The Forsaken Crown by Christina Ochs

Author:Christina Ochs [Ochs, Christina]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: historical fiction coming of age germany renaissance Europe 17th century epic protestant reformation
Publisher: Lujin Press
Published: 2016-12-13T05:00:00+00:00

Velta River Road, Terragand

THE MORNING WAS COLD and foggy, usual for this time of year, and the fog grew heavier as they approached the river. It mirrored Sonya’s mood in the aftermath of the duke’s shocking instructions to her earlier that morning.

“I kill people for money,” she’d said, hoping her expression remained as blank as it needed to be, “but not unarmed civilians. I don’t want to be involved in a crime like this.”

She pushed the sheet of paper back across the table in the duke’s direction.

“I’ll make it worth your while.” The duke stared at her with his awful eyes. “I should think the sum I’m offering is more than you’ve seen in your life.”

“It is,” Sonya said, though that wasn’t quite true after her visit to Faris’s banker. “But it’s still not enough for cold-blooded murder, of a prince no less.”

“Does his rank make your work more valuable?” The duke radiated impatience.

“People care about what happens to royalty. If you wanted me to kill a commoner, others wouldn’t ask so many questions.”

“How much more do you want?” The duke snatched the sheet of paper back.

“A lot.” Sonya leaned back in her chair. She was stalling while the shock wore off enough so she could think. She had a solid plan, but the stakes had suddenly increased. “Money isn’t enough. I need security after something like this. I need to be sure you won’t get rid of me, and that other authorities won’t pursue me.”

“I am the authority in Terragand,” the duke said, his nose in the air. “After today, I will be prince. I can grant your every wish. I swear on my honor you and your friend will remain unharmed.”

“Oh well, in that case.” Sonya struggled to keep the disbelief out of her voice. This man was talking to her of honor? She paused, trying to calm herself. The sooner she got the prince out of here, the better.

The duke huffed impatiently.

Sonya sighed. “Just double the amount, and pledge in writing that I’m immune from prosecution and retaliation of any kind.” Not that she planned to honor any part of this agreement, ever.

The speed with which the duke granted her request proved to Sonya he had no intention of letting her or Irena survive the day. Once the prince and his mother were dead, she expected they’d meet with an accident as well.

Now they were on their way, with the incriminating contract in Sonya’s pocket. Once she’d seen the prince safe, she’d get it to someone who could see the duke brought to justice. Perhaps an imperial magistrate would be interested.

She was annoyed by the presence of the duke’s guards, though she had expected them. No doubt they’d been instructed to dispose of her once she’d killed the prince.

Her guess about taking the prisoners to Birkenfels Castle had been incorrect, but they still headed in the same direction, so her small force would be waiting in the right place. She didn’t know what she would have done if the duke had sent them elsewhere.

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