“I see no key,” Rafael noted, watching Ceara’s eyes sparkle.
“I have kept it safe.”
“And where is the lock?”
“I cannot simply confess every detail to a known mercenary seeking his own reward,” she chided as if he were no more dangerous than a hungry hound. “You might seize the key and abandon me while you claimed the prize.” She shook her head. “Nay, you must take me with you and defend me until the hoard is in our possession.”
He laughed. “I should take an army to a destination unknown on speculation alone? I think not, bella.”
bella“Then I will hire the Compagnie Rouge to escort me to the treasury. They can defend me when I make my claim.”
Rafael watched her, considering. She was resolute, to be sure, and that made him wonder whether the treasure existed in truth. “You will not lik
