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Thorin heard the laugh through the noise of the banquet hall and steeled himself not to wince. He was happy for his sister truly, he was thrilled for her. Finding the right dwarvish man for a woman could be a job and a half. There had certainly been plenty of eager candidates. However, Dís getting matched seemed to have reminded his mother that he, nor Frerin, was matched. And no matter how much he personally liked Villi. He was not sure he would ever be able to forgive Dís’s One for that.
Alright, so he would get over it. However, the number of matchmaking dwarves around had seemed to have grown. Quite a few dwarvish women had tried their hand. At this point, he almost wondered if trying for the Prince-Regent was part of the requirement to meet your One.
Every dwarf experienced differently enough. Mum had described it as if she had felt air enter her lungs for the first time. Da had described it as everything being shinier, the one time Thorin had seen him being willing to discuss the matter. Everyone insisted though that you would know it when it happened. Thorin sure hoped so because at the rate he was going, Dís would be the one expanding the line of Durin.
Balin quietly came up to his side, “Your highness, your mother is wanting you to go meet the trade commission from the Blue Mountains.”
“What are they bringing to trade that makes them need a personal greeting from the Prince-Regent?”
“Ballin! Balin! Why are you speeding up?”
Balin reluctantly slowed down, “Lady Alana, Lady Bele, Lady Gargina, and Lady Alvana have traveled with the caravan.”
Thorin sighed, “Another matching-making attempt? Delightful, perhaps we will be blessed by Mahal and Frerin will meet his One. How much longer should Father be on the Moria campaign?”
Balin laughed dryly, “You would know better than I, your highness.”
Thorin moaned, “Mahal blast it all. Whatever did I do to my mother to deserve this?”
Balin rolled his eyes, “In general or in the last week?”
Thorin sighed, “That is not fair, Balin. I am much better than I used to be.”
“So you do not deserve this?”
“Fair enough, Lady Alanya, Lady Beliy, Lady Gerina, and Lady Alvana, right?”
The look of horror across Balin’s face made the comment entirely worth it. “No, no Thorin. Lady Alana, Lady Bele, Lady Gargina, and Lady Alvana. They are traveling under the watch of Lord Gimur, Mine Leader Dumin’s uncle. Their official stated job is here to trade some of our completed Erebor work to go back to the Blue Mountains and have delivered coal, copper, and a few sapphires .”
Thorin laughed, “Delightful. They still have a sapphire mine going?”
Balin winced, “Somehow, the copper mine is producing quite a bit, however.”
Thorin sighed, “More metalwork for the race of Men.”
Balin nodded, “They do have one female craft dwarf dame coming as well, Brynn, she has asked permission to watch our jewel smiths.”
Thorin absentmindedly nodded, “Of course. Find out who she wants to see and make it so.”
The next twenty minutes passed about how Thorin expected. Ladies Alana, Bele, Gargina, and Alvana made the usual flutterings about meeting a prince. Those that were actually there to do business, he was going to meet tomorrow instead. As soon as politely possible, he made his excuses and stormed to his mother’s chambers.
“Mum!” And then he stopped himself. Two of his mother’s handmaidens were in the chamber as well.
He turned briefly to them, “Leave us.”
They hurried out of the room, and he turned back to her, “Why are you doing this to me, Mum?”
His mother was sitting calmly in her chair like he came storming into her chambers daily, which was unreasonable. He would only have been doing it…twice a week since his father went to campaign in Moria. Perhaps, Mum had a point.
He collapsed down in the chair across from her. Mum smiled calmly at him, “I’ll take from that reaction none of the ladies that attended are your One. Did you meet the craft dwarf dame as well so you could hide from the party altogether?”
Thorin paused, “No, I missed meeting her. I am sure I will see her in the forge, however.”
Mum snorted, “Because you have had so much time for the forge right now?”
Thorin sighed, “I am trying Mum, how does Father do it all?”
Mum sighed, “Your father rarely sleeps, Thorin. Which I am afraid I do not recommend as a strategy. Also while your father is an excellent king, can you tell me one specific childhood memory of him that does not involve training you to be king?”
Thorin opened his mouth… and closed it. He was starting to see his mother’s point.
“But Mum, I am not even married nor with any plans to change that status.”
She sighed, “I am aware of that, I assure you. Did you even talk with the ladies today?”
