“That was chivalrous, but stupid,” he said. “You should have at least enjoyed her while you could.”
“Why are you even here?” It was probably the wrong question to ask, but I was never one for asking things at the appropriate time.
“You understand trade. It is your business.” He leaned in towards the bars. He was so close, I could have grabbed him by the throat. “What would you trade for her?”
“I don’t trade women.” The dampness clung to my forehead.
“King Lioran will hear how you took advantage of his wife’s sister—how you attempted to interfere with a finalized marriage pact. When you go back, your future will hang by a rather delicate thread, will it not?” Soren asked. “Your punishment would be most extremeifyou’re allowed to return.”
In passionate moments, I had jeopardized our standing with Estlen. If she had truly been one of our own, he could have easily intervened.
It didn’t matter that they lied about what I had done to her. The damage I caused was already so much greater than their lie.
I knew I shouldn’t, and chose it anyway.
In all the years I had known Lioran, I had never betrayed his trust. I thought I never would.
“If you could take her before our wedding, would you? Would you risk everything for her to go with you?” His voice lowered until I could barely make out each word.
“I would sacrifice everything I have for her.” It was the only certainty I felt.
“And then what?” He asked it like it was some test I was already failing. “Tell me what you’d do when you had her.”
“No.” Whatever sick, twisted game he was playing, I wouldn’t allow him to use her as bait.
“I’m here trying to make a deal with you, and you’re not even going to try. The fae are more pathetic than I thought.”
His insults meant little to me. “What kind of deal?”
“If you mention it to anyone, I shall only deny it.” He twisted the cuff of his tunic at his wrist. “You have little to gain from crossing me.”
I didn’t care to keep his secrets. But I was desperate to know what he could offer. When the silence grew too loud, I nodded.
“You can stop our wedding from happening.” He studied me for the reaction I was adamant not to give him. “I will give you your freedom and hers, but you must take her. I will not defend, nor will I admit, that I aided either of you,” he said. “If you take her, you will have abducted the Princess of Bailoc.”
“This sounds an awful lot like a death sentence.” One that I very much wanted to take to free her, but in that moment there seemed to only be a glimmer of one. And if I wasn’t left standing, I didn’t know what he’d do to her.
I had studied Soren enough to know that this couldn’t possibly be as simple as it seemed.
“You’re truly pathetic. Imagine Ashlyn’s distress when I tell her you didn’t even fight for her.”
It had to be some kind of test—one that I would easily fail, because I couldn’t bear the thought of him with her.
“How do I know I have your word? I need to know you will do as you say and not harm her when I try to leave with her.”
Soren shifted his weight. “You will just have to trust me. As long as you do your part, I will do mine. But if either of you choose to enter Estlen again, you’ll find you have no protection from me.”
I would risk the trap to free her.
It was a hope of a life beyond these walls for both of us. “I’m going to need my sword and hers.”
Something about the way that man smiled was terrifying. “I fear you’ll still have to stay in here a night or two until I can set the plan in motion.”
“Tell her I’m coming for her,” I said.
“She will learn it when I’m ready to tell her. And only then.” He raised the lamp until it was level with his eyes. Itsflickering candlelight cast a glare in them. “Until then, I must admit I rather enjoy seeing her grovel.”
I hit the bars. A throbbing pain buzzed through my hands. “You will not touch her.”
