Crave To Conquer (Myth of Omega, #1)(13)
“Greetings, King Malloron.”
“Greetings, Emperor Drocco.”
The portal hovered in front of Drocco, a transparent slash of vibrant energy through which he finally saw his only real adversary. King Malloron. The man certainly seemed to be a formidable looking Alpha. Wide and muscled, he seemed similar in stature to Drocco only with slightly browner skin and a more relaxed look in his dark eyes, but when dealing with a man who specialized in tricks, looks meant nothing. Drocco stood firm, broad arms crossed, staring at the richly dressed man through the portal. At least he wasn’t wearing a ridiculous crown, like the King of Ashens had.
“May Eiros thrive and be wealthy,” Drocco said, reciting the mantra of Eiros.
“And may the mighty Lox Empire remain eternally dominant and just,” King Malloron returned.
Around the edges of the room, behind the portal, three black-robed Talent-crafters gathered. They clasped hands with each other, linking them together as they watched the portal. Torin stood with them observing.
“I’m pleased we finally have a chance to talk,” King Malloron added.
“As am I,” Drocco replied, fully aware he did not sound pleased at all. “I want no misunderstandings developing about the Lox Empire and what its existence means for everyone else.”
“I’m sure you don’t,” King Malloron said, inclining his head. “I just want to make it clear that I speak as ruler of Eiros, the largest and most developed territory in the Western Lands. I do not speak on behalf of any of the other territories here.”
“Understood.”
King Malloron dipped his head sharply. “Firstly, will you still allow trade across the White Ocean?”
“As long as traders are willing to be more open to declaring their wares, yes.”
King Malloron lifted his head a touch. “Many of the old territories that are now under Lox ruling did not appreciate some of the more… unique wares the Western Lands had to offer. I wonder how lenient the Lox Empire will be?”
“You need not wonder, just ask,” Drocco said, forcing himself to remain calm. Why didn’t kings ever just speak plainly?
“Intoxicants like mutated wine, rare spirits, tobacco enhancers, recreational and medicinal substances including hallucinogens and Haze recreators,” the king reeled off quickly.
“Fine as long as they are declared,” Drocco said.
“Voluntary manual and sexual labor workers of any age?”
“Fine.”
“Involuntary manual and sexual labor workers of any age?”
“Only criminals.”
The king’s eyebrows shot up and a slow smile spread across his face. “Agreed. What about goods that make use of the Talent?”
Drocco had to force himself not to flinch. “I’ll need more time to consider that. Send a list of the kind of goods you’re referring to and I’ll think about it.” He uncrossed his arms. “Regarding the proposal you made in your last letter, I fail to see how it would be of benefit to me.”
The king sobered, his jaw becoming tight. “You don’t see the value in acquiring the Talent?”
“What would I possibly need it for?” Drocco countered, dryly. “I don’t spy—that activity has no honor. I’m also not interested in being an entertainer.”
The king’s nostrils flared and his whole body seemed to expand. “You think that is all the Talent is good for?”
Drocco remained silent, watching him with care. Much could be gleaned about a man when he burned in anger.
“I will assume you are unaware of whom you are speaking to, since my ancestors discovered and developed the Talent.” The king’s voice deepened and became harsher. “They were the first Talent-crafters to exist. The art has been honed and refined throughout the decades into something more powerful than anything any other Land could create. You may have experienced it through semi-skilled hacks and entertainers looking for quick coin, but I assure you, the Talent can do wondrous and incredible things, especially by an accomplished crafter.” He leaned forward. “It could instantly unify your Empire without the need for Lox warriors in every city. It could aid you in finding the Omegas. It could seek out the perfect Omega for each Alpha. Imagine that,” he said, his eyes narrowing with his intense expression. “Imagine if every Alpha could instantly locate their true mate?” He shook his head and leaned back. “You cannot say you truly understand the Talent if, as the ruler of such a powerful nation, you’re telling me you don’t want or need it.”
Drocco held his eye and kept his stance unchanged while he thought carefully. Although he was fully aware of Malloron’s obvious performance, he couldn’t automatically refuse anything that might help him find the Omegas. “If the Talent can do all that, why haven’t you done it?”
The king shook his head. “I willingly admit that the Talent cannot do everything,” he said, his voice quieter. “The Talent is used in ways here that would interfere with any kind of use of that scale. Plus there are many accomplished crafters here.” He smiled ruefully. “If my ancestors had been smarter, they wouldn’t have given the knowledge away so freely. But the point is, the Western Lands are not united under one ruler like the Eastern Lands are now. In the Lox Empire, the Talent would catapult you to the greatest ruler history will ever know.”