Chapter 5 #2
“Extremely,” I cut in. “You said I committed sacrilege!”
His jaw ticks. “No, I merely implied it.”
What could a fae prince want with a tomb in Avedor? It explains why he tried to question me when we first met, but not his scorn. My glare hardens. “You still shamed me and ruined my trade for the bezoar. Why, if you don’t despise raiders?”
“You had a spiritual talisman that belonged to my people—a family killed by yours. It deserved to be treated with care, not hawked in a market like a trinket.” His gaze dips in sorrowful reverence.
“I understand why it was important to you. But I was desperate,” I quietly reply.
“She was dying.” If he hadn’t butted in, maybe the hag would’ve taken the statuette instead of asking for the sapphire, the lapis lazuli bracelet, and his ring.
That bracelet would’ve fetched so many marks, and I couldn’t wait to add to Evie’s dowry.
Then a derisive laugh bubbles out of my throat, directed at myself. Now, the dowry remains just as pitiful as before. A scar could never mar Evie’s beauty to me, but if the men nearby are that shallow. . . I feel sick thinking about it.
“You don’t raid tombs just for the thrill,” the prince continues. “You want to provide for your family. Yet, you must be running out of tombs nearby.”
I leave the safety of the doorway, halving the distance between us. My hands curl into fists; I hate how easily he reads me. “And?”
The cold intensity in his eyes belongs to someone who knows what he wants and expects to get it. “If you help me, you could have the wealth to provide for them for life.”
For life. His rings glow in the moonlight, and I notice the subtle embroidery on his tunic collar. He might be able to promise me that wealth, but not without a price.
“One raid, and you could have everything you’ve ever wanted,” he reiterates.
I approach him until I’m close enough to see flecks of gold in his hazel eyes, but I don’t dare let go of the dagger I’m levitating. “I have no reason to trust you.”
He mirrors my lean toward him, one I didn’t even realize I’d made. His brows furrow, like he’s trying to solve a mystery, and the only answer is within me. Dropping his voice to a husky whisper, he says, “I can’t do it without you.”
My chest tightens. I can’t explain why. Maybe because no one else has ever asked me to leave Nettlerock for more than an errand or told me that they need my help. Maybe because this is exactly what my parents warned me against: entangling myself with the whims of the fae.
“It’s my magic,” I blurt, remembering how he stared at me after I swapped our items midair. “There’s a trap you need me to disarm, or something like that.”
He nods.
“But I’m an Average. Surely you could find someone else with my Gift, another fae, even.”
The prince’s determination doesn’t waver. “I want you.”
I shiver, and it’s not just the cool night air on my bare skin.
“I know what you want in exchange,” he continues. “Every coin, jewel, or artifact we find in that tomb, you can keep. All of the treasure is yours except for the one item I’m after.”
There has to be a catch. I narrow my eyes. “What if there’s no treasure?”
“There will be. And if there isn’t, I’ll compensate you.” He lowers my dagger blade with a single finger and then bows his head as if supplicating to me. “Please, Cynthia.”
My name.
My heartbeat quickens. He must’ve eavesdropped on my family to know it, and that’s how he knew my weaknesses. Our poverty, my impulsiveness, my love for my sister. I feel exposed, like he’s skinned me and taken a look inside.
I regain control of my dagger and realign it underneath his chin. “Whose tomb is it?”
He’s silent for several seconds, no doubt reveling in my anticipation. “Olin, the fourth king of Avedor. Up for the challenge?”
Dear gods, a king? There has to be enough treasure in there to feed not just my family but the entire village!
And the life I could give Evie. . . It would be beyond what I’ve ever hoped for.
A wardrobe full of silk and velvet gowns.
Rouge for her cheeks, tinted balm for her full lips.
She could marry anyone, even the scion of a noble.
It wouldn’t matter if I didn’t send a single mark home from the adventurers’ guild.
My family would never have to work again.
I don’t know if I can ever make amends for Evie’s scar, but she could have bustiers adorned with lace to cover it. No, I’m thinking too small. I could find a healer better than Slagbend’s priest, one who could mend it for good.
Yet, I hesitate. Who knows how long I’d be gone, burdening my parents with not only Evie’s chores while she recovers, but my own too? I might not even make it back home. A king’s tomb would be guarded by an army of draugr, maybe even wights like the one I fought today. I could die.
But I think of all the tombs I’ve plundered and survived. If anything, tomb raiding has enabled me to live.
Even if it was almost the death of my sister.
A breeze billows his tunic, the unlaced grommets revealing more of his taut chest. In the glowing light of the swollen moon, I can tell he’s brawny despite his lean frame, not one for idle work like I imagined princes would be.
He raises a dark brow. “Too stunned to speak or too busy staring?”
I break my gaze, clearing my throat as a debate whirls through my mind.
“Too smart to agree without thinking it over.” The excitement is fire in my veins and tightness in my lungs.
And it’s not just about the treasure, but the challenge, the thrill of it.
Could I break into Olin’s tomb and survive? Would I risk death to find out?
Would I leave everything I’ve known for a chance at a life even better than the one I’ve always dreamt of?
“Your answer?” he asks.
My heart pounds. Yes. Yes.
I wince, then sigh. Maybe Mom and Dad are right.
I’m not strong enough to survive a king’s tomb.
Not when a single draugr wight almost cost Evie and me our lives.
My magic isn’t a weapon or even a paltry shield.
It’s a parlor trick. A disappointment. Besides, what kind of daughter would I be if I didn’t pick up the slack while Evie heals?
“I can’t,” I answer bitterly.
He stiffens like those two little words are more of a threat to him than my blade. “If you change your mind, I’ll be in Mythos until the day after tomorrow. You can find me at the Hawthorn Inn.”
Then he leaves me, heading down the path that leads out of Nettlerock toward Mythos.
And I’m left wondering if I’ve just passed up the opportunity I’ve waited my whole life for.