An entire quarter of a minute passed between us, but it felt like time had stopped entirely. There was nothing but kindling hate as we stared into each other’s ardor, neither wanting to back down. But then, strangely, he began tolaugh.
Cyrus rolled his eyes. I didn’t know what else to do but watch him in his deranged snickering until it slowed and tapered off into a reserved, albeit smug smile.
“That was good. How long did you have that one stored?” he asked.
“What?”I asked.
“We should go. It’s getting late,” he told me. His voice was calm.
I knotted my arms. “I’m not leaving,” I said.
“Fine.” He nodded once. “Enjoy the bugs then.”
Cyrus began to gather our rides. I watched him for another moment.
“What are you doing?” I asked. “You can’tabandonme!”
He stopped and glanced at me, unconvinced. “You sure?”
“D-Don’t,” I said. “Don’t abandon me. …Please?”
“Moments ago, you begged me to leave. Why the change of heart?” he asked.
“…You…” I scrambled for an excuse. “You have information,” I said. “About Sam and Agatha. I want it. And I will not relent until I get what I want.”
“And you think thehorsesare spoiled, yeah?” His look became more serious as he approached. “Do you like ordering people around as it pleases you, Princess?”
I gave him a theatrical shrug. “I am a monarch;that’s literally what I do.”
“Fine,” he said. “I’ll play. Ask.”
“I knew you wou-! Wait. Did you say fine?” I asked. “Why did you give up so easily?”
“Because I want to give you what you want, Princess,” he said. His brow moved in a mischievous way that suited him.
“Y-You do?” I asked.
“Yes… But there’s a price, of course,” he said.
“A-A price?”
“Yes. You want something from me. I want something in return,” he said.
“He said to thePrincess!”
“I haven’t forgotten who you are,” he replied. “You hardly make it easy. In fact, you make quite the impression on a man. I’m sure you are well aware of what I mean when I say that. Playcoy all you want, but I’ve done very poorly to hide my feelings on your affect. Haven’t I?”
“I… Mr. Evergreen… I…I am absolutely certain youareflirting with me now,” I said.
“I’m insulting you, but whatever’s clever, I suppose.”
“I, uh.” I flustered. “W-What do you want from me? Copper? Or is it gold?” I asked.
“I don’t want your money,” he said. “I have money.”
“N-No?”
“No. And I want to preface this– you don’thaveto give me what I want,” he said. “But the information… It’s well-kept for a reason. I have to set a proper cost.”
