Unsure of how to solve the problem or why Drekkoril had refused to address it, Rorie wanted to impress Renny with his ability to help. “The Noble Protector was not amenable to suggestions?”
“He elected not to take my advice,” Kedetyn commented. “If I were able to help, I would raise the wages of the current setieons to prevent them from being enticed by bribes and put forth additional effort in recruitment.”
“Lich Sentinel, you oversee a legion of men who protect and defend, may I ask for your consult?” Rorie asked.
Alaric rose and strode to stand over Kedetyn, who appeared frightened of the elite assassin, but Rorie trusted the D’Vaires alone. Although it was a sad state for a fairy who could not trust his own kind, Rorie was lied to by even his parents. “There is a sparsity in the amount of setieons, Protector,” Alaric said. “It may be useful to determine the state of the prison for yourself as well.”
“I agree, Lich Sentinel. I will discuss that with the Noble Protector. As the leader of our people, Drekkoril should be familiar with every aspect of our realm,” Rorie answered. “Kedetyn, raise the wages by ten percent to start and strengthen the effort into recruiting new men and women as setieons.”
“Lifting the law that does not allow fairies to be setieons would be most helpful,” Kedetyn suggested. “It should not be left up to only bemollos like myself.”
Rorie loved being a fairy, but he understood his limitations, so he shook his head. “Bemollos are responsible, thoughtful, and persistent. They do well in roles of protection and safety. I fear any fairy might grow restless or make the situation with bribery worse.”
“As you wish,” Kedetyn responded. “Thank you, Protector. I will hand out the increase in wages immediately and request a more concentrated effort in seeking bemollos who are looking for work.”
“Thank you, Kedetyn. Good day to you.”
When he was gone, Renny kissed Rorie. “Nicely done.”
“I wonder why Drekkoril was unresponsive to rampant crime,” Rorie said, silently preening from Renny’s praise and affection.
“I would advise you to speak to him on the topic and present a joint effort in making sure your people are safe,” Alaric stated.
“That is sound wisdom, and I will do so.”
Chapter 19
Renny was next to Rorie and eating yet another meal of vegetables and fruit. Although he’d watched the elven members of his family consume those things alone for years, he had never appreciated what it meant to not have meat, pasta, or any of the other delicious items Noirin and Kendrick cooked. It relieved Renny that he wasn’t an elf, though it would be incredible to have pointed ears and such beautiful customs. It was merely a dream, but he wondered how long the D’Vaires were going to last without their favorite menu items.
Turning his head, his attention went to Dra’Kaedan, who was staring pitifully at a slice of riont kre’es, and Renny chuckled. “Not exactly cake, is it?”
“Don’t even say the word,” Dra’Kaedan whined. “I enjoy so many aspects of the Fae realm, but this is insanity. I need frosting.”
Brogan’s response was an epic roll of his eyes. No one had the chance to comment—Drekkoril marched to them with a line of worry between his brows. “Roriethiel, did Kedetyn come and speak with you?”
“Yes, I was unsure at first if you had truly sent him, but Alaric did not alert me to a lie,” Rorie responded. “I wished to discuss our conversation with you.”
A servant placed a dish in front of Drekkoril as he was seated. “After our meal, we can discuss things in the library.”
Things had moved far between Drekkoril and Rorie since the start of the dream, but considering that they’d been nearly enemies, there was a great deal of work left to do. Still, it was odd that Drekkoril paid attention to his lunch and didn’t engage in small talk over books as he usually did. The bemollo had turned his afternoons into study as well as many evening hours if he was not attending some event as the Fae leader.
Rorie gave Renny a questioning glance, which he answered with a shrug and a kiss. “We’ll find out what’s up with him in the library, okay?”
“It is nice to be concerned about my bemollo,” Rorie answered.
“He’s not so bad, is he?”
“No, and I fear I am not the child my parents may have wished for me to be. The more I read of ancient Fae wisdom, the less inclined I am to believe their stances were correct.”
“I’m glad you’re thinking things out for yourself.”
“And I am glad Bétea did not force me to go on such a soul-seeking journey by myself, Ren.”
When they finished eating, Drekkoril was still halfway through his meal since he’d arrived late. “Drekkoril, I will await you in the library.”
“Do not leave until I arrive,” Drekkoril ordered, and there was anger simmering under the surface. Whatever he needed to discuss with Rorie, he was not happy about it. “It is imperative that we have a discussion.”
Rorie pursed his lips, and Renny squeezed his hand. Like Dra’Kaedan, Rorie led with his temper. “I will not leave until we have speech. It was my intention to spend the afternoon there.”
