AllFreeNovel
Share Us
My cheeks must have turned bright red because Sarolf cleared his throat and quickly added, “I mean, I’m not good enough for you.”
“On that, we agree. I’m not here to ask you to marry me. I honestly can’t believe you would even think that.”
One of his brows shot up. “I can’t think of any other reason why you would seek me out down here in the kitchen, among all these commoners.”
I raised my chin. “To make you an offer.”
“An offer?” His other brow shot up.
“I need to get to my relative up north. You should know their lands. You are from there, aren’t you?”
“I am, but that doesn’t mean I know every noble family. There are far too many, the North is vast. What’s his name?”
“His...or her name is...emmm...”
They were of such low rank, I had no idea!
Sarolf shook his head in disbelief. “You don’t know your own cousin’s name?”
I poked the dough on the table next to me again. “I...I have many cousins.”
“Mm-hmm...”
I forced out a fake laugh. “The North has the least wealth in all the kingdoms. It won’t be that hard to find them. Most likely, they are the only wealthy family left that remained untouched by your barbaric war. My father has made certain of it.”
Sarolf’s blue eyes darkened. “I think I know whom you are speaking of.His,” he emphasized, “lands are southwest of the great mountains.”
My eyes widened. “You know my cousin?”
Sarolf nodded. “But I’m not interested.” He turned and was about to leave. Before realizing what I was doing, I grabbed his arm. I could feel his muscular build, strong and solid as metal.
He froze, and so did I.
“I...” My gaze found his as my tone softened. “I need to go north. Please. My father—” My voice broke off. My father did what? Had he lost his mind? Would marry me to a horse for all I knew?
“I can pay you handsomely.” I tried to hide the desperation in my voice, but it somehow still made it through. “Just name your price. I’ll pay.”
For a second, I thought he would shake my hand off and laugh at me. But as he stared deep into my eyes, the tension in his face was replaced with something else. Kindness.
“We wouldn’t get very far. People know you well in these lands,”he said.
“I will travel under a different name, then. I will wear a disguise. Hide my identity.”
He didn’t seem convinced. “I’m sorry.”
I grabbed his other arm and turned him to face me. I had to tilt my head back to look him in his eyes. He was so close.
“Please. I have gold, diamonds, silver.”
We stood staring at each other in silence. I had no idea what was going through his mind. His eyes were the color of the sky after a thunderstorm.My gaze wandered to the long scar on his cheek and followed it all the way down his neck to his collarbone. He noticed.
Blushing, I let go of him and stepped back.
“Surely, you and your sister could make good use of my jewelry. I promise you there is none finer in all of my father’s kingdom.” I lifted my chin in pride. “And certainly not the North.”
Sarolf scratched his head, deep in thought. “It would be risky. Your father could have me killed.”
“Only if he found out.”
