Day15

Autumn the Lovac returned from the cave she had left Jessica in. The snowstorm was still moving towards the castle. She had managed to get ahead of it. She approached the guards at the door to the chambers the ruling prince and princess of the Skiopia, were staying in.

“May I have an audience with the prince?” she requested.

The guard asked the Prince Ryu if he wanted to see Autumn.

They allowed Autumn to enter.

“You are not who I was expecting.” The prince said.

“I will get to the point. I have found the woman Jessica. Your men had her tied to a tree, freezing in the cold.”

Prince Ryu and Princess Libelle exchanged looks

“That’s right, those were not your men, just the men you had move Jessica, so Prince Drake couldn’t find her. You also saw the earrings…” Autumn shrugged “You decided to keep her out of the way. What will you give me to keep her away from the castle?” Autumn asked, “Away from Drake?”

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

“What do you want?” Ryu asked.

“What is she worth to you?” Autumn responded.

“For someone who has lived in the dark you are quite smart!” Libelle commented.

Autumn just waited for an answer.

“Fifty gold pieces.” Ryu said.

Autumn raised an eyebrow.

“And ten Raz stones.” He offered.

“A Raz stone. One with its own light that ever fades or grows dim?” Autumn asked.

“Yes, ten.” Ryu said.

“Weekly.” Autumn said.

“You are stealing from us!” Princess Libelle objected.

“Am I? I thought we were negotiating a price for my convenient silence?”

“You will get it at the end of a week.” Ryu said.

“Up front.” Autumn said “After all they will be bonded in six days. The dress is getting made. Then you will not care if Jessica is found.”

“One week.” Prince Ryu agreed.

He gave Autumn the agreed upon amount.

“May we do business in the future.” Autumn said leaving.

“May we not!” Libelle said was upset.

She turned to her bond mate “Why do you dislike the woman Jessica so much that you are willing to pay so well to keep her away. Your wealth is not to be bribed from us. Drake understands his commitments he will bond as he has said. Having her here will not change that.” Princess Libelle said.

“If the queen had the Lovac look for Jessica then she is important. I want to keep something to negotiate with.”

“Now you are like the animal we just made a deal with. Jessica is a bonding price for Drake. Yair told me that Drake requested Jessica be found. The queen doesn’t know her, nor does she care for the missing woman. Drake asked for Jessica to be found.”

“She has red hair. She can be used.” Ryu insisted.

“Then have Drake marry her and set her on the throne. As it is, the queen has given an order for the missing heir to be found. She has agreed to step down upon her appearance.”

“My bond mate, why do you believe the queen will honour her word and not kill them both?” Ryu asked.

Autumn listened to them talking. Her hearing was very good.