Slowly, the soot-black lashes lifted. The dark eyes opened.
Craig said softly, "Quiet my lady! Don't make me kill you!"
She showed no sign of fear—no sudden tensing, no quick tremor. "You know, of course, that your heart will be torn from your body for this, carrion." Her voice was low and silky.
"Will it?" Mirthlessly, Craig chuckled.
Vydys' black eyes widened. She twisted beneath the coverlet. "You are no guardsman!" And then—staring, rocked back with sudden shock: "You—the Earthman—!"
"Yes, the Earthman," Craig nodded bleakly.
"But—what do you want—?"
"You know a girl called Narla? Zenaor's daughter?"
The dark eyes narrowed. "Yes...."
"Would you trade me even for her?"