Vengeful King by Mary E. Twomey

Author:Mary E. Twomey [Twomey, Mary E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mary E. Twomey, LLC

21

Something Real

Ronin

Grinding my teeth is a bad habit I managed to shake years ago. Yet here I am, my jaw clenched as I try to remain in control in my study. “Fifty-nine? You’re certain?”

Benny nods once. “So far. There may be more we learn of later, but the death toll from this poison is rising. Lucky we have a purer sample of it, really. Now we can have it tested so we can find out what it is, and maybe where it came from.”

“Lucky?” I echo, not holding back any of the displeasure in my voice. “Fifty-nine people are dead. I can’t imagine what luck was involved with that.”

“Apologies, Your Majesty. I’ll see to getting the bottles tested. The chap with the silver dagger has been locked up, but there’s no telling if he was working alone, or who his intended target may have been until I get some time to talk with him. I’ll post a guard in your chambers today so you can sleep undisturbed.”

I sigh heavily. “Is that strictly necessary? The silver blade probably wasn’t meant for me.”

Benny usually scrubs his face of all personality when on the clock, but a raised eyebrow betrays his attitude. “You hired me to decide what precautions are necessary. And ‘probably’ isn’t a convincing enough argument for me to consider lowering your security.”

“Very well. You know I don’t sleep well with another person in the room. Took me long enough to get used to you. If you put Jerry in my room, I cannot be held responsible for my temper tomorrow. He snores, and you know it.”

Benny’s mouth twitches, but he doesn’t otherwise respond, so I know I’ve lost.

“For all the power people assume I have, let it be known I’m not even allowed to choose my sleeping arrangements.”

“I’ll let the proclamation be known far and wide,” Benny replies with a heavy hint of sarcasm.

I’m exhausted. Big social engagements always do that to me. I run my hand over my face. “The King and Queen are still in Neutral Territory?”

“Yes, sir. As far as I know. They were going to travel to Faveda next. There’s a commencement of a new well that’s cause for some big celebration they’re to be part of.”

“Brilliant. I’d like this scandal locked up and stamped out before Lilya’s return. No need to worry my love over something I can handle.”

He nods, and I know what he’s thinking, even as he keeps his lips buttoned.

“Out with it, Benny. When it’s just the two of us, you know I prefer you speak candidly.”

Benny’s arms lower from their position of being tucked behind his back. “You need to let her go. The queen. She’s married three times over.”

I bristle behind my desk. “Perhaps that’s too candid.”

“Calling her ‘my love’ is only going to undo all the peace you’re trying to establish. It’s time you stop chasing someone simply because you know you cannot catch them, and perhaps never wanted to in the first place.”

It’s moments like these I loathe that Benny understands me so well.

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