Page 29 of Kiss of Death
“Unnecessary,” Viper said. “Lily and I come to your lands for platinum. It’s a hard substance like steel with a diamond-like illuminance. It has healing properties against cursed gold. Her father has a mortal wound that can only be cured with this element. Do you have it?”
“I don’t know it by that name, but Huntley’s army uses blades as you’ve just described.” My heart leaped in a bout of uncontrollable joy. I was so close. So fucking close.
“Can I examine it?”
Aurelias stepped away and approached the guards at their post across the room. “Give me your sword.”
The guard wordlessly obeyed the command, removing it from the sheath at his hip and extending it to Aurelias by the tip.
Aurelias gripped the hilt then returned to us, displaying the blade across his open palms.
I stepped forward, seeing the way the blade gleamed in the flames, brighter than steel. I pressed my finger to the edge asif that would tell me more information. It was smooth under my fingertips…like glass. “This must be it. It’s exactly what was described.”
Aurelias grabbed the blade by the hilt then extended it to me—like it was a gift.
I took it by the hilt and brought it close, hugging it to my chest like it was the mightiest gift ever bestowed upon me.
Aurelias turned his attention back to his brother. “How much do you need?”
“It’s just the two of us on the back of a dragon,” Viper said. “So we can’t carry much.”
“I’ll speak to the blacksmith in the morning,” Aurelias said. “Pack it and secure it for your journey back.”
“Thank you,” Viper said.
Aurelias stared at him hard again, as if there was much he wanted to say but couldn’t with me there. “How long are you staying?”
“Just until morning,” Viper said. “It took a week just to travel here.”
“Then her land is very, very far away. How did your paths cross?” His eyes flicked back to me again.
Viper didn’t answer the question. “Will you provide accommodations for us?”
“Of course.” Aurelias nodded toward the stairs. “Follow me.” He headed up the stairs to the second floor, and then he gave an order to one of the servants. “Prepare a room for my guests.”
“Make it two,” Viper said.
“No, make it one,” I added.
He turned to look at me, his eyebrow slightly raised.
Aurelias glanced between us before he nodded to the guard to continue. “I’ll give you two a moment.” He stepped aside and approached the large windows across the room that showed the village below.
Viper continued to look at me with the same perplexed expression.
“I know he’s your brother, but I don’t know these people, and therefore, I don’t trust these people. You’re the only one here I can turn my back to.” I didn’t want to be alone in a room with Viper, but I hadn’t come all this way just to be stabbed when I closed my eyes. I had to get back to my father with the platinum in tow.
“I give you my word no one here will hurt you.”
“I still don’t feel comfortable being on my own. I’ll sleep on the floor. I don’t care.”
Viper gave a nod before he stepped toward his brother. “It’s been a long day, and we are both weary. We’ll retire and leave first thing in the morning.”
Aurelias crossed his arms over his chest. “We live so far apart, but you’re going to rush off?”
“I can’t delay her,” he said. “Her father is the priority right now.”
Aurelias wore a glint of disappointment but gave a conciliatory nod. “A drink, then?”
