Page 70 of Her Soul for a Crown
He smirked, eyes hungry. Reeri shifted in front of Anula.
“You’re not as stealthy as your dearly departed auntie,” Nuwan said.
Anula stiffened at Reeri’s side. Bithul pushed forward, hand disappearing beneath his tunic, yet she held him off. “What doyou want?”
“Me?” Nuwan mocked. “I’m not the one throwing around coin and asking questions about relics.”
“Told you,” Calu whispered. “An easy mark.”
Reeri bristled.
“So?” Anula asked.
“So, for the right price, I may have what you’re looking for.”
Reeri straightened.
“I’m not interested in the fake one you had last time,” Anula said.
“That was one mistake. Besides, it afforded me a real relic, the first of many.”
Anula rolled her eyes. “A great businessman now, are you?”
Nuwan laughed. “Don’t you trust me?”
“Not as far as a plow can throw an ox.”
Nuwan feigned hurt. “Even after I made good on our deal? After I forgave you for poisoning me?”
All eyes flicked to the jewels at her neckline.
She ignored them. “Describe the relics you have, or we find another merchant.”
“Ah.” Nuwan lifted a finger. “So it’s a specific relic you’re after.” His gaze turned feral, hunger aimed at her hips. “That will cost you extra.”
“The description,” Reeri growled.
Nuwan grimaced at him. “I hear whispers you’re searching for a certain blade. One imbued with Fate’s power, one that’s been hidden for centuries.”
“And?” Anula pressed.
White teeth flashed in a grin. “It’s no longer than my hand, with a handle as smooth and white as ivory, and a sharpened iron that never dulls.”
Reeri’s heart beat swiftly. That was the Bone Blade. Not made of ivory but of bones, ripped from willing bodies, cleaned andpolished for Fate. “Your price?”
A tremor snaked down his fingers as he pulled out his coin purse. He nodded to Calu to do the same, grateful Anula had suggested they bring a hefty sum from the palace stores.
“I don’t want coin.” Nuwan smirked. “I would lose my business if I merely sold everything off. The cost is a blessed gift.”
Calu scoffed. “A relic for a relic?”
“A painting,” Nuwan clarified.
Reeri stiffened. “The Heavens dictated the blessed gifts were to stay within the palace.”
Nuwan laughed. “Exactly. I will be rich forever. My grandchildren’s grandchildren will be set.”
“Fine,” Anula agreed. “Give us an hour.”
