Page 74 of The Barbarian King's Assassin (Magic and Kings 1)
“You knew they existed? How come you never said anything?”
“At the time it wasn’t important given they were thought extinct.”
“Hardly extinct and tough to kill.”
“Speaking of killing, how did you end up shot with an arrow meant for the king?”
“By accident,” I grumbled.
“Did you know the assassin was killed by a single spear, apparently thrown from this very tower?”
“The Barbarian is good with weapons.” A compliment that arched my father’s brow.
“I’d call that more than just good.”
I didn’t mention how I’d seen that spear just appear in his hand. Or how he’d removed the arrow without ripping me open.
I rolled my shoulder. “That’s feeling less tender than expected.”
“They smothered your shoulder in something called Granny’s poultice. Smells repugnant but it appears to work well. I’ll be acquiring some.”
“How did you convince Konstantin to give me an antidote?”
“I didn’t. Once I heard and realized the Barbarian was on a rampage looking for something to help, I might have slipped a recipe into Granny’s book about how to purge poison.”
“Wouldn’t she know it wasn’t hers?
He snorted. “Her tome is a collection of scraps by different people. I worried more she’d not find it in that mess.”
“How long have I been out?”
“Two days.”
“Two?” I practically leapt from the bed at the news.
“Like I said, you almost died. Which is no more than you deserve for disappearing without a word.”
“I was kidnapped.” The best excuse.
A glance around showed he didn’t buy it. “I can see you’re suffering greatly as the king’s prisoner. Meanwhile, the whole castle appears to think you’re his mistress.”
“Because I am. Kind of. But not really.”
The babble led to a dry query. “Which is it?
“Yes, I’m his mistress, his fake one. It was the best cover to explain why I had to be close to him. In reality, he hired me to act as his protector.”
“Hired you?” His brows rose straight up “You already had a job. Killing him.”
“He offered more money if I get him out alive instead.”
“And so you took it without discussing it with me? Just left without a word.” His anger stemmed from fear. Jrijori might never say it, but he cared for me.
“I didn’t actually accept until after we’d already left. I sent a message.”
“It never reached me.” Because he’d already left to find me. “I’ve spent the last several days hoping I wouldn’t come across your broken body.” He seethed, a murderous rage rising in the man who saw me as his daughter. I’d never even considered how he might feel.
“I’m sorry. I was never in any danger.”