Page 95 of The Dragon King's Assassin

“That's really fucking convenient.”

I made a huff of amazement and shook my head. “You're willing to believe Crushei, but you won't believe me?”

“I'm willing to investigate Crushei's claims, and you are not in jeopardy of being executed.”

“Well, that's a relief,” I muttered.

“Is that some kind of twisted human humor or did you really think that I'd kill you after taking you as my lover?”

“I don't know what to think now.” I waved a hand at him. “Something horrible happens to me, and you act as if I'm the villain.”

“You are the villain! You're a fucking assassin and now you've proven to be a thief too!”

“You weren't complaining about my thieving skills when I opened that safe for you. And what happened to your whole, 'I'm a Dragon, I'm a killer too?'”

“That was before I learned that in humans, it's an indication of nefariousness.”

“Nefariousness? Really? Dragons can kill and it's honorable but when humans do it, we're automatically nefarious?”

“You take money to kill people. That is the very definition of a nefarious deed.”

“Oh, fuck you. Yes, I kill people for money, but I make it quick and painless, can you say the same about the people you've killed?”

“I killed to become king!”

“And I killed to eat!”

Ren whined.

“Silence, Ren!” Taroc snapped.

“Don't yell at her for being upset when you act like a fucking madman!”

“I'm the only rational one in this carriage!”

“I can't do this,” I whispered suddenly, my whole body deflating. “I'm done.”

“What?”

“I can't be with you anymore,” I said while something inside me shattered. “You tell me that you're going to treat me better, then the very next day you're back to acting as if I'm scum. I'm done, Your Majesty. I'll be your assassin but not your lover. Find another asshole to take your shit.” I paused, replaying that last line in my head, and snorted a mirthless laugh. “Not literally, of course.”

Taroc stared at me for five long seconds. During those seconds, the carriage stopped. We were back at the palace.

“You're dismissed from my service, Assassin.”

“Excuse me?”

“Report to Captain Vettan when your friend completes their work for me, but that is the last I want to do with you. Gather your things and get the fuck out of my palace.” With that, he climbed out of the carriage.

Ren whined at me, then jumped out after her master.

I got out, stared at Taroc's back, and said, “With pleasure, Your Majesty.”

He flinched but kept walking.

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