Page 41 of The Barbarian King's Assassin (Magic and Kings 1)
Someone close to him had been touched. “Who died?”
“No one yet. My mother was heavily injured when she joined me on a visit to a border town for a yearly festival.”
“You’re worried it will happen again.” I bit my lip. I could see why he might want aid. “I can help you tighten holes in your security, but a good assassin will always find a way.”
“Not if the best is working for me.”
“Have you hired my father?” I said sweetly.
He laughed. “I thought you were the top of your field.”
“I am, only because he tends to be more the master behind the scenes these days. But who do you think taught me?”
“Can you teach me?”
“Teach the mighty Barbarian King?” I mocked.
“Not to kill. I am good at that. It’s the getting inside places without getting caught. That’s more difficult.”
“Probably because you’re huge. Small people can blend in easier. You should leave sneaking to the experts.”
“What if I have no choice?”
“Only one reason you’d want to be able to ghost into places. Who do you want dead?”
“No one.”
I could guess. “The person behind the attack on your mother. You know who it is?”
“Yes, and I’ll wager you can guess who.”
My lip curled as I spat, “The grand vizier.” I’d not forgiven him for the murder of my parents. Once I realized he, not the emperor, ordered their demise, I spent much time fantasizing about his death.
He nodded. “It is well known the emperor no longer controls his empire and that the grand vizier is behind the rising evil in the land.”
I couldn’t help but snicker. “You sound like a superstitious barbarian. Next thing you’ll be believing the stories that claim he’s an evil, magic-wielding sorcerer.”
“Those aren’t stories.”
I snorted. “I’m not a simpleton to believe superstitious nonsense.”
“You don’t believe in magic?”
“I think it suits the grand vizier to have people think he is some kind of magician. Belief can be stronger than truth.”
He arched a brow. “Wise words for a woman your age.”
“My age?” I might have been a little squeakier than I liked. After all, I prided myself on my youthful appearance. Not many women of my decades kept as fit and youthful looking. I attributed it to the fact I’d not had children. Those poor women always looked ragged.
“I should have said your experience. You’ve seen things. Know people better than most. Which is why I’m surprised you’ve never encountered magic.”
I shook my head. “Are you saying you have?”
“On many occasions.”
“Prove it.”
A smile tugged his lips. “Perhaps I will.” I turned as he stripped off his shirt then remained facing away until I heard him get into the bed. “Are you coming?”