Chapter 51

"No," I managed to say to the stranger.

"A real beauty. But she escaped Margin's slave auction and ran off wearing a thin blue coat. Angered quite a few potential buyers." He sniffed. "Doesn't matter, I suppose. She's more than likely dead already."

My tongue soured, and I fought down a swallow. He might not be talking about Jade. It could be anyone. Still, my stomach hardened into a worried knot. I couldn't imagine being someone's slave, but to choose winter, choose death, over that kind of life... Well, that told me everything I needed to know. 

"Excuse me." I stood from the table abruptly, angling the lump in my coat away from him the best I could, and swept the map behind my back. My hands trembled, and I hoped I wouldn't be sick.

"Of course," the man said. "If you happen to see her, though, I'll be around."

He'd said it with a smile. I could hear it even now. He'd be around watching and waiting, and from the dig of his gaze in my back, he was already watching me.