Page 150 of The Throne Seeker

Yes,he answered, his voice surprisingly warm and gentle. His mind brushed against hers, letting her know he would not hurt her if she did the same.

I’m Rose,she introduced herself.I come as a friend. I won’t hurt you.

I know you won’t,he replied.Your heart is far too kind.

They are debating whether or not to keep you,she explained.They insist you take another rider or they’ll kill you.

I don’t want any of them riding me again,the sleipnir seethed in disdain.I’d rather die. If you were me, you’d say the same.

Her eyes softened with empathy. She reached to touch his thick, soft, silky hair, gently placing her palm on his cheek. Moretti took a quick, nervous step forward, but his face relaxed in awe, watching her interact with the sleipnir.

I understand how you feel,she said. Her father had taught her the same way that rod had taught the sleipnir—violence for obedience.

It was then she got the stupidest idea she’d ever had in her entire life.Would you let me ride you?

She could feel the surprise within the sleipnir’s mind.If it’s you, I will. But only you.

She faced Moretti. “I think you should let him race.”

Moretti stepped closer. “I agree, but it still doesn’t solve the problem that no one dares ride him.”

“I will.” She sounded bolder than she felt.

The four men burst into laughter. However, Moretti didn’t laugh with them.

“You wish to be his rider?” he probed, intrigued.

She held his gaze. “That’s what I said.”

“You recall the part where I told you he just killed a man this morning,” Moretti reminded her, pointing out the obvious.

“He won’t hurt me.”

“Have you ever seen a race? What happens to the riders?”

“No,” she admitted. But she lifted her chin, keeping her head high. “But I’m an excellent horse rider and a fast learner.”

Moretti’s lips curled into a sly smile. “I admire your courage, truly. But fast learner or not, it’s too dangerous. I can’t allow someone with such a pretty face to die unnecessarily.”

“Me being a rider would generate more money than you’ve ever made before,” she pointed out, trying to appeal to his greed.

“As true as that is, your death would also put a damper on things.”

It was clear she’d have to try a different approach. “Perhaps I could make you a deal. You like making bets. Let me race. If I win, I keep the sleipnir.”

His eyes quirked. “And if you lose?”

“I’ll do whatever you want,” she said with a cautious gaze.

Moretti’s handsome face morphed into a dangerous smirk.

She had him now.

He assessed her with admiration. “Alright. If you lose—” he brushed her cheek with his knuckles, “—you come home with me.”

“Deal,” she agreed. “But don’t get your hopes up. I may not look like much, but I’m full of surprises.”

He gave a heartless laugh. It was clear he liked the game. “What’s your name, sweetheart?”