“But, now my curiosity is piqued,” I whined, batting my eyelashes and hoping it came across more flirtatious than ridiculous. “Just whisper it in my ear. I’ll never tell a soul.” I pressed my hands to his chest in earnest, drawing his gaze there.
“I know you wouldn’t do anything...” he trailed off, considering it.I can’t tell her. If King Gaspar found out she knew, I’d lose my head.His eyes raised to mine. “Sadly, rules are rules.”
That truly was unfortunate. “What if I guess correctly, hmm?” I ran a finger along my lips thoughtfully, drawing his attention there. He made it too easy. It was times like this where I understood why men feared my Gift. Before he could argue, I began guessing. “Is it the King’s name?” That would be horribly egotistical. And completely like King Gaspar.
He smiled, but refused to answer.She’ll never guess.
“Mmm, something other than a name maybe.” I watched him carefully for a sign that I was getting closer. “Maybe his favorite food...” no reaction, “or a pet...” still nothing, “or... something to do with the treasure itself...”
How did she—no, don’t respond, she’ll give up if you don’t let her know how close she is.
This I could work with. “Maybe it’s... the number of coins in the treasury?” I sincerely hoped it wasn’t or I’d be here guessing all night. “Or maybe a painting... or, oh, is it jewelry?” I trailed off, running out of ideas. “Maybe a weapon of some sort?”
He was scowling now.This isn’t possible. If she guesses jade dagger, I’ll need to interrogate her to find out which soldier leaked the information.
I sighed, slouching a little in defeat. “I give up. It’s probably something impossible like a secret lover’s name, isn’t it? This isn’t nearly as exciting as I’d hoped. If you’ll excuse me, Captain, I’m off to find dessert.”
“Yes, of course,” he replied, and his relief was palpable.
I listened for his thoughts as I turned away to find Kadin, hoping I hadn’t been too obvious. Not a single one about me. Because after all, what would a girl like me ever do with that information?
CHAPTER 20
Kadin
THE WAITING WAS THEhardest part. Arie met me on the balcony right at sunset and swore she’d learned the code, but refused to tell me her methods.
“Jade dagger?” I scrunched my nose at the surprising choice. “Are you certain? I thought for sure it’d be his niece or a favorite pet.”
Arie shrugged. “So did I.”
“I don’t know why I trust you,” I told her honestly as we strolled to the ledge to admire the view of the open sea. “I barely know you.”
Her eyes narrowed. “If you put me through all that just to say you don’t trust me, I swear on a Jinni I might hurt you.”
“Only one way to find out, I suppose.” I grinned and changed the subject. “Can I just say how pretty you look?”
