Duke Vermil licks his lips. “It seems I’m not the only one with such desires. I bid one thousand and fifty denarii.”
My stomach sinks. If anything, the price increase made this male want me more. I know Kairyn said we only had to talk with these people, but I don’t think that’s what this duke has in mind.
“Five thousand denarii,” the girl says. I try to get a look at her through the crowd. She has straight black hair and smoke-lined eyes.
The duke’s face blanches. “It seems someone knows more than me.”
“Six thousand,” another bidder says, a burly man near the back of the hall.
Kairyn gives a huff of approval, watching this play out. I meet Dayton’s wide eyes, concern on his features. He doesn’t like this any more than I do. What are these people going to expect of me with this much money on the line?
“My master will bid twenty thousand,” the slight girl says.
“Thirty thousand,” the duke hisses, spittle foaming from beneath his teeth.
“Forty thousand,” says the fae in the back.
My heart rate increases and sweat beads on my brow, threatening to ruin my paint.No, no, no.I don’t want to be here anymore. I told Dayton I could do this, but I’m not sure I can. If I use my thorns to protect myself, our ruse will be up and—
“One hundred thousand denarii,” the girl says. “My master would like to bid one hundred thousand.”
The room goes silent. Even the musicians pause.
“One hundred thousand denarii,” the auctioneer stutters and looks at Kairyn.
“Sold,” Kairyn says. “If your master can pay.”
“I assure you he can,” the girl says confidently.
“Very well,” Kairyn says and looks at me. “The deal is done.”
The duke scrunches his face up in anger, then stalks away.
“Come with me, miss,” the slight girl says as she walks over. Her red eyes glint with mirth.
Wait. Red eyes …
“Astrid?”
She gives a little giggle and takes my hand. “Shush. I’m in disguise.”
My nerves calm, and I follow her through the crowd. She’s heading for a private room, hidden by black curtains. None of this makes any sense. What is she doing here, away from Castletree? Who is her master? The only person she’s ever called master is Keldarion. He can’t be here, can he? He’s supposed to be in the Below.
Then I feel it, something burning deep into my chest. For a wild moment, I know if I grabbed one of these wild will-o’-wisps, it would lead a light straight beyond those veiled black curtains.
“Just through here,” Astrid says as she pulls back the veil and ushers me through.
But it’s not Keldarion lounging on the chaise inside.
It’s the Prince of Thorns.
His lips curve into a tantalizing smile. “Why, hello there, little siren.”
CHAPTER 70
Dayton
Atrail of drool leaks from the woman’s mouth onto the floor. The others in this alcove aren’t faring much better. Ladies of the Below are sprawled out around me, snoring. I suppose they’re not used to our Summer wine.
