“And Plain Rock?”
“Soldiers as well, and they are also negotiating with a few settlements to the east on our behalf.”
“I see. And what about the Semi-Humans?”
I hesitate. No one outside a small group of people knows the official number of living Semi-Humans, which is less than two hundred. “We have enough who are willing to help.”
“And how many Raiders live in Denver? How many can they call on from across Colorado?”
“We don’t know for sure. Our estimates—”
“—are worth shit.” He holds my gaze. “Find out more about how many troops Denver truly has and how easily those lizard men can be killed, then come back to ask for my support. As it stands, I have a lot more to lose than to gain, and that does not feel like a smart business deal.”
I don’t believe we can get the information he’s asking for anytime soon, and I suspect he knows that. “We want to purchase jetpacks,” I say, which is what Dino instructed me to do if I couldn’t secure High Hope’s direct support.
“How many?”
“How many do you have?”
He smiles. “Business negotiations are my favorite kind, but we shall continue after my ball tomorrow.”
I nod, feeling there is one more angle I should try, despite the risk. “Perhaps,” I say, weighing every word, “we might avoid war altogether by speaking directly with the Raiders’ leader. His name is Hector. Negotiating with him can save a lot of lives.” I don’t believe that for a second, but I’m watching the king like a hawk, searching for any telling sign. Unfortunately, the man remains unreadable, or maybe I’m not in his league.
“Negotiation is always preferable to war,” he says with a nod.
“Can you perhaps think of a way for us to get in contact with Denver?”
“Now, why on earth would I know that?”
I can tell by his tone that I stepped out of line. It’s time for me to leave before I make things worse. “Sorry, sir. Do you mind if I return to my room? It’s been a long day.”
“Of course. See yourself out.”
Chapter 11
Caden
“You slept well,” Timothy says when I open my eyes.
I rub my face. “How can you tell?”
“I monitored your heartbeat and didn’t detect any irregularities. You should be fully energized for the ball tonight.”
I get out of bed and start my morning stretches. This soft bed has done a number on my back. “I’m not really into these sorts of events.”
“Then look at it as a chance to spend more time with Finn.”
“And why would I want that?”
“Don’t get coy with me, young man. This journey has been good to you two.”
I can’t deny that.I stretch my legs by resting each one on the bed and leaning forward to hold my foot. “He’ll probably be busy playing politics all night. His meeting with the king didn’t go well.”
Timothy climbs on the bed to face me. “We knew that the king was inclined to join us, but his refusal to sell us any jetpacks will be a lot more telling.”
“Sure, but he also seems fishy.”
“He’s a ruler of a successful city during a very dark part of human history—a level of fishiness is required. Even in the old days, politicians were known for such behavior.”
