Page 52 of The Desert King's Spy (Magic and Kings 2)
“Who was here?”
“No one. Just me.” I lied, and I couldn’t have said why. I didn’t like Oriz, but at the same time, I was in the business of information, and the King hadn’t done anything to earn me giving him any.
“I’d have sworn I heard voices.”
“You’ve never talked to yourself?”
He pursed his lips. “The widow was seen with a stranger yesterday.”
“I guess she didn’t grieve for long.”
“Tell me who he is.”
“I’m afraid you’ll have to be more specific.”
“You play a dangerous game.” He turned away before fixing me with a grumbled, “Are you going to tell me who you really are? Or do I need to start torturing your fake uncle?”
“You wouldn’t dare. He’s the father of Weztroga’s queen.”
He shrugged. “He’s in my country causing trouble and lying. If they want to go to war over it, then so be it. They’ll lose most of their army crossing the marsh.”
“You’ve thought about it.”
“Not really. It’s basic geography.”
“Jrijori isn’t trying to hurt Ulkruuba. He just wants to know about the monsters. Something you should be concerned about, seeing as how the desert is the worst affected of all the countries.”
“So he claims.”
“Why would he lie?”
“Why would he care?” he countered.
“Why not ask him?”
“I have, and he offered me some idiotic reply of securing a future for his family.”
“You don’t believe him?”
The king shrugged. “He’s an assassin for hire. Not to mention a stranger. Meaning my country’s issues are none of his concern.”
“What if this problem extends past Ulkruuba? Shouldn’t you cultivate partnerships?”
“I don’t need a stranger’s help.”
“Are you sure about that?” I couldn’t help the sarcasm. “In case you hadn’t noticed, people are dying.”
“And more would be dead without my intervention,” he growled.
“I guess I’m supposed to take your word for that.”
“How about you stop playing games with me? I want the truth. Enough of the lies or I’ll hang you.”
“No, you won’t. You’re not that kind of king.”
“How would you know?” A sly reply.
“Your reputation precedes you.”