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“But it won’t be for another person. ”
“No. ”
“And it won’t be for someone you and your kind view as being something other than a person,” I added, recalling how Ghillie had dismissed Holden as being dead.
Aubrey tapped my nose and I recoiled. “You learn quickly. ”
“A wise woman told me not to put my trust in fairies. ”
“Don’t be so invested in what that woman claims is wisdom. ”
“When you can see into the future, Your Majesty, I’ll start listening to your wisdom over hers. ”
He didn’t have anything to say, which was a bonus because I was starting to get worn out with all the wordplay.
When he continued, we were back on topic. “We agree that I will take a trade. ”
“Something mine alone to give. ”
“It will be something valuable. ”
“As long as it isn’t anyone’s life, you and I have a deal. ”
He smiled, and I didn’t like it. “Very well. I believe I know just the thing. ”
I was desperately hoping he would suggest my firstborn. With my useless, self-defeating womb, it would be the perfect solution. “And that is?”
“Something you hold dear but is reviled by others. Your greatest weapon. ” He patted my cheek. “I will like to have it very much. ”
I searched my brain for what he might be talking about, cataloguing my possessions. Then I remembered my fae katana, the one I’d soiled by using it to slay the undead. I remembered the way the creepy fairy twins had reacted to it, and reviled was an appropriate word.
I really liked that sword. I would go so far as to say I loved it, in the way one can love a possession. The damned thing had saved my life more times than I could count in the year
s I’d had it, and if we were keeping score, it had also saved the world once.
“When do I have to give it to you?” I’d left it in our room. For all I knew he already had someone collecting it. I wouldn’t even get to say goodbye.
Snap out of it, Secret. It’s a sword, not your best friend.
“Once you pass through the gate, it will be gone. ”
“And I’ll have Kellen. And Holden, and Desmond. ”
“You will have everyone you came with. ”
“And everyone I left behind,” I reminded him carefully.
“Yes. No one you hold dear will be touched. ”
I hefted a big sigh. One sword for the promised well-being of all my loved ones? It would suck, but that was his price, and I was willing to pay it.
“Deal,” I said, and offered him my hand.
He looked amused by the gesture but took my palm in his and gave it a shake.
“That’s it then? We’re done?”
Aubrey nodded. “Go collect your things. I will prepare the gate for your return, and Kellen will say her farewells to Brokk. ”
