“What is this?” Vasren wiped his hand off on his pants, moved to sit with his legs hanging over the side of the bed, and took the letter. He looked from me to the single page.
I couldn't watch as he read. It was too tragic. Besides, I had my own letter to read. So, I eased back as Vasren began to make wounded sounds, and I read.
Claw Tekhan Shinkai,
I hope you've realized by now that I chose you because I hold you in the highest esteem. After years of planning and study, I knew you were the only man who could reveal the truth and give the victims of the Hallax Mine and of Claw Greishen justice. I wish I could be there to see you follow the threads to their ends, but I know you, the law-abiding claw that you are, would have to arrest me for what I've done. I swear to you that I have hurt no one who didn't deserve it. The Ricarri boy, son of that evil bitch, was never in danger. I didn't put enough sand in the device to bury him. I only wanted her to feel the fear that the murdered humans felt, and know that someone was coming for her. Unfortunately, I cannot finish my work. That's why Ichose you, Tekhan. I know I can rely on you to see justice done. You won't let these monsters get away with what they did. Find them, Tekhan. Please find the lost ones and set their souls to rest.
Thank you, my friend. It was fun playing with you. And felicitations on your match with the King.
With deep respect,
Katai Gral
By the time I finished reading and returned to full awareness of my surroundings, Vasren was bent over, sobbing. A quick look told me that he was heartbroken, as predicted but would survive. If he'd been mated to Katai, Katai's leaving would have been akin to murder.
The thought made me twitch. I already felt responsible for so much in Rochan. To be responsible for the life of the King would be . . . I looked to my left, where Tor'rien stood, leaning down to read over my shoulder. How would I feel to be mated to him?
My chest burst with the thought. Surprisingly, not in a bad way. I felt light. Not weighed down. Being mated to Tor'rien might not be so terrible after all. That's what my emotions said. My mind protested, but in this, the heart came out ahead. Was that amusing? I mean the heart being a head, not that my feelings were ruling me in this. That wasn't at all amusing. I lowered my hand to grasp Tor'rien's.
The King looked up, caught my stare, and smiled softly. So terrible to smile, what with Vasren mourning the loss of his lover nearby. But with Katai's departure, I could finally take a breath. Focus on other things. Oh, I would investigate the HallaxMine and I would find the dead who had been lost. But I could do it without other deaths hanging over my head now. Without anger burning my belly. Perspective. Haven't I said it before? It's all about perspective.
The King drew me out of the apartment and into the hallway. He shut the door and whispered, “Are we to give chase? He can't be far.”
I loved that his mind was a match for mine. Well, not a match, but close enough.
“I think not, Your Majesty. This is one criminal I feel justified in letting go.”
“I as well. Katai has done terrible things but toward a righteous end. He has exposed horrible crimes that we've missed. In a way, we are as culpable as he.”
“I agree.”
“That being said, he still has the kurline.”
“No, actually. He left it behind. It's on the dresser.”
“What?” He glanced at the door. “He just left it sitting there?”
I nodded. “On top of our letters. I'll secure it when we go back in.”
“What do you think he wrote to Vas?”
I shrugged. “Something bittersweet. Something to haunt Sir Vasren but also help him move on. Katai is a complicated man, but a good one, I think.”
“He certainly thought well of you.” Tor'rien brushed back my hair. “So, my Claw, the game is over. I believe it's a draw.”
“A draw,” I murmured. “Yes, I hadn't thought of it that way. Now, will you go back to your castle and let me work?”
Tor'rien chuckled. “Only if you promise to return to me every night.”
“Every night?” I grinned at first, and then I realized that the brightness in my chest, the feeling that had come with the thought of being Tor'rien's mate, was quickly transforming into fear. Strange, useless fear.Why? Oh, dear Gods. What have I done to myself? I've done the improbable and formed an attachment. With a Dragon. Now, I want the very thing I used to fear.
“You're worried about security.” Tor'rien shook his head. “You'll get used to it, Tekhan. I will be there beside you all night. I'll help you past your fears.”
“Not this one,” I whispered.
“It's irrational. I'm certain you'll see that after a few nights.”
“No, Your Majesty, not the security thing. My new fear.”
