to stay mounted.
The townhouse was a handsome, three-story, redstone-clad dwelling slotted in the middle row of neighbors. Large windows looked out over Seran harbor and the red earth of the headland beyond. After tying up the horses, Yasir unlocked the doors and swept through the building, explaining how pipes carried water to and from the property and how power fizzled down wires into wall lamps. It made Niko’s cottage look like a mud hut and further reminded him of Seran’s obvious differences. Vasili appeared to appreciate the high ceilings and grand staircases spiraling between the floors.
Yasir entered the room Niko had lingered in to admire the view. “The keys.” He handed out a rattling set of metal keys. “First month’s rent and bills are paid and your horses are stabled nearby, courtesy of Vasili’s—Varian’s jewelry. After that, there’s a forgemaster up the street looking for someone to help expand his business. The wages should cover everything you need.”
Niko took the keys. They weighed heavily in his hand, like commitment.
“You don’t like it?” Yasir asked, noting Niko’s hesitation.
“No, it’s not that. Yasir, thank you. We would not be here without you, and I’ve not been kind these past few weeks. It’s nothing personal.”
He settled a hand on Niko’s shoulder. “I understand. You’ve both been through a lot. It must be difficult to trust again.”
“Yes.” Any more of a reply felt awkward. How much did he know about the more personal aspects of Vasili and Niko’s relationship? Had Vasili opened up to him during all the days and nights they’d sat together on the wagon. It was difficult to imagine Vasili talking about anything personal, and the fact Yasir might have been the one Vasili opened up to made Niko scratch that aching spot over his heart.
“I’ll check in with you over the next few days, but my ship’s due to set sail at the end of the month. I’ll be sailing the trade routes until autumn.”
“Wait. You have a ship?”
Yasir swung open the window and leaned out. “You see her there, the beautiful lady with the blue hull and three masts? Walla’s Heart. She and I, ah, what can I say? She is the love of my life. We don’t always get along, but we love each other nevertheless. You know how it is with the temperamental ones.”
“You’re her captain?”
“She’s all mine,” he beamed.
Captain Yasir Lajani. A few pieces of Yasir slotted into place. The seafaring tales, the references to the ocean. Then Yasir did know how to keep some secrets close. Did he have any other surprises? “I’m impressed.”
“Ah, if I’d known ships got you hot, I’d have mentioned her long ago.” He chuckled and headed for the door. “Now get out there and get to know Seran.”
“Yasir, wait…”
The merchant turned, revealing a crooked smile. “I’m all right,” he said. “No ill effects from the… what happened.”
“That’s good.” Slightly unbelievable, given how devastating the dark flame could be. “Just… be careful. If Vasili is offering you something, it usually means there’s a whole lot of baggage as part of the deal.”
The warning had the opposite effect Niko had been hoping for and made Yasir’s smile grow. “He’s in good hands with you.”
Niko clenched his jaw. “He doesn’t think the same.”
“Oh, he does.” Yasir smirked and briefly bowed his head in a farewell. “I’ll visit in a few days.”
“Yasir?” Now he’d begun to ask, he had to finish. “Did something happen last night… with Vasili?”
Yasir’s brows lifted. “No. Nothing happened. Keep him safe, hm? I’ll bring some more wine when I next visit. You can tell me how you’re settling in. I want all the stories, don’t spare the details, you hear?” He grinned, clearly happier to be home, and left.
Niko observed the street from the window. He listened to the man’s boots strike the stairs and the door clunk closed behind him. Moments later, Yasir’s colorful figure merged with the flow of people outside and vanished.
With Yasir gone, the house felt too big, too quiet. Despite guarding his heart, Niko had grown fond of the merchant captain. He really had been easy to like. Vasili had clearly felt the same. His mood would be foul now Yasir had left.
Niko climbed the stairs to the top floor, where Vasili had taken up residence, and knocked at the door.
“Enter, Nikolas.”
The prince leaned against the wall by the window. He’d been watching the street too. The setting sun painted him in pinkish light, highlighting the vision of silk and masculinity that had Niko’s