Free Outcast (The Blue Dragon's Geas) by Cheryl Matthynssens

Too many times, he had felt that the high circle did not take the threat of far off lands seriously enough. In addition, trading with these lands brought in goods that could not be produced with the local craftsman. His free hand fingered the silk of his robes. That material was one such item brought in by the trading fleet. Luthian knew that the large ships were impressive sailing into port and would give far off leaders pause. If Lerdenian trading ships were so impressive, what would their warships bring?  Magic was innate in the Lerdenian people, a fact that he had made sure was well known in other ports.
    Luthian roused from his musings and downed his glass. He held it out without turning, and a young hand took it from him. He turned from the balcony, his silken robes flowing about a moment behind his body, the swish of silk a warning to those close by. Women stilled and eyes dropped as the Minister swept from the room. The smell of food waft ed to him as he passed. It would still be there when he returned. In fact, if he took too long, it would be replaced with fresh offerings before he ever stepped into the room. Yes, life as the minister was quite pleasant indeed.
    Luthian did not pause as he entered the room where his stable lord waited. The doors opened by two armored and shorter men, their  drab brown hair and short statures giving way that they were of Daezun blood. In comparison, despite his age, Luthian was tall and lithe. His light blue robes flowed about him. They hid the drain that the constant use of magic pulled from him. His hair, a long straight length, was bleached white and he kept it drawn back with a matching band of blue. His eyes sparkled much like the streets, a soft lavender and silver. Despite his lithe form, he was commanding in his presence, and rare was it that all eyes did not move to him when he entered. Despite the striking handsome face of the man, he was like marble, cold and hard, and his piercing eyes held no tenderness.
    The stable lord, Veaneth, kneeled as he entered. “I bring news that I think will please you, Master Luthian."  The man almost whined his words. His eyes staring at the Minister’s shining black boots.
    Luthian wrinkled his nose for the man often smelled of sour sweat, and his mewling was irritating. “That you are here at such an unseemly hour makes that quite clear Veaneth. Rise and speak your news."  The minister’s voice held the impatience of a man who did not wish to be kept from his dinner. Luthian moved to his desk and sat. He put his booted feet upon the rich wood and leaned back to eye the man. He watched as Veaneth struggled to his feet. The large man was winded from the climb required to cross from the third to the council tier. He held such weakness against the man.
    Veaneth spoke somewhat breathlessly. “The decree to offer women of the first and second tier a higher path has brought forth many volunteers. Already three are confirmed with child."  The man smiled. “It was verified this afternoon.”
    “These women understand that this pass to a higher tier will only occur if the child is born and shows the proper leanings?"  Luthian was clearly pleased at this news. He knew that many of the council disapproved of his decree, but he had managed to sway enough votes to see it passed. He sat with his hands intertwined upon his chest.
    “Yes Minister. I made them sign a contract so there could be no error including a clause of silence. They speak, and they will be sent to the trenches for life."  Veaneth answered swiftly. He moved slightly closer to the desk. He kept his eyes trained upon the Minister's boots.
    “We have twenty seven females and ten males. Needless to say, the ten males took some adjusting, but they are now quite pleased with their fate."  Veaneth chuckled darkly.
    “The Daezun women, their elixirs to prevent child should nearly have worn off, yes?"  Luthian’s question was with clear anticipation.
    “Aye sir, I will have