Page 67 of The Dragon King's Assassin

“I don't know,” Uso said.

“This again,” Taroc snarled.

“Dead men tell no lies,” Daha said. “They are still themselves, but they are beyond the need for deception. You can be assured that everything he says is the truth, Your Majesty.”

“Fascinating,” Racmar murmured.

“How much were you paid?” I asked.

“Ten gold to prepare, with the promise of ten more when the kill was confirmed.”

“It was the same for me,” I said to Taroc.

“And how did you get into the palace the night you attempted to kill me?” Taroc asked Uso.

“I bribed one of the footmen for Lord Greshmen's carriage and took his place.”

“Is Lord Greshmen a part of this?”

“No.”

“And how did you get into my bedchambers?”

“Once I was in the courtyard, I slipped away, hid in one of the rooms on the upper floor, and waited until the palace was quiet. I then exited through a window and flew to your balcony.”

“How did you know it was my balcony?”

“It is easy enough to get a map of the palace.”

I grimaced, annoyed that Vettan had been right. “It's a good thing we've secured the windows on the upper floors as well as the lower. That is, if the Captain listened to me this time.”

“He has,” Taroc said. “Can you think of anything else to ask this man?”

“No, Sire.”

“You could ask who arranged the job,” Daha suggested.

“I already have that information.”

Daha and Taroc both looked at me in surprise.

“Why didn't you tell me this sooner?” the King demanded.

“I discovered the man's identity while I was out fetching Daha. I thought we'd see to Uso before I brought it up.”

“Who the fuck is Uso?”

“I am,” Uso said.

“Release Uso's spirit, Daha,” the King said. “If we have the identity of the intermediary, we have no further use for him.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Daha went to Uso and laid a hand on his forehead.

The Argaiv dropped to the ground instantly.

“You make that look easy,” the Prince said.

“Thank you. It is not.” Daha looked around the room, his stare catching on Ren for a second, then said, “If that is all, I will take my leave so I may pack.”

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