Page 72 of Ties of Bargains

“I hadn’t considered that.” Harm scratched at his beard. “Good thing I’ll have six former fae mercenaries to guard the duchy.”

At his side, Val flexed her fingers on her dagger,though she didn’t join the conversation. Perhaps she felt this decision should be his.

“There’s some risk to you and your duchy. Should your identity as part of the Primrose League become known, the more unscrupulous fae will attempt to harm you. And there may be times when the Primrose’s agent is followed to your duchy when they bring a rescued human to you.” The man grimaced, his hand dropping to his quiver. “That’s not even taking into account the increased fae incursions due both to your ties to the Fae Realm and the additional travel back and forth through the circles.”

“Fae incursions and assassination attempts are things we can handle.” Val patted the hilt of her dagger, her tone almost too pleased. When Harm looked at her, she shot him a smirk. “This sounds a whole lot more fun than the boring Tulpenland you were describing.”

“Then for the good of my marriage, I suppose I should accept.” Harm grinned, clasped Val’s hand, and lifted it to kiss her knuckles. Then he turned back to the Primrose’s right-hand man, who was polishing off his breakfast with astonishing speed. “Yes, we’re willing to help the Primrose League any way we can.”

“Very good. Someone will be in contact soon.” The man pushed to his feet, nodded to each of them, and turned to leave. Taran fell into step with him, the two of them talking quietly as they went.

Tora plopped into the seat the stranger had vacated and smiled. “So. You’re joining the Primrose League.”

“Looks like it.” Harm smiled back. The expression faded after a moment. “I couldn’t do otherwise. I justhope Tulpenland is accommodating of the changes I’ll have to make.”

“They’ll come around one way or the other.” Val’s smirk was sharp as she caressed the hilt of her dagger.

“I don’t think threatening people will make them more accommodating.” Harm bumped their clasped hands against her knee. “We’ll start with charm and patience.”

“That’ll be your job then. I’ll save the stabbing for those who aren’t won over.” Val leaned her shoulder into his.

Tora pointed at Val but focused on Harm. “Are you sure you want to unleash her on your innocent duchy?”

“Yes.” Harm squeezed Val’s hand.

“Then we’ll leave just after lunch to bring you to the Human Realm.” Tora gestured from them to the rest of the mercenaries. “We’ll take the Anywhere Door to the Court of Knowledge, then we’ll have to fly to the Court of Dreams. I’m afraid we need to return to the same faerie circle you came through, and we don’t want Queen Mab to know what we’re doing.”

Harm nodded. If they didn’t fly over the faerie queen’s arbor palace, they should escape notice.

“Since we’re leaving, I’d like to bargain for as many healing potions as you can get your hands on.” Val withdrew her hand from Harm’s before she leaned both elbows on the table, facing Tora.

“Healing potions?” Harm eyed her.

“Yes, healing potions. Knowing you—and given the danger you’re bringing on yourself by joining thePrimrose League—you’ll need them.” Val raised her eyebrows at him before she focused on Tora again.

Tora’s blue eyes had sharpened at the mention of a bargain. “What will you give me for the healing potions?”

Val pointed at Harm. “All of the pottery dishes my husband has in his magical pocket.”

Harm must have started or made some kind of noise for Val turned to him. “It isn’t like we’ll need to make more bargains. The Primrose League is taking us right to the faerie circle tonight.”

“That’s true.” Harm reached into his magical pocket and withdrew one of the pottery plates. Besides, he wouldn’t mind acquiring more healing potions, and not just for himself. Val was the one who’d be throwing herself into danger, and he’d prefer they had magic on hand in case she got hurt.

At the sight of the pottery, Tora’s nostrils flared, and her eyes gleamed with something almost feral. She snatched the plate from him, holding it up as she inspected it.

Harm dug into his pocket, taking out three more plates, three teacups, and the only teapot he’d brought and somehow hadn’t broken through his travels. With each new item, that gleam in Tora’s gaze grew.

As Tora reached for another item, Val smacked her hand. “Not without the bargain.”

Tora’s nostrils flared again, and a thin wisp of smoke wafted out.

Harm’s stomach dropped, and he reached into hispocket again, this time for his sword. Was Tora about to go all dragon on them?

Then Tora’s gaze cleared, and she nodded. “Very well. I will collect as many healing potions as I can get my hands on before you leave in trade for these items.”

As she spoke, Taran returned to the room. He halted next to Tora and sighed. “What’s all this?”

“A bargain.” That sharp glint returned to Tora’s smile. “I hadn’t decided on an item to hoard yet. I’m thinking pretty pottery. It calls to me.”

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