Chapter 43

"I t-truly do. Th-Thank you, Riftan."

Riftan lowered his head to kiss Maxi. When she took a step back in surprise, he simply turned to the merchant.

"My wife is pleased, and you arrived two days earlier than expected. For that, I'll reward you with fifty percent above the price we agreed upon."

"It is my honor, Lord Calypse! We sped day and night to fulfill your lordship's request."

Maxi buried her face in the mare's mane to hide her flushed cheeks. Mortified that Riftan had put on such a display of affection, she peered around to study people's reactions.

When he finished talking to the merchant, Riftan put his arm around her shoulders.

"Let's go up to our room. I have more gifts waiting for you."

"Th-There's more?"

Riftan pointed to the chests being unloaded from the wagon. "Every one of those is filled with gifts for you."

Maxi's jaw dropped. There were enough chests to fill an entire room.

"I've instructed the servants to bring them up to our room. Come."