Page 27 of A Thief to Die For

His question carries a threat that spears me to the ground. Very quickly this could devolve into another lesson in humiliation – with or without the help of Coatl.

Or it could be like when I was promoted to Captain and advisor, a move that was nothing short of nepotism. I’ve never turned down anything faster. But then there were surprise searches on the Dresden. Food prices increased. Double the number of Dresden were exiled. It took me too long to connect the dots. Atlas is a fiend for games, and he has no problem making the majority suffer to bend the minority to his will.

‘I’ve given you everything,’ he says, voice growing harsher, his eyes hardening. ‘I’ve saved you as much as I’ve saved everyone in Notting. You owe me obed–’

‘I’m not refusing,’ I placate, while wanting to vomit at having to grovel. ‘I-I’m trying to figure out how to make that happen. You don’t just … make someone fall in love with you.’ Normally, every ridiculous request of his is a chance to scheme against him. But I’m too stunned to even think.

His irritation falls away like crumbs dusted from his trousers. ‘I know you’re inexperienced, since no one would dare go near the Commander’s favourite daughter. But my dear, you underestimate your potential. You always have.’

My skin feels like it’s crawling.

‘Don’t worry,’ he continues. ‘Already he can’t keep his eyes off you. Torturing him would be easier, but then I can’t make a coal deal if his settlement doesn’t have what I want. This will work; just don’t fall for him in return. I’m a jealous man, and I don’t share my things.’

A ringing begins in my ears. That’s the first time he’s spelled out his expectations of me – that I’m to be kept like some possession or maiden in waiting. But for what? I’m not one of his prized grimoires or mistresses. I’m his daughter. I’m a human being.

A human being he wants complete control of.

Atlas giggles. ‘Oh, I haven’t had this much fun in years. What a game this will be.’ Raising his voice, he calls towards the entrance, ‘Has our guest arrived yet?’

I hold my breath, waiting for the answer. Please be gone.

The door opens and Fitzgerald calls out. ‘He’s disarming, sir. Captain Coatl will escort him in.’

My shoulders wilt. I find my spot along the side wall, my mind spinning dangerously close to despair. All I can do is deny any accusation of being the raider. Vehemently. Then falsely implicate Ryland … and see which one of us falls.

When he finally walks in, his head is held high, and his piercing blue-eyed gaze immediately meets mine.

He can’t keep his eyes off you.

I doubt that’s true but gone is the anger I saw last night after I threw the knife. His handsome face borders on curious as he dips his chin, almost in greeting.

What does that mean? My face is carefully blank, but my already pounding heart turns bruising against my ribs.

Make him fall in love with you.

I can’t even imagine how I would do that. My mind drifts to how close we were last night with me holding a knife against his throat. There was a moment, he almost looked like he enjoyed it.

What would he have done if I had kissed him instead? Would I be any further along in silencing him about me?

Would he have kissed me back?

A warmth gathers in my belly. I quickly stomp it out.

‘Commander,’ Ryland says as he approaches the throne. Coatl takes his seat beside Atlas. ‘I have a gift for you.’ Ryland reaches into one of his pockets and removes a small jar. But he doesn’t hand it over.

‘What is it?’ Atlas asks, intrigued.

‘The first gesture of trust. Allyship.’

And what will be his second? Exposing me? I inhale, feeling like I’m about to come out of my skin.

‘But before we go any further, I need to say something, and I’m aware it might disrupt our hopes of a deal.’

I stop breathing.

‘I can’t accept your coal under the conditions with which you operate the mine now.’

Atlas’s face is disbelieving. Mine too. Control is Atlas’s fortress, and he’ll scorch the earth – or Ryland – before opening the gates.