“And we're all relieved to hear it, sir.”
Grimacing, I turned to see an Eljaffna man standing at the ship's railing. He wore a Claw uniform. Of course. It was the investigator I was supposed to work with. Not the best first impression.
“Are you the Claw working on the Blue Heron case?” I asked, hoping he would let it go.
The man cocked his head as he leaned on the railing, blue eyes brightening with interest. Eljaffna made great homicide detectives because of their heightened sense of blood. They also tended to be nosy bastards. This one was all of that and handsome, with bright golden hair trailing over one shoulder in a thick braid and a sleek body that demanded closer inspection.
“I am,” he said. “And who are you? Also, is he a Sea Dragon?” He pointed at my guard. Or Jucai's guard, rather.
“I am Lord Daha of His Majesty's court, and this is my unwanted guard, Sir Feilen. The King has sent me to help with your investigation.”
“Unwanted guard? What a fascinating distinction.” The Claw pushed away from the railing and sauntered to the gangplank. Motioning us aboard, he asked, “Why is he unwanted?”
I looked at the knight. “I don't suppose I could get you to wait here?”
“No.”
Sighing, I strode up the gangplank. “He is a guard of King Jucai of Ilshi. I am a diplomat to his court, and his king sent him to guard me. I don't feel that I need a guard in my city.”
“Oh, it gets better.” He looked me up and down as he extended his hand. “I am Claw Diaya Mahdred.”
“Nice to meet you.” I shook his hand as my guard came aboard. “Sorry about the intrusion.”
“It's not an intrusion at all.” His gaze slid over my dark hair.
Most of my dread was blond or auburn-haired. A dark-haired Dragon was harder to find in Zaru, and I had often used it to my advantage romantically. Diaya would be easy to seduce, and normally, I wouldn't hesitate to do so. But I had an agreement with Jucai and his guard to ensure I held to it.
So instead of flirting back, I asked, “Would you share what you've observed so far?”
“I'd be happy to share everything with you tonight, say, over a bottle of wine?”
Feilen stepped closer and glared at the Claw.
“Oh, I see,” Diaya drawled. “That is the reason for the shouting. This sea king wants you for himself. This man is a chaperone, not a guard.”
I rolled my eyes. “Indeed. Perhaps we could share some wine after I've returned from my diplomatic visit?”
“Come by the Hall of Talons and ask for me.”
Feilen cleared his throat.
“Go stand by the railing!” I pointed to the side.
Feilen crossed his arms and stayed put. “I don't take orders from you.”
“Well, you are standing in my crime scene,” Diaya took over. “So you will obey me, or you will wait on the dock. Understood?”
The knight looked from me to Diaya and back.
“He has authority over this ship,” I explained. “He is investigating a crime. This is why I told you to stay out of the way and keep silent. You could accidentally destroy evidence, and that would implicate your king.”
Feilen's eyes went wide. “What?”
“King Jucai is still a suspect in this attack.” I waved at the ship. “If you destroy evidence, it will look as if he sent you to do it.”
“He's right.” Diaya stepped between us and faced the knight. “I shouldn't have let you aboard. Get off this ship!”
“What?” Feilen gaped at him.
