Page 66 of The Barbarian King's Assassin (Magic and Kings 1)
“I’ll have you know this is my first time falling from one. In the past it’s been getting tossed off boats or roofs.”
His lips curved. “I’d like to hear those stories.”
Wait, what? “Why?”
“Because you’re interesting, my little Yanna. Are you ready to depart?”
“No, I think we should spend the night on the cold hard ground without any food.”
“Are you hungry? Do you need to eat?”
“No, but I will in the morning. We should get going so we manage at least some sleep.”
He held out his arms. “I’ll carry you.”
“I can walk,” I insisted, because I’m stubborn like that. My bare feet did their best on the uneven, rocky shoreline that I couldn’t see in the dark. The long cloak tangling in my legs didn’t help. I still made a token protest when Konstantin swept me in his arms. “Put me down.”
“You’re too slow. And it’s already late.”
I gave in, ungracefully, and sighed. Loudly. “You must think I am a terrible assassin.” I certainly wouldn’t hire me based on my performance thus far.
“How do you figure that? You killed a dragon and survived a fall off a cliff.”
“But was then rescued by a man.”
“A king, actually, which makes this heroic. I can see bards spinning this into an epic story.”
The very idea brought a snicker to my lips. “Not likely. Fairy tales usually like their kings to be saving princesses.”
His reply? “Princesses are overrated.”
“Yet you feel a need to marry one.” Because a zariina rated on the same importance level as a princess.
“This union is about politics.”
“Don’t you mean revenge? You want to kill the grand vizier.”
“Will kill,” he corrected.
“What happens to the zariina once you do?”
“That depends on if the wedding happens or not.”
“Did it ever occur to you to make it a real marriage? What if she’s a nice girl?”
“She’s not.”
“You wouldn’t know. You never spoke. What if you’d made an effort and actually liked each other?”
“Then I would have actually married her, brokered peace, and been discreet in my killing of the grand vizier.”
“You really hate him.”
“More like I’m tired of doing nothing while he commits crimes.”
“You should hire me to kill the grand vizier. I can do it and ensure it doesn’t lead back to your kingdom.”
“No.” He shook his head. “Some things shouldn’t be handed off.”