Chapter 65: Fair Trade (2)
Horses are precious wealth, and stealing them from the imperial family's barns is no different than embezzling royal property.
I looked at Jill, collapsed and kneeling in front of me, with a cold, unforgiving eye.
For me, it was a pure win.
Gil's foolish impulsiveness gave me the opportunity to catch his weakness.
I told him:
“I know that there are others who participated in horse smuggling.”
Naturally, his group were followers of the Second Prince.
“Think about what will happen when adults find out what you did.”
Gil trembled, and crawled until he grabbed my dress, pleading:
«No! Please! This alone does not!
I smiled faintly:
“Please?”
“I will do as you command! I will give you one horse... is that enough?
“Two horses.”
His eyes shook, and his trembling hand reached toward his inside pocket where he hid a small dagger.
I smiled contemptuously.
"Even now he's still thinking about dodging?"
He thought it would be easier to get rid of me than to give in to my request.
How ridiculous it is that he thinks he can defeat me with a dagger!
I took a step closer and said in a firm tone:
“Of course you will pay the price. This is a deal.”
Then I threw five gold coins on the ground.
“That's five sleeps. One horse for this sum, and I will pay the rest when you bring me two horses.”
He looked at the coins, his eyes shining with greed. Ten sleeps were not few; It is equivalent to a knight's salary for an entire year.
He muttered:
“Where did you get this money?”
“None of your business.”
He quickly took the money, muttering and cursing, but he did not let go of the gold from his grip.
I added:
“I want thoroughbred horses. “Don’t bring me any junk.”
“Then it will cost twenty sleeps per person!”
“Do you have an objection?”
He was confused, then he shrank:
“No… when do you want it?”
“The day after tomorrow at the latest. And bring it yourself.”
Protest:
«Time is short! Why does a nanny need horses in the first place?
“It's not your business to know.”
Then she came closer to him and whispered:
“And remember...what is between us remains a secret. If you open your mouth, I will not remain silent.”
She grabbed his chin and smiled wickedly:
“Since you captured these coins, you have become my partner. If you tell me, I will reveal that you have embezzled and trafficked in palace property.”
This was the reason I paid him before his eyes; Money itself is irrefutable evidence.
I smiled, letting go of his trembling chin.
“Isn't that a fair deal?… See you on time, partner.”
The alleys of the capital
Like all back alleys, this place was a haven for thieves, gamblers, smugglers, slave traders, and even hired killers.
I walked among the crowds in a black dress and a low hat, eyes following me suspiciously.
But no one dared to get in my way.
In these alleys, haste means death.
I entered a dirty bar with no sign. Noise fills the place: cursing, quarrels, and playing cards and dice.
A large man, smelling of alcohol, approached me and put his arm on my shoulder:
“And what brought a pretty girl here?”
I looked at him coldly, and my voice was sharp:
“Raise your hand... or I will cut it off.”
He recognized the danger in my tone and stepped back, confused.
I walked towards the bar and said to the old bar owner:
“Bring what you have left.”
He smiled and asked: “Name?”
“Angela.”
After a while, he returned with a large bag and placed it in front of me.
I confirmed it and added calmly:
“And I want something else.”
She handed him a small piece of paper, and he examined it and was confused.
“Are you serious?”
"Yes."
I placed five nights before him as a leader.
He smiled wickedly as he took it.
“The order will be delivered to the address written here?”
"correct."
I took my bag and left the bar. At the door a sharp bell rang, reminding me of something I had forgotten:
“Oh, right… storybook.”
I headed towards the city center to buy the book I promised the little girl.
Surprise at the palace
When I arrived at the Third Prince's Palace, I was leading two horses.
Everyone was astonished: the servants, the nannies, and even the guards.
One of the maids said:
“What a wonderful horse!”
Another added:
“His hair shines as if it were painted with silk.”
As for little Prince Edwin, he ran towards me with sparkling eyes:
“Is that… my horse?” For me?
She handed him the little brown mare, with white feet like stockings.
“I chose her for you because she is quiet and obedient.”
He grabbed her reins with indescribable love, then asked in astonishment:
“Why did you bring two horses?”
“This other one is mine.”
The second horse was black as ink, with white only visible in its ears and nose. He stubbornly rejected my reins, gasping angrily.
I smiled and said:
“I'll need him to accompany you to the next hunting competition.”