Thorin shrugged, “None of them were my One so I saw little point in more than the necessary pleasantries. Why?”
Mum’s smile was tight and seemed a bit sad, “Lady Bele’s One died as a child. Lady Alvana was blessed to speak with Mahal and told that she did not have a One and could choose her spouse.”
Thorin sighed, “Is that why they were presented to me?”
Mum shrugged, “You have met almost every dwarf dame that is in existence that is anywhere near an acceptable age gap. The kingdom needs an heir. If you could not bear to leave the forge then the people would accept that your craft is your love. But you can manage to be away from the forge for your people. You are not married to your craft, thus you need to be married.”
“But there have been several unmarried kings whose sisters or brothers have supplied the heirs.” Thorin protested weakly, already aware of the flaw in his logic.
“We are in a time of great change. Mithrandir himself has spoken of this as have our seers. Every great king of change has had a bride by his side.”
Thorin sighed, “What if I am not a king through a time of great change? The seers could be confusing me and Father perhaps?”
The shake of her head felt like a weight slamming on his shoulder, “That is not what Mahal has shown to me.”
“Why does it have to be Mum? It feels like so much weight to bear. The only relief in this burden is that this is not for forever, that Father will be back to take the crown again.”
“You know as well as I that your Father may not return from Moria. You have to take up the cloak and lead our people. Durin’s Folk are strong and hardy, I believe in your ability to do this.”
Thorin opened his mouth to argue when the door slammed open and Dis came running in, “Mum, why did you leave the betrothal feast early?”
Mum smiled softly at Dis, “I doubted you would notice, my diamond. You were sparkling so much in the presence of Villi.”
Dis smiled, “Mahal has chosen well.”
Mum nodded, “Certainly an unexpected choice, but Mahal certainly knows best.”
Thorin snorted, unexpected was one word for it. No one had expected Dis’s One to be an Iron Hills miner. They had met by pure chance but there had been no doubt when you saw them together, that Villi truly was her one.
The door slammed open again and Frerin came stomping into the room, “Mum! Why did nobody warn me that a new contingent of suitors for Thorin had arrived?”
The glare sent from Mum was the steely queenly glare Thorin had seen her send hardened criminals.
Frerin plopped down at Thorin’s feet while Dis sat on the footrest.
Mum’s glare lightened just the thinnest sliver, “If you visited your office on a more regular basis, you would be aware of the trade caravans.”
Frerin groaned, “But why would I want to do that? Thorin would have me doing work before I could say Prince-Regent.”
Thorin growled, “Because I need help!”
Frerin shrugged, “Papa seems to do just fine.”
Thorin sighed, “Because he has me helping him.”
Frerin moaned, “Why cannot Dis or Villi do it then?”
Dis’s glare joined their mother’s, “I am trying to plan a royal wedding. If you are determined to be of absolutely no help to Thorin, you could at least be trying to meet a dwarf dame in the hope of finding your own. I may not be helping with paperwork right now but I am at least working to secure the next generation of heirs.”
Thorin and Frerin groaned at that, “Dis, I promise you. I do not want to think of that.”
Thorin nodded along with his brother until Dis shot back, “So you will not be thanking me, brother, if I supply heirs so that you have to stop looking for your non-existent One.”
For the first time, the words stung, and he shot back, “You do not know that. She is out there, I know it.” Okay so he didn’t know it. He had no clue whether he did or not. But surely surely Mahal wouldn’t ask him to carry this burden all alone? Surely Mahal had known he could not do this alone?
Dis opened her mouth to respond but Mum put her hand expertly over her mouth. “Enough. All of you. If I did not know better, I would say you were squabbling children, not royalty in the house of Erebor. Frerin, you will be helping your brother with paperwork or meeting every woman of the caravan, your choice. Dis, you know very well how hard it can be before meeting your One. Do not tease your brother in such a way. Both your brothers are very excited to welcome Villi to the family. And let him know his lessons with Balin start tomorrow.”
Somehow Dis managed to squeak a word in, “Lessons?”
Mum did not bat an eye, “Your husband-to-be in less than a month will be the father of the heirs unless Thorin finds his One. He has quite a few lessons to learn, Balin is quite excited about his new pupil.”
Thorin and Frerin exchanged looks, a combination of “poor Villi” and honestly “poor Balin”. Villi was a very kind, gifted miner, and carver, and loved their sister dearly. However, neither of them had gotten the impression that Villi was a scholar.
