Chapter 129: Chapter 129

"Why do you expect me to believe you?" She found it ridiculous.

"I don't. You can investigate on your own. All I wanted was to let you know since I did promise to protect Itrusia." He made it sound like he was doing her a favor, but she had witnessed conversations among rulers too many times to believe that was it.

He was probably waiting for her to let him know she owed him, and then he would tell her what he wanted—what had brought him to Itrusia that he had thought best to keep until the time was right.

Knowing this, she didn't give him the chance to bring it up. "Thank you. I should go back to Darius."

Alas, he knew what she was trying to do and stopped her before she could make the second step. "Are you unwilling to return the favor?"

"No." She had to force a bright smile. "Do you need something from us?"

"Why don't we talk over a cup of tea?" He suggested, and she instantly knew he was about to ask for something impossible.