type that could be...of interest to me, should it exist. I would not have it made for obvious reasons, but are you aware of teas used to...inflame passions?”
Jin kept the surprise from his face. The baron didn’t appear the sort who needed that kind of tea, but he wasn’t one to judge. “There are. Some have been in use for centuries. I can procure samples when next I resupply, and you may test it to see if it meets with your needs.” Jin didn’t say the tea wasn’t effective for every sort of trouble in that area, but providing a warning on the bottle should help. Making the sample free was a risk for a merchant, but if it worked, he was sure the baron would be a repeat customer. One who had a secret.
“That I would appreciate. You will discuss delivery and payment with my steward. I will have a footman direct you to his office.”
Bowing, Jin closed the box. “You humble me with your business and meeting with me directly.”
The baron gave him a smile edged in slyness. “This is something I could leave to no other. You have proven yourself to be most agreeable, and should your teas be all that you say they are, I can see a solid business relationship in the future between us.”
Jin bowed again. “You honour me.”
The noble said nothing else, only rang a small brass bell, his attention back on the neat pile of papers in front of him, the angle they were at making them impossible to read. When the door opened and a footman appeared, the baron only waved his hand in both their directions. Following the servant out, Jin had to admit this meeting hadn’t gone quite the way he’d expected. He wondered if Azara would have more insight on this than he did.
* * *
“...and that’s about all that happened.”
Azara leaned her head against Jin’s shoulder, ignoring the way she could hear his heartbeat. Or maybe it was her own, pounding in her ears. Her cheeks warmed but she needed to focus on what was happening now. In the pale grey of the late-afternoon light, in a quiet corner of the park, they were unlikely to be disturbed, but talking in the open still bothered her. Unfortunately their room was more of a liability. “He could prove very useful. Your idea about the tea being a potential blackmail point is clever.”
Jin shifted, his arm going around her waist. She felt the heat of it through the layers. To outsiders, they must look like a couple truly in love instead of...well, what they were. Part of her wondered what it would be like not to act out love, but to truly be enveloped in it. “I’m glad you agree. It could be risky, but the potential rewards far outweigh that.”
“That is very true. It may be worth looking into other teas that might cause issues with those who are...sensitive. More than your one noble will be interested in a tea for passion. And with some investigation, we can find other types that might offend sensibilities here if discovered.”
“I’m certain there are.” Jin moved his head, so it was closer to her ear, his cheek gently pressed into the side of her head. “We’ll need to move carefully if we’re to remain safe. And if word were to get out of what we were doing...”
Azara doubted the Nalbinian government would look kindly on two merchants blackmailing their nobles. Already they’d sent the rest of the tea to the baron. Jin had said he was the kind of man who appreciated early delivery, that he would take it as them trying to ingratiate themselves with him.
She didn’t get it, but Azara didn’t have much to do with nobles. She didn’t have much to do with anyone outside of slaving and the related areas. This job had certainly shown her where the gaps in her education were. She was filling some of them, but it would take a long time to fix others. Jin was a good match for her. He was generally strong where she
was weak. His idealism and strong loyalty to the emperor were annoying, but she wouldn’t deny his accomplishments. He also answered any questions she had, having read an impressive amount.
Sighing, Azara glanced up. She was disconcerted to see his face entirely too close. If she leaned up a bit, they’d have their lips pressed together. The thought brought some heat to her cheeks, but she didn’t look away. She wouldn’t let Jin think she was intimidated. Though why her mind had strayed there in the first place, she didn’t know “Do you think we should make plans to head to the Empire for more tea?”
Jin’s lips thinned. “Once the supply of regular tea gets low, we’ll have to make a trip. We can bring a load back ourselves, but arrange for an overland shipment, one that we may be able to make regular if needed. That would make sense for us, and if we can get one loyal man in some position on the trade group, it will be possible to send reports.”
She looked down. Reports didn’t much interest her. Not unless the emperor or his people suddenly acquired information on Nalbin. Which they could. She couldn’t imagine them not having spies, but then if they were getting that kind of information, they’d have an idea where the fire mages were. “That could be as risky as blackmail.”
“We should use every advantage.”
Azara let the subject drop. She closed her eyes and let herself feel the calm of where they were. Jin’s slow, steady heartbeat formed a base for the gentle rustle of the wind through the leaves overhead, and the occasional burst of distant laughter. It was soothing in a way she hadn’t felt since her village had been destroyed.
Jin didn’t speak, and for a little while, they both let thoughts of the work that lay ahead drop away. They were just ordinary people, enjoying the peace of the afternoon.
* * *
Jin watched Azara glide around the room before settling herself in front of the small mirror with her brush and several pins. Her deft fingers pulled the soft strands of her hair up and off her shoulders, the pins added one at a time as she scrutinized her reflection. She wore another of those bare-armed dresses that were more distracting than her usual wear. This one was done in green and black, with beads and lace of black on the front in a triangle that drew the eye to the cinched waist and back up to the dip at the front of the dress.
Catching where his gaze was, Jin looked away. It was hardly professional behaviour. He wouldn’t have stared at any of the female officials like that, so to do so to Azara was rude. Of course, none of the officials wore dresses that showed off the curves of their bodies so clearly. Though he wasn’t sure many could compete with Azara in that category. In a way he both missed and didn’t miss the Empire’s style of clothing.
Shaking those thoughts away, he refocused his attention on the work ahead of them. They were headed to the theatre again, something that had put Azara into an instantly good mood. She’d practically been humming all afternoon. He smiled for a moment before he drew his wayward thoughts into line. It didn’t help that the memories of having her leaning against him, her head on his shoulder, the heat of her mixing with his own...
