Page 102 of The Fury She Holds
Tal reared back for another blow when Faron caught up to her. He grabbed her around the middle and hefted her behind him.
The captain flexed his jaw, rubbing the reddening spot with an incredulous look. “Lovely. How much have you been drinking this time, Tal?”
“You told the council about the attack on the mage!” She kicked and fought against Faron’s hold on her.
Daire narrowed his eyes then flicked his gaze to the king. He stood at attention, but the hatred in his eyes was unmistakable.“Apologies, majesty. I was only doing my duty. They requested an update on my investigation of an active threat to the kingdom.”
“You’re a godsdamned liar, and you know it. You called off the investigation weeks ago.” Tal felt the realization reach Faron, and he set her on her feet.
“Did I?” A glint in his eye set Tal off.
“Did you know they were after me? Is this because I rejected your proposal? Are you trying to get back at me for ruining your precious reputation?”
He scoffed. “What would mages want with a nobody bounty hunter at the docks? I thought they wanted to hire you.”
Faron bristled beside Tal. “So, you set her up anyway. Because of you, Eddard was killed, and Tal was tortured for nearly a week!”
Daire blinked. Unease crept into the captain’s expression. His eyes showed the slightest hint of worry as they searched Tal up and down for signs of injury. When he found none, he crossed his arms, sticking his chin in the air. “I haven’t the slightest idea what you’re talking about.”
“Coward!” Tal had to be held back once again. This time, Daire flinched. “Are you helping mages kidnap elementals now?”
Daire snorted. “Elementals? Really? You’re really on something today. If the mages wanted elementals, that would mean that you—” His eyes flicked between Tal and the king until they widened in shock. His jaw dropped, forming a silent “oh” as he tried to back away from the pair.
Faron closed the distance and gripped the captain by the collar. “Not a word,” he growled. “I should have you hanged for treason.”
“Oh, soheknows?” he addressed Tal. “And you didn’t tell me? Real nice, Tal. I courted you for years. Wasted my time, treated you like nobility, and this is the thanks I get? Dumped in theriver like trash the moment anyone with a title swoops in and promises you riches? How does it feel to know you replaced loyalty for someone who can’t keep his cock out of every wom—”
Daire’s head snapped back from the force behind Faron’s fist. He hit the ground with a satisfying thud.
Faron stood over him, flexing his right hand. “You’re a disgrace of a captain and a pathetic excuse for a man.”
“And you’re a fool of a king. If you knew anything, you’d know my duty is to the council, the true saviors of the kingdom. It’s an insult to have to follow you around and report back to them.”
Faron stilled. “The council has you following me?”
Daire’s silence spoke for him.
Faron swore. “How much do they know?”
“They know you sneak out at night. And that you steal food from the kitchens.”
Faron pinched the bridge of his nose. “It’s my godsdamned palace. How is it stealing?” he griped under his breath. “Do they know where I go?”
“I can’t be bothered to babysit a boy tyrant.”
“Watch your tongue.” Tal stepped beside Faron.
“The council isn’t saving the kingdom. They’re destroying it. If you opened your eyes, you would see that.” Faron’s voice warred between anger and exasperation.
Daire’s defiance faltered. His eyes searched the surrounding area, and Tal could see the hatred in his eyes replaced by stubbornness.
“I steal from the kitchens to feed the poor. I sneak out to find out what’s going on inmy fuckingkingdom because the council refuses to tell me.” He paused, gritting his teeth. “I’m taking back control of this kingdom one night at a time. And you’re going to help me do it.”
29
“Idon’t like this, Faron.” Tal argued with him the entire walk back to the tunnels. “The bastard helped the mages find and torture me. TheykilledEddard!”
He reached for her hand, but she pulled away. “I know. I’m sorry, I know! But my allies in the palace are in the dark. I need someone the other members trust.”
