A queen.
Your head swims dizzily as he carries you through the caverns.
He stands up.
Share a cup with me, on your promise to be my bride.
Well, ah, actually, I was thinking of a long engagement. Very long.
You try not to squirm as you back away a little.
Shy, are you? I like that in a woman.
He rummages through the bookcase and comes up with a very dusty bottle.
This was from last season, a good year for wine.
He takes a tarnished cup down and splashes the burgundy liquid into it.
He sits down as you politely refuse a drink.
Sit, sit.
You remain standing until he shouts and thumps his heavy fist on the table. Then you quickly sit down. Will Gavin never get here?
Know you who I am?
Loric, of course.
You try to sound as if everyone knows who Loric is, though you have no idea at all.
That's right! And the kingdom of Rhyll rightfully belongs to me once I trick my brother out of it.
Gold, all that lovely gold, will buy me an army and a few officials. Soon, I'll be out of here and back where I belong.
And you know what I'm gonna do? Take you with me.
Well, thank you.
You look around the dusty room. He appears to have been here awhile.
How long ago did your brother, ah, throw you out?
Nicely put.
He frowns, trying to remember.
Five years ago last Spring. I haven't been here long, though. And soon, I'll have enough gold.
It's clear that he already has enough. You remember Gavin's stories of the curse of dragon gold.
Loric's eyes are bloodshot, and his hands tremble violently as you look around at the treasure he has hidden.
You'll share all this with me?
No!
That is...
He clears his throat, embarrassed.
You can get your own. This is mine, after all.
He stands up from the table.
Give us a kiss, to seal the engagement.
Suddenly, the door blows open in a gust of wind.
Loric stops in his tracks, weaving. He gives a drunken sigh and keels over.
You drop the chair and sit down, trying to catch your breath.
Just in time, I think.
Well, you could have come a little sooner!
One of your braids has come undone. He fingers it lightly.
Maybe just a little.
We'd better hurry. The caravaners are waiting, and now I know the best way out. That's what took me so long!
You jump up and hug him in delight.
He gently backs away.
He kisses your hands.
You are wonderful, Sword Daughter! Your father would have been most proud!
We'd better leave before Loric wakes.
What happened between you and that brute, anyway?
Nothing!
He runs his hand through your loose auburn hair.
Nothing?
I promise!
Good!
You give him a shy look.
I'm not ready to be anybody's bride – not yet, at least.
But I'm willing to go home with you and talk about it in the future!
