The Adventures of Charls, the Veretian Cloth Merchant

Updated Review 06/29

Charls, the cloth merchant is probably the most entertaining character in the whole series and it's so much fun reading about everyone from his perspective.

- Prince Laurent aka young Charls wants to accompany Charls on his trade trip to Aegina and he is delighted.
- I don't think there is anyone more loyal or who admires Laurent more than Charls. He just adores his prince.
- Laurent is there to save the day when another merchant Makon spreads misinformation about Charls.
- I love that the name Damen goes by with the group is essentially a Damen Laurent ship name “Lamen” .. it's hilarious.
- Their horses are poisoned and it's Lamen's forewarning that prevents most of them from being killed.
- They rest at a small inn, not their usual fare and a fight breaks out because not all people still like the alliance.
- Laurent saves a farmer boy and they hide out along with Charls behind a table.. and Laurent is throwing olives at the people who are fighting... Can you believe it... He is absolutely hilarious !!!!
- Charls asks Lamen to cook a dead rabbit because his precious Prince's hands are not made to hold dead things. And Lamen obviously has no clue what to do with it either... 😂😂😂😂
- They all have an intense discussion about the alliance and then the topics veer into how Damen and Lauren possibly fell in love and about their faithful love life. I think Charls feels more embarrassed than the lovers 😀😀
- Apparently the whole trip was Laurent's plan to uncover the illegal slave trade of Makon and it's so heartening to see them save the slaves and provide them safety.
- Charls wants to advise Lamen about his relationship with the Prince because he is now the lover of King Damianos.
“Charls,” said Lamen, “I'd work my whole life to be worthy of him.”

- Charls is glad his Prince will have an unswerving companion like Lamen by his side.
- He is delighted to receive invitations to be a part of the ascension celebrations and then King Laurent introduces him to King Damianos. That ending is just soooo funny.
“Why are you dressed up like the King?” 😂😂😂😂

This was the most fun I had while reading this series. Charls is a very appealing character and his perspective is super funny. And I love his devotion for his Prince. I just wish there were more stories after.

First Thoughts
This series has been more about tension and intrigue and angst for me, but this short story is hilarious and brings a whole new fun element to our favorite fantasy world. Charls is adorable, his loyalty to his Prince is commendable and I loved getting to know him better.

This story also gives us a little more insight into the kind of Kings Damon and Laurent would be, their convictions and the lengths to which they would go to do right by their people. It felt very good to read about them again and I wish the author would keep writing short stories in this world.