Page 5 of The Dragon King's Assassin

“Just a bite of everything. Choose the bites randomly, if you please.”

The King just stared at me.

“Dragons can be poisoned, correct?”

He sighed heavily and started placing little bites of his breakfast on the tray. I picked up the pieces and ate. Once I was finished, he started to lift another forkful.

“Your Majesty, please!” I held out a warding hand. “Some poisons take a few minutes to work.”

He went still. “You truly think the food could be poisoned?”

“Yes, of course.”

“And yet you didn't hesitate to eat it.”

“You said I should be prepared to die for you.”

The King spent the next few minutes staring at me in a very unnerving way. At last, he asked, “Is that long enough?”

“Uh, yes.” I cleared my throat. “I think you're safe to eat it. From now on, we'll need someone to watch your food be prepared, then taste it in front of you.”

“If they watch it get prepared, why would they need to taste it?”

“To ensure that they aren't poisoning it.”

“Huh. Very well. I will assign Reginald the task.” He began to eat.

“I need to go home and fetch my things,” I said.

“Stop by the kitchens and get some breakfast on your way out.”

“They won't know me.”

“Oh, believe me, the whole castle will know who you are within ten minutes.” The King chuckled.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” I headed for the door.

“And Locrian?”

Damn, but he even made my name sound sexy.

“Yes, Your Majesty?”

“Do not tarry. I expect my assassin to be beside me throughout my day—a shadow, silent and watchful. My enemies could be anywhere.”

“I think the label will confuse people, Your Majesty. Perhaps, bodyguard would be better?”

“But you are not a bodyguard, Locrian, are you?”

“No, Sire. I am an assassin who happens to be guarding you.”

“Then that is what I shall call you. I do not believe in masking the truth. You are a killer, but, as a dragon, I can respect that. Besides, I like the sound of it—the Dragon King's Assassin.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” I bowed and left the room before my smile betrayed the fact that I liked the sound of it too. Maybe I'd make a name for myself after all.

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