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I knew better than to think he desired this for the good of Carcerem. “So you will be at full strength when you return home.”

“Yes. That is my intention. Better to return a god than an exiled criminal.”

Yaga, in her wisdom, wouldn’t have shared this information without some purpose. I doubted that the reason was to help him seek his revenge in the mortal world.

If there was even a tiny possibility that he was the kingdom’s savior, I had to give him a chance to redeem himself. Same as the fates had given me. My heart skipped at the realization. Victor Custodis would be my penance for failing my kingdom so long ago.Thiswas the reason Yaga sent me to capture him that fateful day. Why she’d placed me on the path to freedom. Carcerem’s freedom.

Since I was the one who’d found Carcerem’s lost king, I would be the one to bring him back into the fold. Victor was a celestial being who’d lost his faith. Who’d had his connection to Hathor’s sacred obsidian severed. Surely, once I helped him to reconnect, he’d understand why he needed to stay—to set Carcerem’s people free.

And the taxes White Bridge owed in a matter of spans? They’d be safe if the lost king decided to stay. To fight.

I schooled my features, trying to hide the flush of hope rising in my heated cheeks. “You know, technically, I agreed to create a portal for you. I never said when. I mean, it could be years before the stars and the moons align properly.” Yeah, I’d totally made that part up.

He stiffened. “My kingdom, my world, was in peril when I left. Each minute I’m detained here takes me further from my goal.”

“Not to worry,” I said, flipping my lavender locks over my shoulder, enjoying my moment of power. “I will open your portal in due time, as well as help you reach this temple. However, in exchange for this amendment to our original arrangement, I’m going to need something in return. First, you will grant me three boons. Requests you may not deny.”

“You’re blackmailing me?” His lips curled, interest gleaming in his eyes.

“Absolutely.” I tilted my chin. “I am a criminal, after all.”

Strangely, he didn’t seem angered by my admission, more like…delighted.

He prowled closer, and I resisted the impulse to sink on my bench like cornered prey. Dammit, I was the one in control here.

“Agreed,” he purred in a heated tone that sent a tantalizing tingle down my spine. “As long as the stakes are not life-threatening or these requests do anything to lengthen my stay.”

That was far too easy. Perhaps I should ask for more? “Very well,” I stated primly. “Second, there is the small matter of your portal requiring a sacrifice. A life given freely.”

“Yes.”

“That offering will be Vex. Once your power is returned, you should be able to control him as Idris controls his slaves. You will convince him to sacrifice himself.”

“Done.” He planted his hands on either side of the backrest, caging me.

His minty cypress fragrance washed over me, heating myblood. I bit my lip.Focus, Runa.“Also, on this journey, you will subject yourself to all the wondrous things this world has to offer while keeping an open mind.” There was a chance once he’d seen Carcerem’s sweeter side, he’d rediscover his connection to the land and its people.

“While not complaining or belittling its people, nor your guide,” I added.

“Now, you’re pushing it, little thief.”

Yes, I was.Eh. Two out of three wasn’t bad.

He grasped my chin. “I didn’t realize you were such a skilled negotiator.”

I tipped my face to his, our mouths a single breath away from connecting. “I’m skilled at a number of things. It’s a shame you won’t be around long enough to experience all of them.”

With that, I shoved my palms into his chest and sprang to my feet, darting free of his embrace.

“It’s going to be a long, cold journey, vampire,” I purred on my way out of the gazebo, adding an extra swish to my hips. “Hope you’re up for it.”

His low, frustrated growl had a bubble of laughter rising in my belly.

“So do I, little thief. So do I.”

Chapter Twenty-Nine

RUNA