Page 119 of The Dragon King's Assassin

And then the King walked in with Ren at his side.

“We are,” I said softly, my gaze locked on Taroc.

“Holy fuck,” Tengven whispered. Then he surged to his feet and motioned at his men. “Get up, you fucking idiots. That's the King!”

I got to my feet a bit slower, lifting my brows at Taroc as I did. When he came to a stop in front of our table, the other men bowed. I did not.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” I asked.

The palace knights who stood behind Taroc made various sounds of affront.

“You said to come and see you here tomorrow,” the King said. “This is tomorrow.”

“Barely.” I gave him my what's-wrong-with-you look. “We've only just sat down to breakfast.”

“Well, I'm here now. Are you going to introduce me to your companions?”

Ren yipped.

“Your Majesty, may I introduce Captain Tengven Wei, his first mate, Ry, and sailors, Grei, Lue, Henshen, and Ju. Everyone, this is His Majesty King Tarocvar Verres and his dog, Renraishala.”

“Your Majesty, it's an honor to meet you.” Tengven bowed, then shifted his head to the side and glared at his men.

“Your Majesty,” they murmured and bowed.

“Please, sit down, gentlemen.” Taroc looked at me pointedly.

“What?”

He looked at my chair, then at the men who were still standing—because he was still standing.

“Oh. Sorry, I didn't realize that part of my duties as your mate included chair fetching. Allow me, Your Majesty.” I went to another table, grabbed a chair, and set it behind him with a flourish.

“Thank you.” Taroc sat down.

The rest of us did as well, including Ren, who sat beside her master.

“I've been told that you assisted my mate this morning,” the King said to the pirates.

“We merely served as a distraction so that Lock could get past the guards,” Teng said.

“Then you six helped save my life. Thank you.”

“It was our pleasure and an honor, Your Majesty,” Teng said.

“Are you the friend Lock has told me about?”

“That depends. Did he say nice things?” Tengven grinned.

Taroc chuckled. “He didn't say much beyond you being the only man he trusts.”

“The only man he trusts?” Tengven looked at me. “Aw, Lock, I'm touched. A little sad for you, but touched.”

“Fuck you, Teng,” I said.

“I'll forgive that since I'm the only man you trust.”

“What about me, Lock?” Ry asked. “I'm hurt.”

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