“What?”
She shrugged. “For better or worse.”
Tati raised his cup. “I like this game. If Corina says it, then it’s as good as my own word.”
Corina went on, “She could be worth more. She could be worth no more than the three silvers you wasted on her. That’s a world’s difference between the silver and gold. But which one will she turn out to be? You can keep the girl for whatever she may be worth, or you can take the sure deal. A golden coin. And we all know that there really are very, very few slaves who sell for that much. Now, choose quickly, which will you put your chances on?”
All eyes were on Cotiso. He had just opened his mouth when Corina raced him to it. “Three gold. Sound better?”
“Three?” Cotiso felt the color drain from his face.
“No way!” Tsiru laughed.
“I think I need another drink.” Tati laughed and threw his arm to the side in search of the wine jug.
Tsiru said, “I’ve never seen a slave sell for that much. I’ve heard of crazier deals, sure, but I’ve never seen it. You’re making this impossible, Corina.”
“Dares always are,” she said evenly.
“Corina?”
“I said I’m coming!” Corina yelled back and turned to Cotiso. “Time is running out.”