Page 42 of If The Crown Fits
“Well yes, but I would be a lot more compliant if you were nicer to me.”
Which was half true.
“You’ll be as compliant as I want you to be.” He took a seat behind the large oak desk, motioning for me to sit opposite. There was an unnerving look in his eyes. “So, the two of you ran into each other?”
“Yes we did.” What else was I going to say? The truth wasn’t going to help me. “What are you doing here?”
“Does he trust you?” Lance answered my question with a question and I became frustrated.
“I think so.”
“You think so, or you know for sure?”
It was clear which answer he wanted to hear from me. “Yes,” I said quickly. “Yes, he trusts me.”
Lance nodded slowly, almost as if in approval, before folding his hands together. “Rumour has it that some time ago a gift was forged with a very valuable gemstone and it has been passed down by the kings from father to son ever since.”
I thought back to my conversation with Rhen in the tent. “So you think a jewel was forged into the heirloom that Cai supposedly carries with him? Let’s say it’s true, then what?”
“I’m afraid that’s where your involvement in this ends.” I fell back in my seat, vexed with the prince in front of me. “Is there any object that Cai seems attached to? What have you learned so far?”
I thought back to every moment that we had spent together and only one thing stood out. “His sword. There’s a jewel set in the hilt of his sword, but it just looks like an ordinary emerald.”
“Excellent.”
“You honestly believe this is the precious stone that everyone’s been fighting about?”
He took a sip from his drink. “It’s more likely than not.”
“But what if it’s not? Isn’t this risking too much?”
“Not if you do your job properly.”
“So tell me what you want me to do and I can get out of this stupid dress.” I was starting to get tired of the charade. I wanted my reward and I wanted to get away as soon as possible.
“I’ll have you know that is a very expensive dress you’re wearing.”
I internally rolled my eyes. “Well, it’s uncomfortable and impractical.”
“Steal the sword.”
“That’s it?” I lifted my chin in distrust.
“That’s it,” Lance repeated.
“You’re really going to risk war and the downfall of your kingdom for an expensive jewel.” It probably wasn’t my place to be lecturing him on my political concerns, but in all honesty, this was a lot bigger than a stupid little jewel.
“It’s not about the money,” Lance said.
“Then what is it about? Do you have something personal against Cai? Then take it up with him. It’s not worth getting so many innocent people killed.”
Lance stood up slowly and placed his palms flat on the desk. “I can’t tell you,” he said in a low voice and shifted clumsily. I realised that Lance hadn’t started drinking upon our arrival, but way before that.
“Why not?” I crossed my arms.
“Because you’re a thief,” he spat out and silenced me. “Because you’re a liar and a cheat and a criminal and you would take it for yourself if you knew the truth.”
I assumed the alcohol was making him share more than he intended to.
