"Not bad," Nicolas said as he looked Ras over. "We should be on our way."

He still couldn't believe he had convinced Elisaley's Royal Librarian to leave the library, though it was half in the name of books. And as second prince, he could have ordered Ras to accompany him, but...

"You've promised books," Ras reminded him.

"A date at the holiday market, including books," Nicolas corrected, laughing. He had enough silver coins in his pockets to buy the whole stall he'd heard about, if needed.

"Fine," Ras replied.

And every coin was well spent.

#wss366