“Well, I certainly hope not. I’d like to talk to you about money.”
“If you wish to plead Zane’s case that I go back to allowing him to refund everyone who swears, my answer remains no.”
Costas chuckled. “No way, I told him he was going to catch heck for that. I wanted to ask you about investing some of it. I could take what you have and multiply it. It would give you more for your projects.”
“I hadn’t considered investing it. I don’t know much about how money is handled.”
“That’s my main job. I have been investing money for Chrys and my brothers, even back when he was King Mardas. I don’t want to brag, but I was the one who used to take care of the money for Draconis Enterprises. I had to resign as CFO when I left town to care for my parents a decade ago, but up until then, I oversaw its growth. I also handle the personal accounts for our family.”
“Why didn’t you offer to invest my money sooner? I’ve been with Zane for many months.”
“I thought it might be a good idea for us to establish some trust before I asked you to hand over your life savings.”
“How could I not trust you? You’re Zane’s brother. I’d be honored if you were to invest my money. I don’t wish to lose it though. Is investing risky?”
“It can be. I would be very conservative though, if that’s what you preferred. I want you to be able to achieve all your dreams.”
“Thank you, Costas. I’d appreciate that.”
“It’s my pleasure.”
“Have you taken back your duties since you’ve returned to Las Vegas?”
“No, they have a whole new team over at Draconis Enterprises, and I’ve left it in their capable hands. I’m focused now on the Emperor’s Office. We’ve neglected it in favor of the company. If we can make it more profitable, we can invest in other races and programs.”
Tiri gave a nod as he pulled the needle through the cloth in his hands. “That would be helpful. There are so many races, I imagine many of them could use assistance.”
“Absolutely. Not every race is lucky enough to have a company that supports them.”
“The Council is a wondrous thing.”
“Yes, it is. Chrys has taken good care of it since it came into his hands.”
“He’s had the help of his brothers to guide him.”
“And now Elf.”
“Has Zane spoken with you about his position as Ducblanc?”
Costas lifted a dark brow. “If he still has that idiotic idea of resigning, it’s not going to go over well.”
“I cannot give away his secrets.”
“I understand, but I’ve known him since he was a boy. I get how his mind works. I can see his guilt over everything still lingering. He was born to be a duke. Nothing’s going to change that. He’s perfect for his job.”
“What was he like as a boy?”
Costas smiled as he shifted his gaze over to Tiri’s mate. “He was a quiet kid. Zane’s always been a thinker. I know it was difficult growing up with Bernal’s shadow lingering over him. He never lets anyone forget his father was a traitor. What he can’t seem to understand is that Bernal’s plot to kill our former emperors has nothing to do with him.”
“It never mattered to any of you, did it?”
“No way. Zane’s his own man. We never considered he would grow up like Bernal. When I found out he handed Elf that mug, I knew he’d been set up. It only makes me hate Wesley more for victimizing Zane right along with Elf.”
“He didn’t say it, but I believe he worried you guys thought he was guilty too.”
“That’s because he’s got a head like a rock and doesn’t listen when we tell him how proud we are of the man he has become. I was so happy when he found you. I think you’re good for him. You don’t let him wallow. I don’t believe Zane wanted a mate. I think in some part of his mind, he was convinced he didn’t deserve one. Instead he meets this incredible sprite who he fell for so hard and fast, he never got the opportunity to fight the pull.”
Tiri’s brows drew together. “I don’t consider myself incredible.”
