Graden straightened. “It’s illegal to poach on the king’s lands.”
She looked up at him. “A small price for your father’s health.”
Graden nodded in agreement. “Is there anything else you require?”
She smiled and Graden felt a quickening in his heart; he didn’t know if it was dread or excitement. “I have the other ingredients here.” She tilted her head. “There is one more thing. We haven’t discussed payment.”
Payment. Graden should have thought of payment. “I have a horse…”
“You mean the horse that ran off in the storm?”
Graden scowled. Her hearing must be better than her sight. “I can give you coin.”
“I have no need of coin.”
He had armor and a sword. But what would she need those for? “What do you want?”
“There is only one thing I desire as payment for such a remedy.”
Graden stiffened. He knew it was going to be his soul. He knew she would demand that as payment. He stiffened, ready to agree. He would give anything to have his father well again. “What do you want?”
“The blue rose.”
