The Diplomat's Bride by Samantha Cayto

Author:Samantha Cayto [Cayto, Samantha]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: LGBTQIA Romance Fiction
Publisher: Totally Entwined Group
Published: 2022-04-22T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

“Are the people in the Iron Shore always so…reserved?” Despite feeling quite comfortable in Minna’s presence, Kexen didn’t want to say anything offensive about the woman’s adopted country. It was strange, though, to wander through the open market without anyone staring at him. It was as if he were no more remarkable than any other person there, except he was the unusual wife of a foreign diplomat. Moorcondians would have shown far more curiosity.

“It is their way, yes,” Minna replied as she weaved through the stalls of wares. “Outside of winter, ships come from all over to trade with us. They are used to strangers and take it as a point of pride that they treat everyone with equal privacy and would consider it rude to show more interest.”

Minna came closer to link her arm with Kexen’s and added in a quieter voice, “I can assure you they are fascinated by your presence and are eager for you to buy their goods.”

Kexen was content with the leisurely stroll through the city center with his new friend. Minna was easy to talk to and a font of knowledge. It was good to get out of the small suite that he shared with Ben, while not having to engage in stilted conversation with other members of the court. The walk in the brisk morning air also gave him time to mull over the previous evening’s unexpected end and how he felt about Ben’s stated strategy for their marriage. His gentle ministrations in the bath had left Kexen still feeling relaxed, but his refusal to do more or allow Kexen to return the favor was vexing. This all seemed to stem from guilt, and while Kexen remained irked over their wedding night, he trusted Ben and wanted to get on with the pleasure of marriage. With the help Minna had given, he was confident that he could come to enjoy his husband’s intimate invasion.

Because thinking about it aroused him in an untimely fashion, Kexen put aside those thoughts and concentrated on perusing the merchants’ wares. A stall containing carved bowls of various sizes and shapes in a dark wood he’d never seen before caught his attention. “What’s this?” He gently tugged his companion in that direction.

“These are from Far Isle,” Minna said. She let go of Kexen’s arm. “Feel free to examine anything you like. The merchant will not mind.”

Kexen took Minna at her word, and after a brief nod of acknowledgment to the woman standing behind the counter, he leaned down to peer at the bowls more carefully. One in particular caught his eye. He lifted it carefully to study its design. “How lovely.”

Minna stood beside him. “It’s a trinket bowl. Many ladies keep favorite pieces of jewelry in them in particular. They fit easily on a vanity, making them readily available after bathing.”

Kexen held the item up to the light. The design was unlike any he’d ever seen before, a delicate yet intricate pattern. “I can see that it’s one of those things that’s simply pretty to have, even if a practical use cannot be manufactured.

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