Page 83 of A Bond in Blood

“I was not aware we were negotiating,” Ulrich sneered.

I held my shoulders tight. “You’re asking something of me, your grace. I believe requesting some form of payment is only just.”

Ulrich opened his mouth to reply but I held up my hand. “And I request the ability to write to my father with no prying eyes on my letters.”

“That’s two requests,” Ulrich replied. “If I’m to give you two payments then I must receive a fair reward.”

I gulped, cursing my fast tongue.

“Dinner with me, each night—alone,” Ulrich continued. “And my first request you rudely interrupted—mapping out the hidden passageways of my palace.”

Olen choked behind me and the towering man appeared at my side “Ulrich,” he snarled.

Ulrich only held his hand up, silencing his pet.

“I’m already forced to sleep beside you, yourgrace,” I replied.

“And I’ve not once stopped you from writing to your father,Ursa,” he snapped.

Our battle ignited between us while he held our stubborn gaze. Neither moving. Neither speaking.

Olen shuffled beside us, obviously irritated.

“Well?” Ulrich finally broke the silence.

“Explain,” I replied.

Ulrich returned to the table, setting my scribbles back down. “Your craftsmanship is admirable, Brenna. The simple fact you found the hidden passage to my beach caught my attention. And as I’ve looked at your maps each day, I notice you have a keen eye for noting the dark and hidden spaces throughout my city.”

My pulse thumped in my ears, hating he’d picked up on what I’d actually been drawing. That I had found those dark spaces when Olen marched us through Muspell, noting the areas I was sure I could disappear down.

“My palace is filled with hidden walkways. Gods, even ones I’ve come to forget in the years I’ve resided here.” He met my eyes with a grin. “I wantyouto mark them all down. For me.”

“Why?” I countered. “This feels like a trap.”

Ulrich shrugged. “I’mold, Brenna. I may forget how to get around my home one day.”

Olen chuckled quietly.

The jest was shocking but I held back my responding smile.

“You won’t read my letters?” I asked.

Ulrich nodded. “I cannot promise your father will reply, but yes your words will be private.”

“Why wouldn’t he reply?”

“Brenna, it's been five months. I have yet to receive a letter or declaration of war from the man.”

Ulrich’s smile returned to the vile one that fueled my hatred. His eyes burning with some knowledge he knew would break my heart in two.

“He will,” I cried. “He will reply to me.”

Ulrich threw his hand up, walking past me. “Whatever you say,Ursa. I will begin escorting you through each passage beginning tomorrow.”

I stepped forward, shock widening my eyes. “What? You did not mention this before.”

Ulrich turned on his heel with a wide grin. “Did I not? Oh, well it appears we will have the opportunity to get to know one another twice a day now. Enjoy your swims, Brenna.”

---