The look Dis had on her face, seemed to support that theory.
Mum had continued, however, “Thorin I want you to meet this Brynn as well as spend time with Lady Bele and Lady Alvana. Perhaps one of them is your One.”
Thorin slowly nodded, “But I have already met them.”
Mum’s nod had the look of someone who was losing her patience, “Lady Bele or Lady Alvana would make a fine queen. Neither has a One. Perhaps you can fall in love in the way of Men. Or perhaps not. But Thorin, you need a queen.”
He nodded and left her chambers. Back to his office then, if he was supposed to charm one of them into deciding to marry him. He tried to remember: was Lady Bele the brunette or the redhead? Lady Alvana was the one with the bells in her beard or was that Lady Bele? Lady Alvana had something unique in her beard… Oh Mahal blast it all! He was going to have to ask Balin again, was he not?
In his office was another messenger, “A message from the king, your highness.”
Thorin wearily nodded, “I will take it.”
Thorin glanced down at the note, most of it was a report of how the battle was going fairly good. The bottom passage was what killed him though.
Your mother wrote that a trade caravan would be coming home. I hope this message comes in a moment of great joy in your life. Your mother is the most priceless gift, Mahal has given me. If not, then you need to get on that immediately Thorin. You need a queen more than you can understand. If you think the crown weighs heavily now, imagine how much harder it will weigh when you must deal with everything your mother handles daily. The weaver’s guild, the budget, the dwarf dame’s needs, and more. You must marry Thorin. There is simply nothing else to it. But again, I’m sure you’ve met your own and this lecture is for nothing, your mother had a good feeling about this one.
Thorin crumpled up the letter, how? How did his father do this to him every single time? He felt like a tiny little boy again who knew nothing of kingship. Every single time. How?
He did not remember falling asleep but he assumed that must have happened when he awoke to parchment sticking to his face again.
He heard a knock on the door and realizing that must have been what woke him up, he quickly spoke. “Enter!”
In strode Balin, “Where have you been Thorin?”
Thorin blinked and decided that it was not a rhetorical question, “Well Balin I am generally within hands reach of Dwalin unless I am in my office. Am I in my office?”
Balin rounded on him, “This is not the time for playing games.”
Thorin sighed, “I fell asleep doing paperwork, again. I presume Dwalin is outside the door.”
Balin nodded, “Your highness, Dwalin needs sleep as well.”
Thorin sighed, “I will try to do better about sleeping in my bed. What did you need?”
Balin sighed, “Your mother has been searching for you. She wants you to have mid-morning tea with her and the ladies.”
Thorin groaned, “Balin, must I?”
Balin nodded, “You must.”
Thorin strode into the chamber, and quietly sat down. The tea had started without him. For Lady Alvana and Lady Gargina, he was not their type. He made a mental note to suggest Lady Alvana to Mum for Frerin, maybe. Mum might still get a son married out of this even if it wasn’t him. He saw no reason to talk to Lady Alana if she was not his One nor was he hers. Lady Bele, on the other hand, he turned and tried to apply himself to the conversation. But it went something like this:
“Lady Bele, how was the trip?”
“It was quite long and dangerous my lord.”
“How do you like Erebor?”
“It seems very nice what I have seen of it so far, nothing like the Blue Mountains, of course.”
“How so, Lady Bele?”
At that, she had blushed and had not answered.
“What is your favorite part of your home, Lady Bele?”
“I am sure that I could never do it justice, your highness.”
Thorin sighed, “May I be blunt Lady Bele?”
She slowly nodded and Thorin continued, “You do not want to be here do you?”
Lady Bele sighed, “I will concede I do not your highness. I miss the Blue Mountains. My father insisted on this trip before allowing me to dedicate myself to my craft.”
Thorin nodded, “He expected you to be getting married for so long.”
She nodded, “Just so your highness, I think if I had never had a One. We would not be in this mine cart. But here we are.”
Thorin nodded, “What is your craft of choice, Lady Bele?”
Bele’s smile lit up her face for the first time, “Weaponry.”
Thorin snorted, “Of course it is. Ask Her Highness to introduce you to Princess Dis. I suspect you will be fast friends.”
She smiled, “Thank you for your understanding, your highness.”
