Page 14 of The Dragon King's Assassin

“Twenty-six.”

“Sweet Ensarena, you were sixteen when that happened?”

“That's a grown man in the Broken.” I shrugged. “I came home to a pile of rubble that night, and I remember feeling this deep, aching grief, but also a horrible relief. I had no family and no home, but I also had nothing tying me down. I didn't have to provide for them anymore. Didn't have to worry that they had enough to eat every day. And I didn't have to abide by my mother's rules. She wasn't there to insist that I do the right thing. So I didn't. I started working for the people she warned me about. Got in good with a Raltven gang, so good that they made me one of them. Then one day, someone told me there was money to be made for someone with the skills of a thief and the stomach for murder.”

“And you had the stomach for it?” He took a bite at last and chewed as he watched me.

“The stomach and the talent. What the fuck did I care about some rich asshole who stole from the wrong people?”

“I didn't steal from the wrong people.”

“Maybe you did.”

“Excuse me?” He set his utensils down again, this time with a click.

“I'm not calling you a thief, just trying to tell you how some people view kings, especially Dragon kings. I'm all for order. I wouldn't want to live in a lawless city. And I think you've done a lot of good for this kingdom. As far as kings go, you're not so bad.”

“Then why kill me?”

“I told you why I took the job. I don't know why I was hired, or why they chose to offer this job to me, but I can tell you that most of the poorer population of your kingdom see you as a figure of authority who is forced upon them. Even though they secretly appreciate the laws as much as I do, you are at best, someone unconcerned with them and at worst, a tyrant to be endured.”

The King surprised me by saying, “I don't enjoy hearing that, but I understand it. I've tried to do right by my kingdom and the people who inhabit it, supporting not only the Horns in my army but also the Talons who patrol the city streets, the Teeth who punish criminals, and the Scales who help the abused and downtrodden. I work hard every day to maintain order in this kingdom. But I must rely on the Horns, Talons, Teeth, and Scales, those extensions of myself, to do what I cannot, and I know it is never enough.” He ran a hand through his hair and sat back. “It's never enough.”

“It is enough,” I said firmly. “People will complain even in the best of situations. Do I wish the Broken was a better place to live in? Sure, but what you said is true; you can't help those who won't accept help. The point is that you try. I knew you were a good king even before I learned about what you do for your kingdom. It is enough, Your Majesty. But that will not change the perspective of many people. You are the King. Whether you are good or bad, there will always be those who are against you.”

King Tarocvar snorted. “That is more true than you know.”

“But I wasn't hired by a poor man.” I crossed my arms, brought one hand to my face, and tapped my lip in thought. “The advance I received was more than I make in a year. Your enemy is wealthy, so I need to figure out why a rich man would want you dead. Then I'll be closer to finding his or her identity. And I'm going to start my investigation today.”

“Are you, now?”

I nodded. “I'll let Captain Vettan know that I'll be out today and have him assign you—”

“You are not leaving my side.” The King leaned forward, his hands clenching into fists on the table. “You are supposed to be watching over me.”

“I can't investigate from here. You do want me to find out who hired me, don't you? I thought that was part of my job?”

The King stretched his neck, sharp pops coming from it. “I do. Very well. You have two hours.”

“You're going to restrict me to two hours? I won't be able to—”

“Two hours!” He slammed his fists onto the table.

I flinched, my body shivering and tingling, reminding me of the night before. “Yes, Your Majesty. May I go now?”

The Dragon King waved a hand toward me, shooing me as if I were a great annoyance. I rushed from the room without a backward glance.

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