“I’d prefer you refrain from calling me anything little. And human just sounds derogatory, like it’s somehow a bad thing. I don’t see it that way, so I’d like it if others didn’t either.”
She tilts her head. “So, princess is still on the table, then?”
“If you want.” I shrug one shoulder. “Now, what’s this proposition of yours?”
“I, too, have a friend in need of aid.”
My brows lower. “Aid I can give?”
“Don’t discount your own abilities, princess.”
I roll my eyes. “Just being realistic. Will a potion aid them?” And if so, why not go to a potions master, like my family? Can she not pay? Is she not in a position to trust just anyone?
“No, a potion will not. You, however, are in a unique position to help them. I can’t give you much more details than that until we’ve established some ground rules. What I will add is that this person has information you require. Helping them, will help you. I am certain of that.”
I intertwine my fingers and lean forward. “What sort of information?”
She waves her index finger. “Not yet.”
“Does it have something to do with the Akrasia Games?” And if so, does that automatically disqualify her as someone I could trust?
Or maybe she knows of another contestant. A former winner, perhaps?
She raises a brow. “You don’t listen very well, do you?”
I lean back, arms crossed. “Fine. What are your rules?”
“Jarron cannot know.”
I sit up. “Excuse me?”
“The reasons for this will become clear once you meet with my contact, but you cannot tell Jarron you are planning to meet someone. You cannot tell Jarron once you have. He cannot know about this deal, at all, ever.”
My mind spins through this new information.
“You want me to lie to him?”
“I want you to withhold information. That is not the same as lying. Trust me, princess, there will come many times that you will have to lie or deceive in your future.”
I sigh. “I am no stranger to lying or hiding or faking. What I don’t like is having to lie to someone I care about. And someone who I trust to keep me safe more than anyone else on this planet. I am concerned this favor is not in my best interest if I have to lie to Jarron about it.”
“Jarron is stubborn. He will think there is no way to trust my contact, but I will personally ensure your safety. My friend willnothurt you. She needs you, in fact. Her life is over if not for your help. She will likely die. If she survives, she will live a half-life—something none of us want. But Jarron would rather eliminate the perceived threat rather than help her.”
I take in a long breath. “I need more.”
“More what?”
“Specifics. I need to know what exactly I’m gaining by helping this person. I need to know what I’m risking. Otherwise, it’s a no-go.”
She frowns. “Very well. My friend knows a way to end the Akrasia Games for good.”
15
Desperately Needed Information
She knows a way to end the Akrasia Games for good.
My heart rate picks up speed again, but this time for an entirely different reason than fear. “You’re certain?”
