Page 36 of Queen's Griffon

“Doubtful. I’m human, meaning there can be no relation between me and the dragon or whatever creature is plaguing your country.” And yet she couldn’t help but recall the things her blood had done in the past. Dispelled Zhos’ ensorcelling mist, freed her friends and those trapped by its magic, crumbled Zhos’ monster-making altar. And now a terrified man claimed a murderous beast could see through her eyes.

“I don’t suppose seeing and hearing Vinmo has convinced you to stay far away from Verlora.”

“The right answer would be to claim I never want to go, but honestly, what else am I supposed to do?”

Simhi had an answer. “Become a pirate like me.”

Chapter 12

Griff

“What do you mean,you don’t know where she is?” Griff snapped.

Monty, who’d been told to keep an eye on Avera after her trip to the tavern, ducked his head. “Sorry, Captain. I had to use the privy and when I emerged, she and Simhi were gone from the kitchen. I looked but I don’t know where they went.”

“Find them,” Griff growled. “And you’d better hope they haven’t come to harm.”

“Aye, Captain.” Monty scurried off and Griff uttered a noise of frustration.

Ever since Avera’s sojourn to the tavern, he’d been more on edge. The little queen had foolishly brought herself to the attention of those who might not care if they lost his favor, given the reward they might receive if they delivered Daerva’s disgraced queen. When he’d complained to Kreed, his friend shrugged and replied, “Told you so.”

“Yeah, you did. Now how do I ensure none of them abscond with her?”

“You could toss Koonis and his crew out,” Kreed suggested.

“Which will ensure I dry up our trade.” Saarpira needed the foreign captains, their goods, and the sailors who liked to spendmoney. Expelling one without good reason might cause others to choose another port to dock.

“You could marry her like you told them. They’d never dare to steal your wife.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure,” Griff had muttered. The bounty on her head would tempt even the most risk-averse. Griff had no need of funds, nor the unpleasant feeling he’d get from selling a human being. However, others didn’t share that same morality.

“Is it me, or shouldn’t you have argued vehemently against marriage?” Kreed pointed out.

Griff shot him a dark look. “Meaning what?”

“Meaning you like the woman, hence why you’re worried.”

“I’d be concerned about anyone in my care.”

“Have you decided what you’re going to do with her?”

“No.”

“You know, we could take a sail around Verlora, maybe show her how impossible it is so she stops nagging.”

“I don’t think so. Knowing her, she’d find a way to row herself ashore,” Griff grumbled.

Kreed laughed. “She probably would. She is a determined little thing.”

Too determined. Her stubborn nature would get her into trouble. Might already have. Griff exited the castle and stood on a terrace that overlooked the town spread below. It also provided a view of the road leading to his home.

Such a panoramic view meant he saw Avera and Simhi well before they reached the path leading to the castle. They didn’t come from the direction of the city, though, but rather the part of the isle where a few determined folks attempted to farm the land. He doubted the pair went to look at crops. There was, however, one other thing in that direction…

Griff waited for them in the bailey, arms crossed and glowering. “Where have you been?” He didn’t mean to bellowbut he’d been worried, dammit, and here they strolled without a care.

Avera arched a brow. “Hello to you, too.”

“I asked a question.”

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