Page 56 of Trove’s Purpose

“Indeed. The pool of people who would be capable of buying such a thing is not a large one. I know everyone who would want that cup. I do not know this Hyde.”

Chee shrugged. “It’s a big cosmos.”

“So, it is,” she agreed, leaning her elbow on her crossed knee, tilting her body forward. “Alright, little one. I was never one to turn down a good deal. Let’s negotiate.”

“You really want more than an entire moon?” Chee asked, popping an eyebrow.

Rinnicks chuckled, but there was a flash of danger in her eyes. “Careful, little one. I appreciate bravery, but I don’t tolerate disrespect. Don’t think that just because you dangle something I want in front of me that I will let you speak to me however you want.”

“You accuse me of disrespect?” Chee asked, cocking her head. “I admit, not every species has the same concern for modesty that mine does, and I accept that as a fact. But I don’t think anyone would agree that this is a professional environment. You are the one disrespecting me.”

Rinnicks threw her head back, laughing. “You can’t disrespect your inferiors, little one.” She leaned back, puffing on her pipe again. “My people hold to the truth that power makes right. I am the one with power between us. It would be so easy for me to get rid of you for talking back to me.”

Chee managed to keep herself calm. It wasn’t the first time someone had threatened her life – brides got very passionate when it came to their weddings at the event hall. It was probably the most credible threat she’d ever received, she could admit.

However, she did feel the males to either side of her tense. Not super obvious, but there was definitely a change in the air.

One that Rinnicks noticed, because her grin widened.

“The Humble Delivery Service, am I correct?” She asked, looking not at Chee but at Tanin. “I’ve heard good things about your crew.”

“Thank you,” Tanin said neutrally.

“I suppose you’re in charge of delivering my cup?”

“We are.”

“And doing double duty as this little chit’s bodyguards, it appears.”

“I consider it delivering a person. And my company guarantees safe delivery.”

Rinnicks laughed. “Oh, for sure.”

“You said you wanted to negotiate,” Chee cut in before the conversation could get any more off topic. “If the moon isn’t enough, what did you have in mind?”

“The Crimson Moon is certainly a tempting offer,” Rinnicks moaned, her eyes closing like she was imagining everything she could get from a moon. “But that cup is priceless.”

“Everything has a price.”

Rinnicks smirked. “You don’t know what that cup is, do you?”

“Hyde didn’t tell me, and I didn’t ask.”

“Are you not curious what cup is worth more than a moon?”

“What Hyde is offering me is worth more than either. As far as I’m concerned, it could be made of pure diamond or pure mud – doesn’t matter. I’ll bring him his cup and get my reward.”

Rinnicks hummed thoughtfully. “A sentimental thing then. That’s the only kind of object that can move people to ignore valuable items. What is it, I wonder…”

Chee didn’t answer. She considered that to be no one’s business but her own. She held her head up high and proud and silent.

Rinnick’s smile just grew in the face of her lack of reaction. “The moon is good, but I want more.”

“What’s your offer?”

She made a thoughtful sound, looking to her side. Not at Tanin this time, but to-

“You must be Trove.”