Prince Malphas stared at the orb with an expression that cycled through surprise, calculation, and growing respect for Lola's boldness.
The auctioneer stood frozen, clearly uncertain how to evaluate the artefact versus monetary bidding. His training hadn't covered such powerful item appraisals during active auctions.
How do you price something that's technically priceless?
"The Eye of Apollo," the auctioner repeated slowly. "A bold gambit, Lady Lola. Would you mind telling us how much it's worth?"
Lola nodded with a smirk that suggested she'd been waiting for exactly this question. "One thousand one hundred golden coins... if you can find it for sale. Since you can't, its actual price is considerably higher."
Eleven hundred coins minimum. She just raised the stakes beyond anything we've seen tonight.
The crowd murmured with appreciation for both the artefact's value and Lola's boldness.
