CHAPTER SIXTEEN #3
Corvin and I exchanged a worried look as the sounds of angry shouting spilled forth from behind the study’s closed doors.
I strained my ears, trying to decipher Kharum’s words.
“She knew the name! Battle of Tryadatva…lost to history…more copies!…lying about its value!…better have been an honest mistake. I report to the queen!” I cringed, finally comprehending the consequences of my earlier blunder.
Evidently, Kharum had not been entirely convinced by my attempt to backtrack.
Was the Battle of Tryadatva really lost to history?
How many books in my library were rare in the wider realm?
I didn’t realize how precious my collection truly was…
The shouting eventually ceased. Had they worked out a deal?
Despite my influence? When Kharum finally departed, he clutched his satchel to himself protectively.
Plus one rare book? I breathed a sigh of relief.
If I managed to sour our relationship with Rogam already, the next phase of our plan was not going to go well.
He didn’t call for us right away.
Just when enough time had passed for a burgeoning swell of panic to strike me, one of the serving staff appeared at my elbow.
“Rogam will see you now.” I nodded stiffly, rising from the table.
The small stretch between the dining room and the study loomed large, my fear and trepidation causing the hallway to stretch ominously in my mind.
Corvin and I entered together to find Rogam sitting in an armchair by the fireplace.
He looked up as we approached, gesturing to the twin set of armchairs across from him.
“Thank you for your patience. I’m eager to learn more about your needs. I value my repeat customers, of course. But I must admit, I have a penchant for novelty above all else.”
I relaxed a degree at the cordial tone of his voice.
He didn’t sound angry or resentful over the book transaction.
Rogam uncorked the bottle of amber liquid sitting on the small end table between us.
“I prefer to save the high-quality liquor for my business dealings. Would you care for some?” Corvin and I both politely accepted a glass.
Tentatively, I took a small sip. This drink was much sweeter than the wine.
Finally, something drinkable! I gulped more down, relieved I enjoyed the taste and I wouldn’t have to worry about offending Rogam.
Corvin seemed to enjoy its taste as well.
Rogam held his glass loosely in his left hand, swirling the drink, looking thoughtful.
“Tell me—what brings you to my manor?” An edge of genuine curiosity laced his words.
Slowly, I took another drink, bracing myself.
I hoped the backstory Corvin and I concocted on our travels would seem believable.
“My fiancé comes from a prestigious military family. A long line of banshee warriors. The spirit of his great-great-grandmother clung so fiercely to the land that she has twice returned to guide a warrior bearing her bones. They…disapprove of our relationship. The details are irrelevant. But I need something to endear me to them. Something that would appeal to a military family.” I finished the contents of my glass.
“Something so valuable that they couldn’t help but accept me.
I would pay a large price for something like that.
” I leaned forward, laying it on thick. “And keep on paying.”
The moment of truth. Would he bite? The back of my neck flushed from the anticipation—or from the alcohol. Perhaps I shouldn’t have drunk it all so quickly.
Rogam continued to swirl his glass lazily, not yet taking a drink.
“I do have something that would appeal to a military family’s sensibilities.
One of my greatest acquisitions. It would most certainly require a lifetime of payment.
Of course, I could also offer you something more affordable—a relic with a powerful spirit slumbering within.
That would do the trick. I have a knack for finding them, powerful relics.
I dare say it has endeared me to Queen Elasha in the past.” Rogam was still speaking, but I began to have a harder and harder time focusing on his meaning. Maybe I really did drink too much.
I shook my head, as if I could shake off the heavy cloud seeping into my mind.
What did Rogam just say again? Something about making a choice?
My head swam dizzily. “I would rather be…in debt to you for life…than pass up the chance…to gain my in-laws’ approval.
” I managed to respond, though each word required far more effort than was normal to spit out.
Was this what happened when you drank heavily?
My eyes darted to Corvin, trying to send him a subtle sign that something was wrong with me.
He looked confused, eyes uncharacteristically glazed over.
As I watched him, his head slumped forward onto his chest, the glass dropping from his hand, shattering at his feet in a loud cacophony, each shard clinking against the marble floor.
“Hel— Helpp…” I reached for Corvin, tongue thick, my plea for help coming out slurred.
I tried to stand, only to fall to my knees.
The room became a confusing whirl of light and color—everything spinning, spinning, spinning out of my control.
Soon, even the colors started to fade, my vision rapidly blurring into nothingness.
I collapsed onto the floor, a dry heave racking my body.
Rogam peered down at me, a callous sneer etched across his face.
It was the last thing I saw before everything went black.