Page 6 of A Court Bright and Broken

“Well whatever your business herewas, it’s concluded for the day,” I informed her. “Unless you’d like to take your chances with those fellows back there, but I warn you… once they have a mark in their sights, they don't walk away empty-handed.”

The young woman lifted her chin and straightened her back, and I knew I was in for a swift put down.

“Well they are no more determined than I,” she said. “And I am onto their game now, so I’ll be more cautious. Thank you very much for your assistance, sir. I’ll return to the market now and conduct my business. I wish you a good day.”

The girl turned on one worn boot heel and began marching toward the next aisle of booths in a purposeful stride. I fell into step beside her, as amused by her bravado as I was dismayed by it.

“If you won't agree to leave, at least permit me to escort you,” I said. “What kind of gentleman would I be if I allowed you to remain in jeopardy?”

Now she gave me a side glance, no doubt judging me unworthy of the title of “gentleman.” She seemed as baffled by my insistence as I was by her stubbornness.

Her response was curt.

“As I said, I do appreciate your offer of assistance, sir, but it is quite unnecessary.”

She faced forward again, walking faster in an attempt to outpace me but finding it impossible. My legs were far longer.

Blowing out a loud breath, she said, “It is broad daylight, the market is crowded, and I am not without my own resources. I do not wish to trouble you further.”

I gave her my most charming smile, pretending not to understand her unmistakable dismissal.

“Oh, it’s no trouble at all. I’m not busy. I was only here to people-watch.”

Now she stopped, turning to face me and taking a fortifying breath before addressing me in a tone of exaggerated patience.

“What I am trying to say… good sir… is that I do notwantyour company.”

That was new. Women didn’t usually reject me. It had never happened, in fact.

Now I was even more amused.

“Has anyone ever told you there’s no shame in accepting help when you need it?”

Her protest was immediate and adamant. “Idon’tneed it. I am quite capable of taking care of myself—in all things.”

But the way her eyes blinked rapidly then flickered away told me I’d hit on something. So I pushed a little harder.

And threw a little Sway behind my words.

“Everyone needs help sometimes,” I purred. “Even someone of your… obvious capability.”

She blinked several more times and shifted from foot to foot, clearly nervous now.

Great.I’d come on too strong.

Our Sway could often get us what we wanted, but it could backfire as well, spooking the humans we used it on because theyfeltsomething they couldn’t explain.

“Sir I…”

The young woman backed away a few steps.

“I do not mean to offend, truly,” she said in a much more humble tone. “But my father warned me to be wary of strangers in the Rough Market, and well… you are a stranger.”

That was the point where I could have chosen to reveal my identity and prove that I wasnota poor beggar or yet another thief trying to trick her, that she had nothing I could possibly want or need and therefore had nothing to fear from me.

I could have told her that she actuallyknewwho I was—everyone in the land had at least heard of me and my family.

We ruled them after all.

---