I went to the chair the King had waved at and sat down. “What do you want to hire me to do, Your Majesty?”
“You are the only one who has suggested I prepare my food.”
“It's common sense.”
“Common sense is lacking in this castle.” He grimaced. “I want to hire you to be my . . . assistant.”
“Assistant?”
“I need someone by my side, watching out for me.”
“Don't you have knights for that?”
“Yes, but I need someone brave enough to tell a king to cook for himself and savvy enough to warn me of things I wouldn't normally consider to be dangerous. My knights don't possess your skills or knowledge.”
“So, I'll just follow you around all day?”
“And sleep near me at night.”
A shiver went down my spine. “Near you?” I cleared my throat. “How near?”
“Maybe on a pallet in my bedroom?” He sighed. “I know that doesn't sound so appealing.”
Then he knows nothing, I thought to myself.
“But I need someone with me at all times,” the King went on. “Just until I find whoever poisoned me. Which leads me to the second part of your work. I want you to help me find the assassin.”
“Now that I think about it, it may not be an assassin.”
“Assassin or unpaid murderer, I need them found.”
“I'm a thief, not a Talon detective.”
“And still, I think you're the man for the job.”
“I can't promise I'll find the culprit, but I'll do what I can to protect you until he or she is caught.”
“She?” He lifted his brows. “Yes, I suppose it could be a woman.”
“Women use poison to kill far more often than men,” I said. “It probably is a woman.”
The King chuckled. “You see? You've already discovered more than my castle guards or any of the Talons who have come to assist in the investigation.”
I shrugged. “I know a few things about unscrupulous people. But that doesn't mean I can help you.”
“I think you're wrong, Ru'din. Now, let's get something to eat.” The King stood up and headed for the door. “I'm fucking starving.”
Chapter Five
On the way to the kitchen, Lord Juri found us.
“Your Majesty, there's a group of Shanba priests here to see you.”
“I've just recovered, Juri. Handle it.”
“I would, Sire, but they say it's an emergency. Someone has stolen a relic from their temple.”
The King stared at Lord Juri.
