Thorin hesitated to hand over the entire bag of coins as he was unsatisfied with the witch's answer. He scowled at the witch. It wasn't the way she delivered it that bothered him—it was what she said.
He had expected something straightforward, like convincing Riona to share her power with a little charm. After all, they had grown closer, and with a little sweet talk, maybe some awkward poetry, he was sure he could manage it.
Of course, the thought of marrying Riona had crossed his mind as a practical means to an end. But falling in love with her? Seriously, why did everyone keep assuming he was head over heels?
Uh, maybe because he was—and he just didn't have the guts to admit it. But love was never part of the plan. And the idea that she might actually feel the same way? Yeah, that was an even bigger curveball he wasn't ready to catch.
"Why the long face?" Puck teased.
