Seven Sinful Crowns

Griesha

Griesha sat waiting by the fire, turning the goblet in her hand. 7 pairs of eyes stared out in every direction, still warm. She looked on, and when she came face to face with the deep sapphire gaze of the beautiful woman, she stopped the leisurely turn of the glass and stared on. Who had she been? From where? What was she sent here to do? The thoughts came fast and furious, and she felt the buzzing of unease beneath her skin. Her knee bounced up and down, unable to sit still, so she stood and began to pace, her bare feet hitting the floor.

Time seemed to be moving so slowly as she waited for Pria, and she began to think that perhaps, her sister would not come after all, when the fire grew violet and the room filled with the dusty smell of soot.

"Pria!" she exclaimed, turning to the fire.

"Sister," she said, walking deeper into the room, her robe tight around her waist. "You require my services, I hear."

Grieshas chest tightened, knowing that Pria was about to begin the game, and wondered what she would make her give.

"Name your price."

"Ships. And their contents. Ten of them."

Griesha had ships and gold to spare, and her shoulders fell in relief, but she wasn't going to give them up that easily. "Five."

"Eight," responded Pria, her head tilting ever so slightly to the side, her chin up in a way that forced her to look down her nose at her older sister.

"Six," Griesha responded, and stood gaping as her sister turned and marched back to the fire. Was she bluffing? Griesha thought she might be, but there was no way to know for sure, and she couldn't risk it.

"Eight!" she called from behind her, Pria stopped, turning back, and smiled.

"Bring me to the bodies."