I place my head in the crook of her neck so that my warm breath tingles across her ear, though I’m careful that’s all I do. A peck on the cheek or a quick pat on the ass is as far as I’ll allow my actual affections to go with those I’m playing pretend with. They may think it’s more, or wish it so, but there are lines even I will not cross to get what I want.

“You know the only people who visit my shop are wealthy nobles purchasing gifts for their mistresses. They’re the only ones who can afford me,” she says, voice low and seductive with innuendo as she pulls me tighter into her.

“And that’s exactly why you’re the best informant I have.” Another smile, another wink, and she’s melting in my arms, telling me everything I want to know. I’d sigh with the mundanity of it all if I weren’t so practiced at this point.

“The nobles are still angry with the King for cutting their supply of thayar. With me, they talk boldly of their plans to remind him of their influence and how much he needs them, though I imagine it’s another story with the King around instead of a pretty face.”

Enessa also knows how to get information using her good looks and charm. I only nod before releasing her. She pretend pouts but tilts her head in the direction of the back room, hidden from view by a thick velvet curtain. “They’re back there,” she whispers. I teasingly slap her backside with a look of pure mirth before parting the curtain to enter the hidden space beyond, Fionn on my heels.

There’s a small worn worktable with two males seated at it. They’re both dressed in the light layers of merchants who travel the Nivan Desert. When I enter, they stand and bow quickly.

“Your Royal Highness,” the taller of the two says.

“Ragnor, please, we’re beyond those formalities.” I smile, then clap him on the back. He gives me a grin, and we sit at the table. Fionn and the other male Ragnor introduces as his son sit on either side of us. Enessa busies herself polishing jewelry, though I know she listens despite pretending not to care. “Thank you for meeting. I know it’s been a long journey. How are things?” I ask.