“I am loyal to you, Your Majesty.”
“I believe you. Still, Sir Rosren is searching your quarters as we speak. If he returns with the relic, you will die in this room.”
Juri gaped at the King. After a few seconds, he recovered, lifted his chin, and declared, “He will not find a relic in my possession.”
Cyn nodded sharply. “If he doesn't, you shall have my apology.”
Juri returned Cyn’s nod.
“For now, we shall discuss what to do about this Shanba thief,” Cyn said.
I winced. I hadn't thought about the killer being a thief like me.
“A different breed of thief,” Cyn added as he took my hand.
“Yes, your mate is undoubtedly of the honorable thief variety,” Juri drawled.
Cyn shot him a warning look.
“My apologies, Your Majesty. I'm a little bitter at the moment.”
“I am not the one who requires your apology.”
Juri looked as if someone had peed in his ale. He grudgingly met my stare and said, “I'm sorry for implying that you're dishonorable.”
“And?” the King prompted.
Juri blinked, then grimaced again. “And for punching you and locking you up.”
“Apology accepted,” I said readily. “Most thieves do possess a certain type of honor, Lord Juri. But I'm not a fool. I know I'm a criminal.”
“That will have to change now,” Lord Juri said. “Our dread will need to approve of you. I recommend you leave your past out of any speech you make to them.”
“Juri!” Cyn snapped.
“No, it's fine,” I said. “He only speaks the truth. As far as who I am, I'm not hiding it. But you're right, I won't be stealing anymore.” I snorted and looked around. “I don't have to.”
Juri nodded stiffly.
“That reminds me,” Cyn said. “I need word sent to the Midnight Clan that Ru'din and I are safe and have returned to the castle.”
“I can't believe you were hiding in the Forgotten,” Juri grumbled. “I should have thought of that.”
“I wasn't hiding. I was forming plans and drawing out my enemy.” Cyn grimaced and added, “Unfortunately, they are more cunning than I thought.”
“I will send word, Your Majesty. But what is our plan now that you have returned?”
Right on cue, Sir Rosren entered the room. Cyn looked at him sharply, and Rosren shook his head.
“I apologize, Juri,” Cyn said gently.
“Thank you, Your Majesty. Now—”
Before Juri could finish his sentence, Cyn launched his fist into Juri's face. Something cracked as Juri rocked back, his legs hitting the bottom of the table and jerking him back upright. With a cry of horror and pain, he covered his bleeding face. I have to admit that he took the hit well. And by that, I mean he stayed conscious.
Juri's wide eyes stared at Cyn over the top of his hands as he demanded in a gurgle, “What the fuck?”
“I said I forgave the assault on my mate. So I won't kill you. But I promised Ru that I'd break your face for breaking his nose, and I always keep my promises.”
