Page 39 of Path of the Dark
13
Gambling
NATHAN OF RITHMAR regarded Elias steadily. “You buy minerals fromusonly,” he murmured. “Or the deal is off.”
Elias held the king’s gaze. He didn’t reply immediately, instead letting the silence drag out. It had been a long afternoon. He was tiring of the endless negotiations, of the minutiae of detail that Nathan insisted upon discussing.
The pair of them sat alone in the Council Chamber, save a scribe and two armed guards by the door. The scribe perched at a small desk behind the king, recording every item they addressed. A thin man with watery blue eyes, his face was grey with fatigue. Ink stained his bony fingers as he hunched over the parchment, scribbling.
The scratch of the quill was the only sound in the quiet chamber.
“Farras has Borite and Thormium,” Elias pointed out eventually. “Minerals that Rithmar doesn’t mine … and ones that are crucial to our glassmaking industry. I can’t agree to such rigid conditions.”
He’d noted over the past few days that Nathan of Rithmar wasn’t just a renowned military leader, he was also a shrewd politician. He fought Elias over every matter, no matter how small.
Nathan was relentless. He wanted every detail analyzed, agreed upon, and written down. Elias had argued over everything, although once the king started twisting the signet ring he wore on his right hand, he knew it was time to back off.
Nathan could only be pushed so far.
Initially, Elias had enjoyed the verbal sparring, yet it wore on him now. He also found it difficult to concentrate this afternoon. Other thoughts that had nothing to do with the negotiations kept intruding.
The princess who had to die.
The sorceress who tempted him.
Nathan leaned back in his chair, brow furrowing. “Very well,” he rumbled. “With the exception of Borite and Thormium then.”
Elias pretended to consider his words. In reality, he already knew the answer. His arse was numb, and his neck and shoulders ached. “Agreed,” he said.
Nathan watched him for a long moment. The king’s eyes still lacked warmth although he didn’t view Elias with the naked suspicion of a few days earlier. Eventually, a rare smile creased his face. “Excellent.” He rose to his feet and stretched his long body before casting a glance over his shoulder at the scribe. “That’s all for today. You may go, Thordis.”
Relief filtered across the man’s face. He then set the quill into its holder, unbent himself, and got to his feet before shuffling from the room.
The king’s attention returned to Elias. “I think today’s successful negotiations call for a goblet of wine, do you agree?”
This was a surprise. Nathan’s voice sounded almost friendly, although Elias didn’t trust his hearty tone. He wondered what the king was after. Nonetheless, wine appealed.
“Aye.” Elias rose to his feet as well and stretched out the kinks in his back. Outside those tear-drop shaped windows, the late afternoon sky was turning from blue to rose-pink. They’d been shut away in this chamber all day, with only a short break for the noon meal. Elias’s head felt as if it was filled with wool. “You drive some hard bargains,” he admitted.
Nathan’s smile expanded into a grin. “My father always told me to push until you get what you want.”
“As does mine.”
“I’m in no doubt of that.” Nathan crossed to the sideboard in a few loose-limbed strides and picked up a large crystal decanter of blood-red wine. He then poured two large goblets. “Reoul is known for his … tenacity.”
Elias’s mouth curved. “Aye, he’s a stubborn bastard.”
“He is.” Nathan carried the goblets over to Elias and handed him one. “Which is why I’ve been suspicious of you from the start. Your father never negotiated with Aron of Thûn.”
Here it was—the reason Nathan had offered him wine. He wanted to talk about the Anthor king, of his plans beyond these peace talks.
“His relationship with Aron was different,” Elias replied, choosing his words carefully. “My father respects you for one thing.”
Nathan’s mouth twisted before he held up the goblet. “Well then … here’s to his continued respect, although he’s yet to earn mine.”
Elias held Nathan’s gaze, noticing the glimmer in his dark eyes. Wordlessly, he raised his goblet in a toast, before lifting it to his lips and taking a sip. The wine was rich and spicy, and Elias recognized it instantly. “This is from Mirrar Rock,” he murmured, surprised. “From my father’s vineyards if I’m not mistaken.”
“You’re not,” Nathan replied. “I’m fond of Anthor wine and import a few cases of your best vintages every so often.”
