“No, please!” She staggered forward with an immediate urge to grab his arm and wrench the knife away from Nic’s throat. But she knew she wasn’t nearly powerful enough to do that. This was a very strong boy, one who hated her for what happened to his brother. One who had threatened in public to kill her. She had to think. She had to remain calm so she could negotiate with this heathen.
“I can give you plenty of money if you spare his life.”
His expression turned to ice. “Money? How about fourteen Auranian centimos for each case of wine? Sounds fair, doesn’t it?”
Kate swallowed and tried not to sound as if she was begging. “Don’t kill him. I know you hate me for what Aron did—”
His eyes flashed with anger. “Hate is such a small word for what I feel for you.”
“Your gripe is with me, then