Thorin nodded and quietly walked over to where his mother stood, “Mum, Gargina wants a Firebeard. Alvana would be a better match for Frerin than me. Alana wants to meet her One. Bele wants to go home. Can I get back to work now?”
Her face never changed but her eyes showed disappointment, “Of course my dear. Thank you for humoring me.”
Back to his office, he went where he had been for less than fifteen minutes when Frerin came stomping in with Dis on his heels.
Thorin raised an eyebrow, “To what do I owe this pleasure?”
Dis snorted, “I came to escort Frerin to his paperwork. And I wanted to see your ideas on the wedding jewelry.”
Thorin nodded, relieved that he had completed his ideas before the betrothal dinner last night.
He carefully picked up all of the mining contracts, trade contracts, and metal rights and dumped them onto the pile of papers on Frerin’s temporary desk.
“Here you are brother dear. Good luck!”
Dis snorted, “Do not forget Balin is in the other room doing lessons with Villi so there’s no escape.”
Thorin left the room and turned in the direction of his forge. “Dis, what made you come to decide to save me from paperwork?”
Dis snorted, “You seemed stressed last night. Also, the crafts dame wants to watch you work so it might as well be on my wedding jewelry?”
Thorin stopped in the middle of the corridor, “Me? Why?”
Dis shrugged, “Clearly not for your eloquence with words.”
Thorin walked into his forge, “So I was thinking: a mithril set…”
Dis looked over the ideas, oohing and ahhing in all the appropriate places.
Thorin sighed, “You do not care do you.”
Dis sighed, “You know jewelry has never been my strong point. I am more of a warrior.”
Thorin snorted, “You do remember, I had to deal with all the male dwarves you dismissed as not being your One, right? Several of them were injured from your trials by combat to get them to leave you alone. Several were crying. One is still in mourning.”
Dis rolled her eyes, “He was prone to the dramatics without me turning him down. In any case that is not as bad as what Lady Edda did.”
Thorin glanced at her, “I am afraid I do not recall her.”
“I wish I could forget her so easily. She tried to challenge me to combat on the basis that I had biased you against her.”
Thorin snorted, “And this makes her unique how? Someone’s One cannot be biased against anyways.”
Dis shrugged, “You have not always attracted the smartest women, Thorin. In any case, after I beat her in combat. She kept trying to see you again. So I threatened to sew her into a bag with live weasels and have Dwalin throw her in the river.”
Thorin blinked, “You did what?”
“Threatened to have Dwalin throw her in the river in a bag with live weasels.”
“Live weasels?”
“I figured that was worse than dead weasels.”
Thorin sighed, “How many dwarvish women have you had to threaten?”
Dis shook her head, “Dwarvish women are generally more hardy so just her. Other women who would not mind marrying a Dwarvish king though… That is a different story.”
Thorin felt the beginnings of a headache develop, a different headache than his paperwork headache. This one was much more familiar and named Dis.
“Come on, I want to see the preparations!”
“Preparations already? For what?”
Dis rolled her eyes, “Thorin, you have no idea how long it takes to plan a wedding do you?”
Thorin sighed, “Evidently not. I know how long it takes to make wedding jewelry though when the bride has just approved the ideas though…”
Dis snorted and turned down the corridor for the big banquet hall. Thorin hurried in to catch up. Dis did not even pause but strode over to where one of the weavers was examining which wall the tapestry of Durin should hang.
Thorin peeked around one of the pillars, he did not want to be standing around watching wedding decorations being put up. Although it was better than paperwork. Okay, to be fair, anything was better than paperwork.
Then he saw someone over at the next pillar doing the same thing. He walked over and put a hand on their shoulder. He was not even sure why he did it.
He had just wanted to know who it was. After all, he needed to watch out for Dis who was busy at the moment. Sure, that was it. Or maybe, maybe Mahal had more of a sense of humor than the dwarves had realized and wanted to throw Thorin for quite a mine cart ride.
The moment he put his hand on her shoulder though, that did not matter anymore. All that mattered was finding out who this magical woman was. His breath was gone and his knees felt weak. He felt like, like he had been struck mithril.
Her head turned from the decorations toward him, “Oh! Am I in your way?” Thorin saw her eyes dart up to his crown and back down, “Your highness.”
Thorin shook his head, “You are exactly where you need to be, Lady?”
