Page 78 of The Dragon King's Assassin

He narrowed his eyes at me.

“Fine.” I opened the box and took half a row of coins. “I'm owed this.”

“Very well.”

Holy fuck, those coins were three times the amount I'd been promised! Enough to start a new life with.

I pocketed them with a shaking hand but a straight face.

Taroc held out his hand and made a gimme gesture. As I lifted the box, blocking Taroc's view of the safe, I grabbed a velvet pouch that had sat beside it and slipped it into my pocket with the gold coins. Technically, I wasn't owed anything since I didn't kill the King, but you never know what you can get away with until you try. And it wasn't as if His Majesty needed the money.

Of course, that didn't stop him from taking it.

The King clicked the latch on the money box, slipped it into his coat, then nodded toward the safe. “What else is in there?”

“Uh, some jewelry.” I handed him a jewelry case. “And, hopefully, one of these is a record of his clients.” I pulled out a stack of books.

“Bring them here.” He turned and set the jewelry on the dresser that ran down the center of the room.

I brought him the stack of books, took one, and passed him the rest. Within a few pages, two things became evident; these were indeed Yusef's records of assassinations, and he wasn't just careful about his identity. Every entry used initials only. All I could determine was that the assassins he hired had an A before their initial.

“These are useless,” the King said.

“I think this is the most recent book.” I tapped a page that was only half full. “And the last entry is 'AU hired to complete unfinished HMK.' AU must be Assassin Uso and HMK is you, His Majesty the King.”

“You're assuming a lot, Lock.”

“No, look.” I pointed at the previous entry. “AL hired for HMK by CV. I am Assassin Locrian, hired to kill you, His Majesty the King, by CV.”

“So who is CV?”

“I don't fucking know. Go through your long list of people you've pissed off and see if any of them have those initials.”

“That may take a while.”

“Well, it's still the best lead we've had in—”

“Your Majesty,” Vettan was back.

“I told you to fetch my advisers!”

“I know, Sire, but one of the maids told me that Yusef keeps all his important paperwork in his desk. I broke into the top drawer and found this.” He handed the King a folded letter.

Taroc took it with a scowl, unfolded it, and read. As he read, his expression went slack.

“What is it?” I asked.

Taroc looked up at me and grinned. “It's CV.” He handed me the letter. “Crushei Venlebar.”

“Lord Crushei? Holy fuck, I was right?!” I scanned the letter, more of a note, really, there wasn't even a greeting. Then I read the best bit aloud, “I need your help with the King. I'll pay triple your usual rate.” I shook my head and handed him back the note. “Who the fuck signs a letter like that with their full name and title?”

“Pompous assholes like Crushei.” Taroc turned to the Captain. “Arrest Lord Crushei Venlebar and bring him to me.”

“Yes, Sire.” He rushed out of the room.

“Bring the books, Assassin.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” I grabbed the books and the jewelry case, then turned to follow him out of the dressing room.

He grimaced and held out his hand.

Pouting, I handed over the jewelry.

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