Jin grimaced and shoved all of that away. He was no pubescent boy, distracted by the touch of a woman. He was the emperor’s chief magus, and he wasn’t about to forget the discipline he’d learned over years.
They were headed to the theatre, and with luck, they would be able to gather information. Or increase their network. Word was spreading of their wares, and if they spoke to those who were interested, they could gain both customers and new sources. One loose-lipped official placed highly could give them all they needed. And the theatre was certainly the best place they currently had access to.
It might also help them think of teas with effects that could prove as useful as they were embarrassing to the drinker. Though Jin did draw the line at tea laced with Milk Tears. The substance was vile, a destroyer of lives, and not something he would inflict on others. Even those who had already thrown themselves into the midst of that mire. It would take the order of the emperor himself to get him to do something like that. And his celestial majesty had outlawed its sale and done his best to stamp it out.
Some of that was to protect people, but it was also to protect their country. If use were to become widespread, it had the potential to cripple their economy and productivity. There were still pockets of it, but those were primarily among the idle rich or those in port towns. Foreign sailors would sometimes smuggle it in, knowing the prices they could get for it.
Jin sighed quietly. This line of thinking was no more helpful than his previous focus on Azara. He glanced over, noting she had most of her hair pinned up, and now seemed to be finishing the style. This one had her hair in one place at the top and back of her head, something he’d seen on a few other women the last time they’d been to the theatre. It provided a distracting view of the nape of her neck.
Seeing her dressed as if she’d lived in Nalbin her whole life, Jin found it hard to remember the hard creature who had killed a man without any sign of remorse. Or the woman who had pushed herself in front of the emperor without a hint of shame.
Though he saw enough of the latter aspect of her. Azara was not shy and she wouldn’t hesitate to shove forward if she believed she was right, or that it was necessary. She wore confidence like it was armour.
In a way, maybe it was. Not many people would go against someone who exuded confidence and self-reliance the way she did. With a mind and tongue that were equally sharp, not to mention her own ability, those that did make the attempt would quickly regret it. It made getting her to listen to his ideas, to things that went against what she wanted, all the harder.
Though he couldn’t deny she was making an effort. He felt some pride when he was able to get her to stop and think. The rustle of cloth drew his gaze to Azara, who was standing, a black bead and lace flower pinned into one side of the mass of her hair. He offered her a smile. “Are you ready for the theatre?”
She grinned. “Always.”
Chapter Seventeen: Rumours
Azara almost floated along beside Jin, barely noticing the crush surrounding them as they headed towards the refreshment table near the theatre’s staircase. She was still caught up in the story of the play. An exiled prince setting out on a journey to regain his rightful place, gathering allies from all corners of the country as he fought against those who went against the principles of the country. She had thought the previous tale of love and violent revenge had been good, but this one had drawn her in more. As far as she was concerned, plays were the greatest form of story-telling and the best form of entertainment.
It wasn’t until Jin brought them to a stop near the line for drinks that she roused herself. She looked up, noting his smile. “I’ll get us some drinks if you’ll stay here?”
She nodded, agreeing with his plan to multiply their efforts in information gathering. She was close to several groups. To her left, two older couples were discussing a recent party, having several disparaging comments for the behaviour of the younger people there. Behind her, two men spoke of visiting the sea and discussing the merits of different resorts. And to her left, a group of young women were giggling.
“...has been no fun of late.” The words of the one in pink, along with her hushed tone drew Azara’s attention.
She stayed where she was, but shifted her weight and her body enough that she had a clear view of all three women. They appeared to be of an age with her. The men they were with could be seen a short distance away, laughing, but out of earshot.
The woman in the purple dress sighed. “I know. We see him so rarely these days. And he does have such blue eyes, the kind I wish I had.”
“Not to mention that hair of his. He may be getting older, but you wouldn’t know it to look at him. The fact he hasn’t remarried is practically criminal.” The woman in blue shook her head.
The pink one leaned in towards
the others. “I saw him at Lady Mardel’s party last week. He said he’s been busy with his work.”
The woman in blue frowned. “He has been spending enough time at that estate of his to the north. I’ve heard he heads there at least once a week, and for multiple days. It is not even full summer yet either.”
“It has been warm, I suppose,” the purple woman said.
The pink one smiled with relish. “Oh, it’s nothing quite so innocent.”
“What is it?” the blue woman asked, eyes widening.
“I’ve heard he’s been frequenting the slave auctions far more than is ordinary. Word is that he has been buying many slaves. Some say he’s setting himself up a harem, like those from the distant east.”
The other two stared then tittered, hiding their faces behind their fans and gloved hands. “Does he think himself some kind of sultan?” The woman with the blue dress shook her head.
“Maybe he is doing some expansion on his estate and needs the manpower?” The purple woman’s words didn’t hold much conviction.
“Perhaps,” the woman in pink replied, stretching the word out. “And it’s not as if he doesn’t have the funds. Why continuously buy slaves when you can hire people temporarily. They will likely be far more skilled at tasks than slaves who could turn angry, defiant or violent. Some are little more than beasts.”
Azara had to force herself not to clench her fist as her veins warmed, the crystal reacting to her emotions. She clamped down on it, doing her best to get herself back into a calm state. It was hard with her heartbeat pounding in her ears.
“You do have a point.” The blue woman glanced around and lowered her voice, to the point where Azara could just hear it above the general chatter. “I heard he’s met with the king recently. Maybe his behaviour reached even his majesty’s ears and he had to be reprimanded.”
Heart of Crystal Page 15