Their faces were so close that Thorin could see himself in her beautiful brown eyes, “Brynn your highness. I am no Lady though, I am a jewelry smith.”
Thorin saw the moment that it clicked for her too.
He reached down and grabbed her hand, “Perhaps we could talk in my forge?”
The conversation that followed spanned hours. Their childhoods, her adventures to get to Erebor, whether she had siblings or not, Frerin, Dis, his family, and more.
Brynn turned from the drawings of Dis’s wedding jewelry that she had been examining for the last twenty minutes.
“Your highness?”
Thorin smiled softly at her, “Brynn, How many times must I remind you it is Thorin?”
Brynn’s blush made her beard look even prettier.
“I am afraid at least once more my lord.”
Thorin sighed, “What was your question?”
“Is Lady Dis a delicate woman?”
Thorin snorted, “Far from it.”
“Then why did you design her jewelry to be so light and delicate? It would be better for a more delicate woman.”
Thorin slowly nodded, “Perhaps I was more focused on its place in family history rather than what Dis would prefer.”
“What if instead the crown was gold and heavier with accents of mithril?”
Thorin nodded seeing the idea in his mind, quickly sketching the idea as it came into his head.
The knock on the door reminded him of responsibilities, “Come in!”
Frerin poked his head in, “Design work while I am stuck doing paperwork? No fair!”
Frerin looked prepared to continue but Thorin cut him off.
“Frerin, I am honored to present to you, Lady Brynn of the Blue Mountains, a jewelry-smith and my One.”
Thorin turned and stared at Brynn, she had a glow as if she could not have been happier in that moment. He could not wait to introduce her to everyone. If either of them had been paying attention to Frerin, they would have seen the look of absolute shock cross his face. But they were not paying attention. So they did not see it. Mahal did though and thoroughly enjoyed the laugh at Frerrin’s expense.
The next few hours passed in a blur. Time had never passed as quickly as it did with Brynn. Brynn was introduced to Balin, Dwalin, Mum, and Dis. Mum had been ecstatic and shocked. Thorin was surprised to realize that even she had doubted whether he would find his One. He was back in his office with Brynn trying to compose a letter to his father.
“Why don’t you just send him a brief note, ‘I found my One.”
Thorin snorted, “For one, that is not how the relationship with my father goes. Second, since he is in the middle of a fight for Moria, I try not to give him news that will only distract him.”
“So he will be happy being the last to know? I’ve already written my note for my parents, “I’ve found my One. Come at once to Erebor if convenient. If it's not convenient, come anyway.”
Thorin shook his head laughing in shock. “No, my father would not be pleased being the last to know. Your parents won’t be horrified by this?”
Brynnn shrugged, “Not really, Mum will give me grief for not saying your name. But I know Lady Alana and Bele will go back with the messenger and will be more than happy to share.”
Thorin sighed and penned, ‘Father, I have found my One. She is Brynn of the Blue Mountains and a jewelry smith. We plan to marry a month after Dis and Villi. The kingdom prospers, may Mahal guide your path.’
Brynn peeked over his shoulder, “It does seem rather…more like a prince to a king rather than a son to his father.”
Thorin snorted, “My father has been busy running the kingdom for almost as long as I can remember. He’s an excellent king which means that he rarely got to spend time with any of us. I have spent the most time with him but most of that was training for future duties. Don’t believe me? Ask Dis the last conversation that she has had privately with our father. To make it worse, Frerin and I both know the answer, one conversation before he announced her and Villi’s betrothal. Be prepared, he’ll probably try to talk you out of it too.”
Thorin felt her stare at him in horror, “Why?”
Thorin shrugged, “He wants what’s best for the kingdom, not necessarily what makes us happy.”
Brynn shook her head, “Why?”
Thorin sighed, “Because he’s a good king. He places the kingdom over everything including us.”
Brynn shuddered, “If we are blessed by Mahal to have children will you do that to them?”
Thorin shrugged, “I would love to say I would not. I certainly know my grandfather never acted that way. He was one of my biggest role models growing up.”
Brynn nodded slowly, “Your mother’s father?”
Thorin snorted, “No, my grandfather who was king.”
Brynn slowly nodded, “He wasn’t very popular was he?”
