With one hand, Keiser reached into the concealed seam of his dagger's sheath, fingers brushing the cool metal hidden there. He drew out three small silver coins, and the soft 'clink' they made seemed to echo far louder than their size should allow.
All eyes turned to him.
The sixth princess, seemed to understand at once. Her gaze flickered, widening with recognition, with alarm, with… something fragile underneath.
And when Keiser lightly tapped the fiery red head of the little dragon child clinging to him, little flame hesitated.
"One moment, little flame," he murmured.
She puffed out an indignant breath, then reluctantly loosened her grip just enough for him to step forward.
Keiser closed the distance between him and the princess. Her hand, trembling, exhausted, yet still attempting dignity, lay waiting as if she already knew what he was about to do.
This hand had healed him. This hand had accepted a bargain she never should have been asked to shoulder.
