However, King Imrik may disagree with my interpretation of the treaty language. I fear he may retaliate against Kaiskara, which could disrupt trade in the Jaws, impacting not only Kaiskara but Tavoc, Silaise, and Fellrin.
My Dire magic can counter King Imrik’s magic, but I would prefer to avoid costly conflict. After careful consideration, I believe moving to the Isle of Tavoc would be the optimal solution for Kaiskara and neighboring nations. Punishing a vassal state is one thing for King Imrik; confronting an ally of Silaise is another. Residence on Tavoc would keep me close enough to defend Kaiskara with Dire magic if necessary. In exchange, I offer to defend Tavoc and Tavoc-Silaisan shipping routes as well.
Since you have lived on Tavoc before, I would be grateful for your help discussing arrangements with Duchess Tavorai.
Please direct any return correspondence through Captain Arla Tellik of the Kaiskaran navy. I’ll be residing on his ship for the time being.
Sincerely,
Vana Dire
P.S. Please convey my well-wishes to Rakos. I haven’t seen him since Daromir and I rescued him from the late Count Bernek’s dungeon.
From Bellamy Galant Sandry to Vana Kaiskara Dire, First Prince of Draskora (pending imminent disownment, I assume):
Dear Vana,
Rescue?! You literally kidnapped him! We don’t owe you shit!
Sincerely,
Bellamy Sandry
From Audric Galant Sandry, Crown Prince of Silaise, to Vana Kaiskara Dire:
Dear Vana,
My royal mother and I have discussed your proposal, and we agree your presence on Tavoc would benefit everyone with interests in the Jaws. Queen Margot has already sent word to Duchess Tavorai on your behalf; you will be welcome at the harbor when you arrive.
Please disregard any correspondence from Prince Bellamy—it was sent in error. Bellamy and Captain Rakos will meet you and your bloodguard on Tavoc. My brother will be happy to facilitate your transition into a role that suits you.
Looking forward to our cooperation,
Audric Sandry
P.S. If you want to get on Bellamy’s good side, offer to babysit the blinkmink.
?
EPILOGUE
One Month Later
From Vana’s vantage at the railing, Port Tavoc is a handful of jewels scattered on the rocks. Jewels or flowers—every building, however rustic, is painted blue or pink or striped red and yellow. Roof tiles are teal or reddish brown. The sky is a flawless pale blue without a cloud in sight. The only movement above is the backlit shape of the dragon gliding in slow circles over the port.
The port itself bustles with energy, perhaps more crowded than usual. Excited citizens await the spectacle of a Kaiskaran ship bearing a Draskoran prince.
Former prince. At least, Vana assumes Imrik will get around to revoking his title and inheritance eventually.
Arla is down on the dock registering with the port master. For another few minutes, all Vana has to do is wait in a strangely familiar state of limbo.
Once again Vana waits off an unfamiliar shore, uncertain of his reception and purpose. But this time, Stanza perches on the railing to Vana’s left. Her talons score pale marks in the wood. Vana offered to pay for repairs when he noticed her doing it earlier in the trip; Arla just laughed. “It’s a ship, not a throne. What fucking money do you have for repairs, anyway?”
Daromir waits to Vana’s right. That’s the same as last time; they were already blood-sworn back then. Vana had been grateful for a bodyguard. An ally. A friend, he hoped. Now, Vana doesn’t need to hope. He knows down to his marrow that Daromir is everything Vana dreamed and more.
And this time, Vana is the one who chose the destination. If it doesn’t work, they can leave. Vana won’t destroy himself or Daromir to fit a role ever again. If he fucks up, he trusts Daromir to stop him.
“We’re going to need hats,” Daromir says suddenly.