Thorin snorted, “You mean the fact that he was terrible as a king and ended his reign succumbing to gold sickness? Those are both true as well as the fact that he actually made time for his grandchildren even with the gold sickness. Maybe it was the fact that we admired him and would listen to whatever he wished to speak of or maybe it was the fact that we had no power to take gold away. We spent more time in the forge than ever once the gold sickness started.”
Brynn blinked slowly, “You almost miss that part don’t you?”
Thorin absently noted that she sounded horrified, “Kingdoms and legacies weren’t made for children Brynn. They just were not. Every childhood leaves its mark. Some of them are sweet notes to parents, others end with not one positive memory of your father.”
“But your mother?”
“Is one of the most wonderful women alive on the earth.”
“How could she love him?”
Thorin laughed softly, “Meet one of my enemies and they would say much the same. The kingdom was a mess after my grandfather’s illness began. My parents got it back into the shape it is today. To answer your earlier question, I would hope that I would be present if Mahal blessed us with children. However I am sure if even Mahal himself asked my father many years ago if he would treat his children this way the answer would be no. Everyone is a hero in their own story after all.”
Brynn sank down into a seat, “I have no idea what I’m getting myself into do I?”
Thorin snorted softly, “You didn’t grow up in this world. You grew up in a world with different problems. Will there be enough food on the table? What will the new quotas be on mining etc? I grew up in a world where my decisions meant who lived and who died. I help make and ruin lives. People speak my name with reverence and fear. Mahal knows you can do this.”
Brynn shuddered, “What if I don’t think I can?”
Thorin slumped, “You’re my One. I would do almost anything for you.”
“Even give up your throne?”
Thorin shuddered, “If you aren’t serious, do not ever ask that of me again. Who would you curse in my place? Little Frerin who is grown but still does not understand responsibility. Or perhaps Dis who has already taken on making sure there are heirs for the next generation? Who has Villi by her side who is in no way prepared to take the role of consort onto his shoulders?”
Brynn almost seemed to sink into herself. “How do you do this?”
Thorin shrugged, “This is my world. I know nothing else.”
Brynn stared at him, “Do all kings make sacrifices like this so that the rest of us can live more peaceful lives?”
Thorin sighed, “How else can the world be protected?”
Brynn sighed, “I will learn Thorin. I swear to you, I will be the queen you need.”
Thorin shook his head, “Be yourself, just be yourself.”
Years had passed, just as they always do. The years had progressed in ways Thorin never would have expected. Father never returned from Moria. Frerin had taken up the mantle of Moria now. Thorin worried that he would never return. Villi had fallen too. Assassins were never ending when in a family of royalty. Brynn was still by his side, ruling as the beautiful and brilliant queen he knew Mahal had seen for her. The pattering of little feet startled him from his paperwork and two little dwarves ran into the room. “Uncle Thorin, Mum said we couldn’t go to the festival.”
Thorin swung Filli and Killi up, “No worries, boys. Uncle Thorin can convince her! Where is that sister of mine?”
A dry voice at the door made him smile, “You really think you can convince Dis?”
Killi squirmed out of Thorin’s arms, “Auntie Brynn!”
She caught him with ease, “You think Uncle Thorin can get your Mum to change her mind?”
Filli chimed in, “If Grandmum and you help, he can!”
Thorin snorted, “I appreciate the vote of confidence boys.”
Brynn sent the boys out the door with a smile and , “Go find Grandmum she will be able to convince your Mum.”
She turned to Thorin, “Are you really going to tell her they need to go?”
Thorin sighed, “I know why she’s nervous, but Filli is heir. He at least has to be at the public Mahal festival.”
Brynn snorted, “Remember that logic.”
Thorin stared at her, “Why?” He felt suddenly very suspicious.
“Thorin, Mahal has answered our prayers. I’m pregnant.”
Thorin felt his chest tighten yet loosen at the same time. “Mahal has blessed us?”
Brynn nodded, “He truly has.”
Thorin nodded, “I’ll tell the boys they can’t go to the festival. Dis has the right of it way too dangerous. For them or the queen.”
Brynn snorted, “How quickly my king changes his opinion.”
“What can I say that you appeal to my better nature?”
Brynn rolled her eyes, “The War minister says I am your better nature.”
“The first wise thing he has ever said.”
Brynn just laughed.
“What can I say, my treasure? You were what I was in want of to be complete.”
“You flatter me, I was simply the nail to complete the project.”
