Page 20 of The Barbarian King's Assassin (Magic and Kings 1)
“My people aren’t paying for it. I am. Not all my wealth comes from my people. Or are you the only person in Feoria who hasn’t heard about me?”
“I’ve heard all kinds of stories about the Barbarian King and his horde. I thought you’d be taller.” A lie. He loomed impressively over me.
“Did those stories mention the pillaging?”
“Yes, but it’s not clear who you pillaged since you’re not at war with anyone.”
“Cleaning out monster nests, finding ancient treasure sites.”
I blinked at him then chuckled. “I see you’ve been listening to the rumors, too.”
“Name a price and I will have the sum to you by the end of the day.”
Rather than blurt out a number, I hesitated. Truth be told, I’d been tempted to keep the sword since it could replace my current blade. Still, if I refused, he’d probably just keep annoying me. Best if I proved he couldn’t afford it. I quoted a ridiculous number.
He didn’t even flinch as he said, “Sold. I’ll have someone drop off the funds and take possession later today.”
I blinked. That didn’t just happen. “You’re paying way too much.”
“Says you. Don’t worry. I have the funds. You should see the size of the dowry.” His lips twisted. “Makes you wonder what’s so horrible they have to pay a fortune to give her away.”
“Maybe it’s more about placating the Wild King from the west.
About to exit, he paused and turned. “Wild King? I like it.”
“You don’t have the right beard, though, to truly carry off wild. You barely rate Barbarian, given you’re not even wearing the skins of your enemies.”
His lips curved. “I left those at home.” He went to leave again, only to once more turn back. “It occurs to me I’d like to take possession of the sword myself.”
“You haven’t paid yet.”
“Later. I’ll have the money delivered and we’ll meet after.”
“The shop closes at six, per the law.”
“Perfect time for a dinner meeting.”
Dinner withhim?
“Need I remind you that you’re engaged, Your Majesty.”
“Fully aware. Apparently you are the one imagining an ulterior motive. This dinner is purely for business, or are you incapable of separating your lusty urges for a man in a position of power from a simple transaction?”
He trapped me neatly, so I lifted my chin. “How foolish of me to make such a misassumption, Your Majesty. Where should we eat?”
“I told you before, it’s Konstantin. And you choose.”
My annoyance with him led me to suggesting, “Let’s meet at the Fire Belly Tavern when the bells chime six. It is two streets west of here.” And a place I’d been meaning to try.
“I will see you later.” He finally left, and I smirked the moment the door shut behind him.
The place we’d be eating got its name honestly. The food was so spicy people often left crying they were burning up inside. A few had ended up needing medical attention.
My kind of place. I wondered what Konstantin would think.
My attention span wouldn’t let me sit that afternoon, so I spent part of it foraging through that curio tent, hoping for another amazing find. The two ornate fans with the spring-loaded daggers would fetch a nice price once we had them hand-painted to be stylish again.
Well before dinner, the promised money arrived. Two barbarians, as neatly kept as their king, arrived, toting two bags. Smythe’s eyes went huge as they hit the counter with a thump.