Don’t attempt to enchant me, Keylor said, drawing his head back.
I already agreed once not to, Saina said, and I keep my promises forever. Whether she wanted to or not, she couldn’t break the contract she’d made.
Keylor sniffed. I thought by now that you had failed in your goal.
I don’t fail, Saina said loftily. But I’ve had a better offer in the meantime. I’m here to see if you’re willing to change the terms of our agreement.
Bastian was sizing Keylor up as they treated. He was less impressive than Bastian remembered, and his eyes were more orange than red. Saina had been right about his access to the goldshot - he was running out. Which was why he was eyeing the suitcase with such lust.
I still have your Voice, Keylor sneered. You dare to ask for more?
Keep my Voice, Saina laughed. I have my own song. What use would an old woman be to me?
Keylor drew up. What is it you wish to trade, then?
The crown of Viracocha, Saina said smoothly.
Keylor’s snort of laughter had flame, and Bastian, unable to stop himself, crouched to protect his mate.
Well-trained, brother-not, Keylor mocked. Or well-sung, I should say.
Saina let her hum raise into an aria, and snapped her fingers at Bastian. He settled back on his haunches as if against his own will.
Can we deal? Saina pushed. Or are you wasting my time?
You want me to steal from my parents’ hoard. That’s a bold request from a half-fish.
I’m a siren who knows what she wants, Saina said, inspecting one of her hands as if her nails were a hundred times more interesting than two gigantic dragons posturing at each other. And I have other buyers if you aren’t willing.
Keylor gnashed teeth the size of her forearm, casting longing looks at the suitcase. The smell was deliciously tantalizing to Bastian, too, but he fought back the desire, reminding himself that it was only false.
Keylor’s eyes narrowed then. Why would you send my brother-not to challenge me for your Voice, if you did not desire it?
I didn’t direct him to do that, Saina said with the unmistakable ring of truth. He’s the fool who came up with that idea. The suitcase for the crown, she repeated. Is it a contract?
Yessssssss, Keylor hissed angrily.
Then Saina stopped singing.
You would enter a contract to steal from our hoard?
The illusion that Saina had been holding dropped with her song, revealing two dragons, one a deep navy blue, the other a forest green, perched on the highest of the courtyard walls.
Keylor, recognizing the trap, tried to prot
est, Father, I wouldn’t.
The blue dragon leapt down into the courtyard. You entered a contract you didn’t intend to keep? He asked fiercely. I don’t know which is worse.
Keylor, the smaller green dragon sitting above them said reproachfully.
Keylor writhed, and Bastian was not a big enough dragon not to feel smug about his discomfort.
Do you disinherit this dragon? Saina asked pointedly.
Both of his parents turned from Keylor and gave Saina their full attention. To her credit, she didn’t so much as squirm.
Who are you? his mother asked, not gently.